Hopefully, not beating a dead horse, but drove to Chicago listening to our game on Saturday and back to IC on Sunday listening to the Bears loss. The difference in announcers was striking and sad. Hadn't listened to Dolph and Eddie in years, but I had given them the benefit of the doubt because of their loyalty.
As a listener, you want the picture quickly and accurately. Our guys are Zabel bad. I tried to listen for crowd noise to figure out what was happening, but the Big House crowd wasn't helpful. Our guys didn't set up the play and, more importantly, did not give the RESULTS of the play, until Dolph tried to fill the air with cute words. Gave no yards gained or yard lines until after trying to describe the play and having Eddie provide analysis that sometimes ran counter to Dolph's call. (They didn't seem to notice.) Rarely gave the score and time. Hopefully, few listen to the radio. Embarrassing.
Jeff Joniak and former Bear Tom Thayer were excellent. Joniak painted the picture before the play: substitutions, Bears and Raiders formations and shifts. Quick results: play as it developed, players involved, yards gained, yard line, penalties, injuries. Often provided the score and time remaining. Thayer offered succinct analysis. They rooted for the Bears but gave credit to tje Raiders. They had done their homework.
I may be giving too much credit to the Bears announcers, but after listening to both disappointing losses, the difference is staggering! It must be time for retirement and wishing two fine Hawkeyes farewell.
As a listener, you want the picture quickly and accurately. Our guys are Zabel bad. I tried to listen for crowd noise to figure out what was happening, but the Big House crowd wasn't helpful. Our guys didn't set up the play and, more importantly, did not give the RESULTS of the play, until Dolph tried to fill the air with cute words. Gave no yards gained or yard lines until after trying to describe the play and having Eddie provide analysis that sometimes ran counter to Dolph's call. (They didn't seem to notice.) Rarely gave the score and time. Hopefully, few listen to the radio. Embarrassing.
Jeff Joniak and former Bear Tom Thayer were excellent. Joniak painted the picture before the play: substitutions, Bears and Raiders formations and shifts. Quick results: play as it developed, players involved, yards gained, yard line, penalties, injuries. Often provided the score and time remaining. Thayer offered succinct analysis. They rooted for the Bears but gave credit to tje Raiders. They had done their homework.
I may be giving too much credit to the Bears announcers, but after listening to both disappointing losses, the difference is staggering! It must be time for retirement and wishing two fine Hawkeyes farewell.
