Changing Approach to Monday Night Football

They're going to cut back on the graphics, including the elimination of that distracting time and score box that cluttered the lower center of the screen in favor of a for more unobtrusive horizontal line at the bottom that will provide the same information, without intruding on the picture.

They're going to stop throwing reams of statistical graphics at viewers in general, and even cease and desist with those little features from the sideline that also cut into the action. Only one sideline reporter will be on the air every week, instead of double-teaming with Suzy Kolber and Michele Tafoya, a bit of overkill considering that NFL restrictions make it virtually impossible for anyone to report on the sideline in the first place.

Several ESPN executives were on a conference call last week to talk about some of the changes for the 2008 season, which starts with a doubleheader this week -- Vikings-Packers at 7 p.m. followed by Raiders-Broncos at 10:15 p.m.

According to Jed Drake, ESPN's senior vice president of programming, and Jay Rothman, MNF's coordinating producer, the changes were the direct result of a number of focus groups conducted in Boston, Chicago and San Diego during the offseason.

Apparently the overwhelming majority of viewers sampled told ESPN what many of us allegedly professional critics had been saying all along. Get back to basics. Give us more football and far fewer fluffy in-game interviews. Unleash Jaws and give him more help in the production truck to break down key plays, spot critical trends, explain why Linebacker X can't cover Tight End Y coming over the middle, and enough already with head shots of Tom Brady's girlfriend in the stands.

"You're gonna hear more Jaws," Rothman gushed. "We're going to make him the new Madden (better they should just let him be the old Jaws)...He's one of the most credible and well-liked football analysts out there. He has a unique ability to break down the game and deliver it in a way fans can understand it."

Kornheiser, as usual, will be there for occasional comic relief and journalist's critical eye, and what Rothman described as "instant mini-columns" during the game. Oh please. Tony's just going to be Tony, which is always a good thing to my way of thinking, even though I know some mean-spirited e-mailers even now are gearing up to assault my inbox with a Gustav-like flood of nasty missives.

Be my guest, and get over it. He's very good at what he does, and he does what the people at ESPN ask him to do. I wouldn't even mind if occasionally they do bring someone interesting into the booth. Did you happen to watch Deanna Favre last year during a late-season Packer game? It was magical television, mostly due to Mr. Tony's ability to ask all the pertinent questions in just the right way.

In any case, the critics -- and the people -- have spoken, and ESPN, for a change, apparently will listen this year on the Monday night telecasts.

"We've become more aligned with what they (the fans) want than what we want, Rothman said. "We may not have been aligned in that area over the last couple of years. We may have been trying to over produce it.

"But the truth of the matter is that we're a sports network and people tune in to ESPN for a sporting event. There are many other entertainment options out there. We're in a fractured world and they're coming to us to deliver the game...We may not be 20 pounds in a five-pound bag. We'll give you five pounds in a five-pound bag. It's going to be more streamlined."

Heavens to Ray Scott. What a concept!!!

Leonard Shapiro can be reached at len.shapiro@washingtonpost.com.