We heard a theory on Bill Simmons’ podcast that the NFL has “snuck up” on fans this year after a calendar sports year overstocked with compelling stories.
That may be true -- although we doubt it -- but it certainly didn’t dull the pent-up demand for live football.
NBC’s telecast for the Hall of Fame game last night drew a 7.6 overnight rating and a 13 share, the highest rating for a preseason game since the Cowboys and Titans played on August 30, 2004. It was up 31% over last year’s Hall of Fame game -- the Bills vs. Titans.
(Here’s a list of the top-watching markets. New Orleans was the highest of any market without a connection to the game.)
Not only did the Hall of Fame game crush Red Sox-Yankees as expected, it should wind up being the highest rated show on all of television all week.
It’s official: Cowboys third-string quarterback Stephen McGee is now a superstar.