National analysts worth listening to

[Mr. Scot]

So we've looked at the numbskulls, but who are the guys whose opinions and ideas are actually worth considering?

Here are the ones that come to mind for me...

Tom Jackson, ESPN: TJ is always well spoken, his opinions well thought out, and he's on target far more often than not. As a side note, I miss the old NFL Primetime.

Boomer Esaiason, CBS: The Simon Cowell of NFL analysts. Often acid-tongued (some might spell it "assid") but usually, he's right.

Mark Schlereth, ESPN: His nickname may be "Stink", but his opinions generally don't.

Howie Long, Fox: Long is one of those guys the rest of us hate because he's got it all, so it'd be nice if we could label him a dumb jock. He's anything but.

Ron Jaworski, ESPN: Yes, he has his "Eagles homer" moments, and yes, it's sometimes hard to find a quarterback he doesn't like, but no one breaks down film better than Jaws.

Jay Glazer, Fox: More of a reporter than an analyst, but when he says it, you can generally bank on it (unlike the ESPN insiders, who are hot or miss).

Certainly, there are others who are good, but if I'm thinking of guys I just about always trust (even when their views run counter to mine) these are the names that come to mind.

[ChucktownK]

Schlereth needs his jaw ratcheted back a few notches. He's not usually fair to the Panthers, but then again it's been a while since I've listened to/watched him.

[Dpantherman]

Id put Jon Gruden up there

[carolinafan123]

Id put Jon Gruden up there

I agree

[hepcat]

Gruden is one of the best.

[Mr. Scot]

I'm not that big a fan of Gruden, at least not yet. Maybe he'll grow on me.

Matt Millen was once considered one of the best (the next Madden, people said) but why should anyone listen to him now?

[necroplasm]

Gruden rocks! He was one hell of a coach, and is a kick ass commentator.

I love listing to him while drinking beer watching MNF..lol

[ChucktownK]

I'm not that big a fan of Gruden, at least not yet. Maybe he'll grow on me.

Matt Millen was once considered one of the best (the next Madden, people said) but why should anyone listen to him now?

Not just because he has a soft spot for the Panthers, he seems genuine when he talks about the game and always highlights some of the underrated players on the field. I don't always wanna hear what I already know. Some of the older guys seem to be losing touch with the game and the names on the current rosters.

[mario]

Brian Billick anyone?

[God]

Brian Baldinger

Just kidding.

[Dpantherman]

Matt is so aggravating to watch on TV I almost feel sorry for him. I mean he can talk football. but its the extra sh*t. like when he tries to be funny. or awkwardly touches one of the guys on set who look back at him w/ disgust. Its awful. and I HATE his commentary on ABC and NFL Network

[Dpantherman]

Matt is so aggravating to watch on TV I almost feel sorry for him. I mean he can talk football. but its the extra sh*t. like when he tries to be funny. or awkwardly touches one of the guys on set who look back at him w/ disgust. Its awful. and I HATE his commentary on ABC and NFL Network

[SOJA]

Brian Billick anyone?

He always had good analysis of the Panthers... so I like him

[Darth Biscuit]

I certainly agree with Mr. Scot's original list and would probably add Merril Hoge... NFL Matchup on Sunday morning with him and Jaws is the best football show on TV IMO.