Kevin Harlan might have one of the most unmistakable voices in broadcasting. And when something truly incredible happens, Harlan’s calls are up there with the greats.
The longtime CBS play-by-play announcer certainly delivered on his reputation Sunday afternoon when Lamar Jackson made an absolutely bonkers play late in the fourth quarter of the Baltimore Ravens-Cincinnati Bengals game.
“CAUGHT. CAUGHT FOR A TOUCHDOWN. CAUGHT FOR A TOUCHDOWN BY LIKELY. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. HOW IN THE WORLD DID HE KEEP IT TOGETHER AND THEN FIND THE OPEN RECEIVER.”
– Kevin Harlan on the call for Lamar Jackson’s ridiculous TD pass. pic.twitter.com/uO7ywR04aw
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 6, 2024
A muffed snap by the Ravens quarterback and two-time MVP started a chain of events that led to a Harlan masterclass. Scooping the ball off the turf and evading pressure from Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard, Jackson threw a stiff arm that got Harlan rolling.
“He bobbles it. Scoops it in, vacuums it home. Here comes Hubbard! Oh, he threw him away like a rag doll,” Harlan began, sensing something special could be unfolding.
Then, the veteran announcer could barely keep it together when Jackson did what two-time MVPs do and threw a dot to teammate Isaiah Likely in the endzone.
“Caught! Caught for a touchdown! Caught for a touchdown by Likely! Absolutely amazing. How in the world did he keep it together and then find the open receiver?!”
Harlan wasn’t the only NFL broadcaster taken aback by the absurd talent on display. NFL RedZone‘s Scott Hanson had his own shocked reaction.
“TOUCHDOWN RAVENS. HOW DID HE DO IT? HOW DID HE DO IT? … Holy smokes, it’s a Heisman moment for a pro quarterback.”
– Scott Hanson was similarly amazed on RedZone. pic.twitter.com/RlQ2YkMSPA
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 6, 2024
Both Harlan and Hanson have a well-earned reputation for meeting the moment during their long broadcasting careers. When both of them question how a quarterback like Jackson could make a play, chances are it was something ridiculous. Today, both calls absolutely met the moment.
About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.