Watch: Jason Witten Has Telestrator Disaster in His First Monday Night Broadcast
They call it preseason for a reason. For players, it’s a chance to get game ready or prove themselves, depending on their status on the team.
The same thing goes for announcers, particularly rookies like new “Monday Night Football” analyst Jason Witten.
In just his second time in the booth as part of the revamped “MNF” team and his first on a Monday night (the new crew called Thursday night’s Redskins-Jets game), Witten had one notable mistake that fans on social media were quick to point out.
Uhh, he didn't do any of that stuff you just said, Jason Witten pic.twitter.com/gkxfAtsCJE
— David In Austin (@DavidInAlief) August 21, 2018
Witten basically drew up an analysis on the telestrator that was a bit off. He explained how Colts defensive end John Simon came around the edge to get to Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, but in fact he went inside to take down Flacco.
it’s gonna be a looooong year of having to listen to Jason Witten on MNF
— Jordan Zirm (@JordanZirm) August 21, 2018
That was just one play, but overall, the reviews have not been great over his first two telecasts.
jason witten is not great at this
— charles (“you look good” – andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) August 21, 2018
I don’t think tv is for Jason Witten
— Jake (@SeedsofJake) August 21, 2018
ESPN may have been persuaded to take a shot on the former Cowboy and broadcasting novice by the success of former Cowboy Tony Romo at CBS. Romo was also a novice in the booth and he was widely praised right from the start.
Overall, the new booth, featuring play-by-play man Joe Tessitore and Witten, has been underwhelming so far.
However, many viewers were impressed with Booger McFarland, who serves as an out-of-the-booth analyst.
ESPN is likely paying Jason Witten more money but Booger McFarland is better than him.
— Ross Read (@RossRead) August 21, 2018
I’ve been watching the MNF game tonight just to get a feel for the new booth.
Tessitore is Tessitore.
Boog’s awesome.
Witten…
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) August 21, 2018
Others would like to see Witten replaced by Louis Riddick, who was in the studio for “MNF.”
ESPN should give Jason Witten’s job to Louis Riddick.
— Nick (@NQS88) August 17, 2018
Swap out Witten and Booger for @LRiddickESPN and you are money. He and Tess would be a great team.
— The Real GMSL (@smlennon) August 21, 2018
While Witten has a long way to go, he’s worked only two games — preseason games at that — so he certainly can improve and succeed in the role.
But if he doesn’t, ESPN already might have some possible replacements waiting in the wings.
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