First, I like Cal Ripken.  In fact, I'd argue that he was, believe it or not, an underrated baseball player.  People remember 2,632 because of the fact that he not only broke an unbreakable record, but even tacked on another 3 seasons of games.  His numbers are almost viewed as inconsequential, though in reality, they are of major significance.  Yes there would be someone by now who would be branded as the first offensive shortstop, but it is what it is.  Cal was the first.

All that said, something that Can be a valid criticism of Cal would be his latter years salary.  There are people who deserve golden parachutes, and Cal is one of them.  But again, it is what it is.  The Cal Ripken of 1998 and on was all but getting paid for what he was, as opposed to what he is.

I tell you that for the purpose of informing you that John Madden is officially the Cal Ripken of commentating.  So John has played for all four "teams" in the world of commentary.  But he has been doing this for over twenty years, and he is getting paid based upon what he did in years one through ten.

 John Madden has about one good point per year, and that keeps him afloat.  Last year, it was the whole "There was a time when fumbles were fumbles" thing.  Great point.  I watch as much football (critically) as the people on the fringe of the industry.  I admit it.  My friends and I are consumers of the NFL.  I should know what a fumble is.  Sure I can recite the rule, but as I watch more and more games, I actually find myself on the edge of my seat during the coaches' challenge.  Will the refs coin come up heads or tails on this loose ball?

Aside from his big point of the year, Madden adds no value to a broadcast.  He also seems out of touch.  Well, given the name of this blog, I am too.  But I'm not paid to keep my finger on the pulse of the NFL. 

The best example of this criticism is the Jeremiah Trotter situation.  Trotter had a renaissance in his second stint with the Eagles.  He played up to the contract he received in Washington - one year later in a different uniform.  He got another payday.  The NFL's collective bargaining agreemnt has a way of evening these things out over the long haul.  You were overpaid in one city.  Probably underpaid the next go round.  Now with another noticeable payday on the Eagles' books, the team had to decide what to do with him.

The Eagles have a woeful run defense.  In fact, I find that whole defense overrated.  It's blitz happy.  It's corners benefit from QBs not handling the pressure.  See what happens to those corners when they leave Philly.  Anyhow, I need to get back on track.  Trotter, as the MLB, is held accountable for run defense.  Al Michaels asked Madden if it had become evident to the Eagles that Trotter was not useful against the run, and couldn't get better with him in there.

Al already made the point.  John just had to agree with it.  But I sense that John and Al, despite working together for four years, don't seem to like one another.  They have a "he can't do what I do because..." mentality.  It seems that John disagrees on things just because Al made a good point.  Ultimately John looks foolish.

So did John agree, and perhaps add value?  No, he disagreed.  Okay, but why?  "It used to be run on first and second down and bring someone in on third down.  Now every down is a passing down in the NFL."  Here's Madden's logic: The league is a passing league, and the team (good against the pass), gets rid of someone effective against the pass?  Doesn't sound right to me.  But it does to John.

Oddly enough, sideline reporter (the poxes of the broadcasting world) Andrea Kramer, made the point.  She reported that Trotter would not be the starter (due to needing to improve the run), and that Trotter was not in the mood for a demotion.  Andy Reid supposedly gave Trotter a chance to retire.  When this was rejected, the Eagles granted Trotter his release.