The most recent advent into sports television has been the ‘side cast.’ Early in the 2010s, ESPN brought out the Megacast for its college football championship coverage. The coach’s room broadcast, in particular, drew significantly positive reviews from fans. Different perspectives were welcomed, as was a unique way to consume. Naturally, the next point in its evolution saw more tries at it. The most prominent advent since the Megacast has been the Manningcast.
ESPN’s side broadcast of the world-renowned Monday Night Football production features Eli and Peyton Manning. The two brothers may share spots in Canton one day after their legendary pro football careers. But for now, the Mannings convene to provide an alternative for viewers to the esteemed pairing of Joe Buck and former Super Bowl Champion Troy Aikman. They’ll feature guests, and while they shockingly only hosted two, the broadcast went without a hitch.
Peyton started getting on Eli early on. By early on, we literally mean right before kickoff.
Peyton picking on his brother Eli already. ?
"I was hoping I'd be working with Mike Tyson tonight. So you'll have to do. I'm stuck with you for another year so I'm gonna do the best that I can." pic.twitter.com/WvObCLVPiB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2023
Things got particularly hairy very early into the game. Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose acquisition this offseason gained unbelievable attention and hype, went down early with an apparent injury. Rodgers injured his ankle while a Bill sacked him to the turf. Manning was honest as the broadcast went on, saying he was only prepared to see Rodgers. He didn’t think he’d see backup quarterback Zach Wilson, but then again, who can say they did?
Aaron Rodgers just went down with an apparent injury. Peyton Manning only studied Rodgers throughout the week.
"I got nothing for ya if Rodgers doesn't play. All my studying was on Rodgers play. I was watching Packers film, I watched Cal film… I have nothing." pic.twitter.com/NvBgfeuMNl
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2023
The thing about live television is ou never know what’s going to happen. So Peyton and Eli, like millions of viewers at home, reacted just like the rest of the world when they saw Rodgers go on the cart. Peyton was left in complete disbelief.
Peyton Manning in complete disbelief seeing Aaron Rodgers get on the cart.
"Holy… cow. I CANNOT believe this…" pic.twitter.com/rhnPY7LYYw
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2023
The Mannings later welcomed multi-time Grand Slam tennis champion John McEnroe to the broadcast. McEnroe, a lifelong Jet fan, spoke about the birth of his fandom from the days of Joe Namath. He said he grew up idolizing him and thought the Jets would be a dominant franchise, but he’s been a long-suffering fan since Super Bowl III.
McEnroe and Eli talked briefly about Eli’s appearance on his radio show back when he was a rookie. John admitted to being a bit of a ‘fairweather’ New York fan, boasting a Giants fandom as well as his Jets fandom. But McEnroe sported his Jets hat and made sure to note who he was rooting for.
The Mannings then later asked him to predict what would happen in the game as part of the brothers’ new Perfect Prediction game. McEnroe accurately guessed what would happen, as the Bills scored a touchdown on a Josh Allen throw to Stefon Diggs.
Never shy, the Mannings got candid after a terrible throw by Wilson.
"That was not a play… that's grounding, by the way."
"This is like when the RPO does not work."
"There was a center like 7 yards down field open on a seam route."
"Was he trying to hit the center? Was that center eligible? Is that a new thing? Is that a new rule this year?" pic.twitter.com/e4VwXTzGhy
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2023
Then, later, the Mannings once again got on each other while they profiled Allen.
"I don't know what that is… I don't wanna ever do that"
"What was that? Why did you slide?"
"Why did you fall? Why'd you fall in the end zone? You just fell?" pic.twitter.com/MFFemjf0OO
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2023
Late in the show, the Mannings brought Ryan Fitzpatrick on. The former veteran quarterback played for both the Bills and Jets in his playing days, so if anyone would know about the rivalry, it would be him. Fitzpatrick was around for an absolutely spectacular touchdown catch by Jets receiver Garrett Wilson. That touchdown drew an animated response from both Eli and Peyton.
"OHHH MY GOODNESS, WHAT A CATCH!"
The Manningcast reacts to that unbelievable Garrett Wilson touchdown! pic.twitter.com/2niFDOtemU
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2023
The game went into overtime after Bills kicker Tyler Bass banked the ball in after hitting the left goal post. That drew a hilarious response from Peyton, Fitzpatrick, and Eli in the moment.
Jets rookie Xavier Gipson brought the house down at MetLife Stadium with an absolutely electric punt return TD for the victory. The return left the ManningCast absolutely floored.
The ManningCast is left STUNNED by that Xavier Gipson punt return touchdown!! pic.twitter.com/vT4UKPVRyV
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2023
All told, the Mannings were sharp, appeared poised, and brought the right notes. Nothing felt different about this broadcast compared to previous years except for the abbreviated guestlist. But, all told, Eli and Peyton are too colorful and too strong on the broadcast for it to really rely on guests. The guests do provide good commentary, but Eli and Peyton are the stars of the show. Watching this ManningCast, you’d know it, and they proved why they have the gigs in the first place.
