Notes on the 2008 NFL ScheduleA quick perusal of the schedule of primetime football telecasts reveals a number of the usual suspects. The Patriots play five games on ESPN, NBC and the NFL Network, including the annual hyped to the heavens matchup with the Colts. The first post-Brett Favre Packer game kicks off the Monday night slate, the Super Bowl champion Giants play each of their divisional rivals in primetime and, except for their annual diversion from your pesky family at Thanksgiving, the Lions are kept out of view.
Several teams equal the league-high five appearances of the Patriots. Some, like the Chargers, are established as strong teams while others, the Browns, are clearly a bet on future success. The big surprise, though, is that the Bears, who are neither, are also featured five times.
Now Devin Hester is as exciting as football players get in 2008 but the rest of the Bears are bit lacking when it comes to marquee, must-see TV football players. Chicago's a big market, though, and ratings matter above matchups. That would explain why NBC's running with the Eagles and Bears on September 28 instead of a splashy meeting between Adrian Peterson and Vince Young.
Here's hoping Rex Grossman is finally a ready for primetime player. If not, we'll all have a few more free hours this football season.
