How did Sunday Night Football (SNF) become “Cinderella” while Monday Night Football (MNF) plays the role of the ugly step sister?

Back when ABC first introduce MNF in 1970, its been a success, it was the EVENT. Fans of the game couldn’t wait to hear the famed theme song, the electricity was in the air, and you knew you were gin for a treat.

Now, SNF gets to host the season kick-off game between the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts, while hosting THE party and grabbing more hungry fans of the game. MNF is coming back 4 days later with a double header with Baltimore vs. Cincinnati & Arizona vs. San Fran – great matches as well. But the confetti has been swept up by now.

They say change is good, but this pill has been hard for me to swallow. Granted as a fan of football, I’ll watch both channels and be happy, but I can’t help but notice NBC pulling away from ESPN (the grand daddy of sports), when it comes to football.

Here’s some of my observations as to why NBC is making Sunday Night Football the “premier night under the lights” and Monday Night Football over on ESPN, is no longer.

1. Al Michael as the commentator and “play-by-play” caller with John Madden broadcasting. They talk about the GAME!!
2. ESPN getting rid of Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann and Paul McGuire hasn’t sat well with me. I enjoyed their rapport with one another. It flowed easily..nothing forced.
3. SNF has the option of switching games based on injuries, ranking, playoff standings, etc…
4. ESPN conducting interviews with celebrities during the game – who’s sole purpose is to promote a movie, cd, etc.. BoooBOoo it’s football people.
5. Mike Kornheisher…need I say more. He rambles on and on about nothing. I like him better on Pardon the Interruption.
6. Mike Tirico and Ron Jaworski, not bad, but I’m not completely sold as of yet.

The only consolation MNF has in its favor, is there’s no competition that night. If your a true football fan, you’ll watch for the love of the game. But the option for me to press MUTE remains.

My thoughts, my blog.

Since watching replays on the NFL Network of the 2006 playoffs, I noticed something. All 4 teams playing in the conference championship games had a double threat in the backfield. Two versatile running backs (RBs), pounding it up the middle, running slants, and blocking for the “play action pass.” Indianapolis had Rhodes and Addai; New England gave the ball to Mahoney and Dillon; on the Bears team was Jones and Benson; while McAllister and Bush ran the ball for the Saints.

Having 2 RBs decreases the wear and tear of one and increases the TDs and longevity for both. The duality of speed and finesse or strength and power as well as youth and seasoned vet, proved to be a blueprint for success.

This year keep your eyes on the following ten tandems.

New Orleans Saints
Deuce McAllister(1,057 rushing yards & 10 TDs)

Reggie Bush (565 rushing yards & 6 TDs)

San Diego Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson (1,815 rushing yards, 28 TDs)
Michael Turner (502 rushing yards & 2 TDs)

Jacksonville Jaguars
Fred Taylor (1146 rushing yards & 5 TDs)
Maurice Jones Drew (941 rushing yards & 13 TDs)

Denver Broncos
Travis Henry(1211 rushing yards & 7 TDs)
Mike Bell (677 rushing yards & 8 TDs)

Kansas City Chiefs
Larry Johnson(1789 rushing yards & 17 TDs)
Priest Holmes (on IR for 2006)

Dallas Cowboys
Marion Barber (654 rushing yards & 14 TDs)
Julius Jones (1084 rushing yards & 4 TDs)

Washington Redskins
Clinton Portis (523 rushing yards & 7 TDs)
LaDell Betts (1154 rushing yards & 4 TDs)

Houston Texans
Ahmed Green (1059 rushing yards & 5 TDs)
Ron Dayne (612 rushing yards & 5 TDs)

Pittsburgh Steelers
Willie Parker (1494 rushing yards & 13 TDs)
Kevan Barlow (370 rushing yards & 6 TDs)

Cleveland Browns
Jamal Lewis (1132 rushing yards & 9 TDs)
Rueben Droughns (758 rushing yards & 4 TDs)

I know this is a blog about football, but I’d be remissed if I didn’t mention the huge accomplishment of Barry Bonds. Last night, in front of a packed house, he hit his 756th home run, taking 1st place over Hank Aaron. I’m very happy the opportunity presented itself while he was playing at home.

Congratulations BARRY!

Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated

After the emotional night of the HOF induction ceremony, I thought we all could use a little emotional uplifting!

I for one, am smiling now.

Photo courtesy of Men’s Fitness Magazine