Miller not so bad on 'MNF'

by EVAN BEVINS
managing editor

For years football players like Dick Butkus and Howie Long jumped from Hollywood to the NFL. Now Hollywood is striking back.

Actor and comedian Dennis Miller made his regular season debut as the third man in "Monday Night Football's" booth, alongside long-time announcer Al Michaels and Hall-of-Famer Dan Fouts.

Miller's presence in the booth generated a tidal wave of media coverage and speculation, before he even worked a single game. His first preseason game was met with mixed reviews ­ lots of reviews.

Miller may be something unique and exciting, spicing up the lackluster games the 31-year-old franchise has displayed in recent years. Or he might make "MNF" the sports equivalent of "Mystery Science Theater 3000."

Neither of these outcomes was assured after the season opener, a barnburner in which the St. Louis Rams defeated the Denver Broncos, 41-36.

Miller gradually got into the game with several intelligent, accurate comments, such as when a kick returner tried to run out from deep in the end zone.

"When you're in the corner of the end zone like that, probably better just to take it out to the 20," Miller said.

Some of his comments were less informed, but far more amusing.

"Well, not surprising, the ball might be slippery for a guy named Griese," he quipped, after Broncos quarterback Brian Griese fumbled a snap.

Miller also provided a break from clichéd football lingo.

After observing Rams' quarterback Kurt Warner's calmness when facing the Broncos' pass blitzes, Miller noted, "Warner is downright contemplative in that pocket."

When Michaels asked Miller what he thought of his first regular season game, Miller said he spoke on behalf of all football fans.

"It's just like one of us got let in," he said. "And it is the most fun."

That's what Miller brings to the game. He is not a football expert, but he doesn't need to be. Most NFL broadcasts are handled by two-man teams, so why have a third man overlapping with them? Miller is the "colorful" commentator, making humorous but informed observations and asking the questions the audience at home wants answered.

And he is funny, funnier than Fouts or Michaels. When Miller brought up the problem of rug burn on artificial turf, then pointed to Broncos' offensive lineman Mark Schlereth as an example, Fouts suggested it was probably just a scar from one of Schlereth's numerous surgeries.

Kind of funny, but Miller one-upped him: "Schlereth has been scoped more than a redneck abducted by aliens."

Strange? Yes. Traditional "Monday Night Football?" No.

Is that a bad thing?

No.