Get ready for a rollercoaster of a commentary duo!
The CBS NFL booth, a $30 million-a-year investment, has had its fair share of blunders. From botching the Super Bowl two years ago to messing up the AFC Championship Game last season, Jim Nantz and Tony Romo have left viewers scratching their heads. But here's where it gets controversial... CBS might just be breathing a sigh of relief after their recent performance in the AFC Championship Game.
Nantz and Romo, while not exactly thrilling, managed to avoid any major disasters. Being unremarkable is a step up from their previous debacles. Their analysis often felt like a friendly chat rather than an insightful breakdown, especially when it came to the New England Patriots' victory over the Denver Broncos.
And this is the part most people miss: the duo's issues didn't just surface in the game's final moments. Near the end of the second quarter, when backup-turned-starter Jarrett Stidham fumbled near the goal line, their analysis left much to be desired. Nantz's initial uncertainty about the fumble was understandable, but his quick reference to Romo's prediction about turnovers being bad felt like a cop-out.
Rules analyst Gene Steratore's presence didn't seem to help much either. When the officials initially called it intentional grounding, Steratore agreed, only to change his mind when the decision was revised to a fumble. A rules expert should provide more clarity, shouldn't they?
Romo's question to Steratore about a tipped ball was mind-boggling. (Tony, are you new to the game?) Steratore's response, as expected, was that a deflected forward pass is an incompletion. But the duo didn't seem to fully grasp the impact of that ruling.
In the fourth quarter, Nantz and Romo's commentary felt like a self-congratulatory pat on the back. Nantz set up a potential poor field position for New England, and when it happened, Romo gave him praise as if it were a strategic masterpiece.
CBS might feel like they dodged a bullet on Sunday. Nantz and Romo have consistently underwhelmed in big games. Two years ago, they overshadowed one of the greatest Super Bowl finishes with their excessive commentary on Andy Reid's play call, ignoring the powerful visuals and natural sound.
Last season's AFC Championship Game saw Nantz confused, even calling a phantom flag. It's a trend that has continued with Nantz's previous analyst partners, Phil Simms and now Romo.
Meanwhile, Ian Eagle and J.J. Watt's instant chemistry during their first game for CBS this season was a breath of fresh air. CBS Sports president David Berson's decision to move Watt from the studio to the booth resulted in a dynamic duo that outshone Nantz and Romo.
With Romo's $72 million contract over the next four years, it's unlikely CBS will consider a buyout. If egos and money weren't factors, promoting Eagle and Watt to the top spot would be a no-brainer.
CBS declined to comment, but Nantz's pristine voice hasn't translated to legendary football calls. He's a script follower, which works for his trademark golf announcing, but falls short in the fast-paced world of football.
In two weeks, NBC's Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will take center stage for the Super Bowl, followed by ABC/ESPN's Joe Buck and Troy Aikman next year. With over 120 million viewers, both networks have reason to be confident.
In two years, Nantz and Romo are scheduled to call the Super Bowl again for CBS. Unless their performance improves, CBS might be sweating more than their competitors.
Sunday's game wasn't a disaster for Nantz and Romo, but it wasn't impressive either. The dull ending provided a softer landing compared to their previous mishaps. For now, CBS will take it.
