‘He’s Thinking Like It’s 20+ Years Ago’ — Former Eagles President Calls Out Troy Aikman’s Outdated POV On MNF Broadcast
· Yahoo Sports
Troy Aikman has never been shy about sharing his opinions on NFL broadcasts. Since retiring from the league, he has been a regular fixture in broadcasting booths and has consistently given insight into what he believes is the best decision in any given situation.
That honesty has been refreshing and has made him one of the most acclaimed announcers across networks. But it has also landed him in hot water at times, with the Monday Night Football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears serving as a perfect example.
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Troy Aikman Criticized for Suggestion During Eagles vs. Bears
Part of the Monday Night Football announcing crew alongside Joe Buck, Aikman was once again on the call when the Eagles took on the Bears in Week 3. But the questionable take came early in the second quarter.
Already up 7-0, the Bears faced a 4th-and-goal situation at the 3-yard line. Aikman suggested a field goal would do the trick, but the Bears chose to go for it, an aggressive decision consistent with the approach favored by many fourth-down models.
“He is consulting to a team and thinking like it’s 20+ years ago,” accused Joe Banner, who had one of the most successful tenures for an executive when he was the team president of the Eagles in the 2000s and early 2010s.
Under him, the team went to five NFC Championship Games in an eight-season span, including an appearance in Super Bowl 39. Since then, he’s also held front office roles with the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Falcons.
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His criticism of Aikman was very pointed, as he referenced the consulting role the Cowboys legend had taken on with the Miami Dolphins this offseason as they searched for their new general manager and head coach.
In this particular instance, Aikman kinda-sorta was proven right, as Case Keenum’s pass fell incomplete, ending the drive on downs without any additional points on the board, though that was more down to execution than opportunity.
But the analytics maintained the upside with the conversion, especially early in the second quarter when the Bears had a 7-0 lead in place. The original post on X that Banner replied to was far harsher in dressing down Aikman.
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“Aikman: ‘I’d take the points.’ Bears do the analytically correct thing that has continued to be proven correct, even after the entire NFL has changed to making the correct decision in that situation. Aikman: ‘I don’t get it.’ Yeah, bud. And ya never will. Go to bed, grandpa,” read the post.
It remains to be seen if Aikman also makes that change in his head in the coming years.
NFL teams, though, have become increasingly aggressive on fourth down in recent years, although the preferred decision varies based on the game situation.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.