NFL Network shines; 49ers-Bears; Bay Area media notes

FRIDAY PULSE--

**Rough Thursday night to watch the Bears-49ers, unless of course you like to torture yourself with incompetent QB play and an offensive quagmire called the Chicago Bears. (eww!) The 49ers were less nauseating and escaped the ship with a win. A mediocre 4-5 team that, sorry, isn't going anywhere.

**The NFL Network is part of the premium Comcast cable sports packages, so many folks don't get the channel unless they're paying, like, $200,000 for their monthly cable bill. OK, so it's more like $189, but its expensive; you get my point. Its also a shame, because the NFL Network shines in both its production value and play-by-play/color analysts.

Matt Millen and Bob Papa are not your standard crew, but Millen, who clearly couldn't cut in the NFL as a football exec for the Detroit Lions, has found his niche as a color analyst and Bob Papa is sharp, steady, concise and quick on the play. Not that excitable, but infinitely spot-on.

NFL Network's production elements and camera angles were excellent, as they should be; after all, the premium outlet is owned by the league itself. Those watching the game in the Bay Area saw the contest simulcast on the CW Network, (for those who don't get the channel, the NFL allows a local over-the-air, free outlet for viewing).

NFL Network has a knack for sharp logos and graphics and the high-def look makes it even that more outstanding. Even NFL net's pre-game show is entertaining; Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders and ex-49ers coach Steve Mariucci provide compelling information, (all also correctly picked the Niners to win) and also may be the first TV crew who possessed $2000 suits.

**Steady Teddy: Like many other observers, I have noted the quality of Ted Robinson as the new 49ers radio play-by-play man. His flawless transition to the new gig is indicative of the 'pro Robinson is; working with color analyst, Gary Plummer, you'd have thunk that Robinson has been on this team for many years. KNBR is lucky to have the very good duo.

**Speaking of Robinson, like the late, great Bill King, you know an excellent play-by-play caller when you can't figure out the score if you happen to tune in not knowing who's winning. Robinson gets very excited if the Niners score a TD, but more importantly, shows equal glee if the opponent scores. Inside the biz, that's a biggee.

**The post game Comcast Sports show scored a few notches; although I'm not a huge Willie Brown fan, his quips for the most part were funny and I'll give Gary Radnich credit for maintaining the pace without the ability of showing highlights, (NFL doesn't allow Comcast to show highlights--only local station carrying the game can show footage.)

**Adding some much-needed broadcast girth to the show: analyst and ex-player Eric Davis. Davis' commentary is first-rate and to the point. His no-nonsense analysis is a welcome addition to the excessive amount of players who say nothing, but try to play flash and trash. Davis has a future in the biz.

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