Jim Williams: Former Lions exec Millen is happy to be back in the booth
By: Jim Williams
Examiner Sports Columnist
November 5, 2009
Matt Millen will join Bob Papa as the new broadcast team for NFL Network telecasts starting a week from today when they telecast the game between Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers.
In the 1990's Millen was thought by many -- myself included -- to be one of the best football analysts in the business and the heir apparent to John Madden. The former Detroit Lions President and CEO has been doing college games for ESPN and serving in the studio on a number of NFL shows. When Cris Collinsworth moved into the NBC Sunday Night Football booth to replace Madden, it seemed fitting that the NFL Network would turn to Millen.
JW » The first time around you called the games from the perspective of a player. What has being an NFL executive done to help make you a better analyst?
Millen » "Now I am able to look at what went into the game plans, how the rosters were chosen, what the salary cap did to affect what players are on the rosters. In short, I have a far better picture on how each team was assembled. So now I know when the coaches implement a game plan I can better explain to the fans how each player figures into the plan. I am sure that I will still say what were they thinking when they called that play -- but at least my understanding of the entire process will be more complete."
JW » You are aware of the issues in Washington. Is this season over for them?
Millen » "Absolutely not. We are not even at the halfway point of the season. Look, it does not matter what goes on in the front office -- this team has the talent to win. Players need to show both pride and leadership in times like this. With [Chris] Cooley out, we see what Fred Davis can do. There is no reason not to play Malcolm Kelly, Marko Mitchell and Devin Thomas more, giving them some reps. Yes, the offensive line is a problem, but players need to step up. Defensively, they are fine and I think that this kid, Brian Orakpo, is going to be something special. I want to see some team leaders in Washington. They have quality guys, lets see who wants to be a leader because it is not too late to be respectable."
The team of Papa and Millen should quickly become a fan favorite and one of the best duos in the NFL.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
