AS the NFL introduces more and more tech into the league, some announcers aren’t happy about certain portions of the game being left behind.
The NFL is working on using Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology to measure first downs, but in the meantime the chains are sometimes still necessary.
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During Friday’s preseason matchup between the Ravens and Eagles, the chains were pulled out to measure a close call.
While the Chain Gang went to work, Ravens play-by-play announcer Gerry Sandusky went on a brutal tirade against the procedure.
“It just seems absurd that in a game where they have GPS trackers on player’s shoulder pads, they have 19 different levels of algorithms to measure everything in the NFL, we still use guys with glasses who are no longer what you’d call physically fit trotting out a pair of sticks to measure first downs,” Sandusky said.
“They each trot in an eye where they think the ball is and then mark it with their feet.
“We’re not talking surgical precision here.”
Sandusky clearly isn’t a fan of the Chain Gang, but many viewers felt he went too far with his assessment.
“To be so ugly and so misinformed is quite the combination,” one fan said.
“Keeping it classy, Gerry,” another fan said.
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“I find it disgusting that the @Ravens announcer @GerrySandusky would go out of his way to humiliate another Ravens employee who was doing his job,” a third fan said.
“It’s not funny,” a fourth fan said.
“I didn’t watch the game but this seems unnecessary,” a fifth fan said.
After Sandusky’s comments drew the ire of NFL fans, he was quick to issue an apology on social media.
“In last nights Ravens broadcast I commented on the use of a chain gang instead of technology on measurements,” Sandusky wrote.
” I did not intend to demean any individual. I apologize to the members of the chain gang for what I said.
NFL important dates
August 1 – Hall of Fame Game – Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears
August 8 – Pre-season begins
August 27 – Deadline for 53-man rosters
September 1 – Final day of pre-season
September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs
November 5 – Trade deadline
January 5 – Week 18 of regular-season
January 11 – Playoffs begin
February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana
“I recognize they are doing an important job as professionals.”
The NFL hasn’t announced if the Hawk Eye technology will be ready to replace the Chain Gang for the start of the regular season.
The rule change that did come into effect is the new kickoff procedures.
That change has completely revitalized the kickoff into a completely new play.
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