CFL on TSN

[gilthethrill]

Why does TSN neglect to show the starting lineups? Instead they discuss starters to watch....3 players they discuss briefly. Do they do this with NHL hockey too?

[ArgoRavi]

Why does TSN neglect to show the starting lineups? Instead the discuss starters to watch....3 players they discuss briefly. Do they do this with NHL hockey too?

This has been a bad move on TSN's part IMO. I really don't understand their reasoning on this. One issue that I have had with TSN is the poor job that they do letting us know of lineup changes during the game. I guess by not stating what the starting lineups are, we can't possibly know who might actually have been hurt or benched which makes it irrelevant if TSN doesn't inform us.

[Mulder]

I don't know if CFLonTSN even takes feedback from viewers but maybe contact them about this? On Sunday or Monday i'll see if I can round up an email address.

That and the huge suggestion that they should fire rod black.

[gilthethrill]

When I posted this thread I was afraid I was coming off as a bit of a complainer. Thanks for sharing my view guys. There is a TSN sideline reporter, but as Ravi said, lineup changes during the game are ignored unless the quarterback leaves the game. Even the pre-game show talks about the obvious story lines, I like to know other key matchups that effect the game.

[jerrym]

I agree. However, I think the answer is this is typical of the celebrity mentality that dominates all aspects of the media, whether sports, news or entertainment. Focus on a few celebrities to draw the marginal viewer, while offering much less in the way of in-depth analysis, although I do think the half-time shows do that to some extent.

[paulwoods13]

On the plus side, I had to miss going to the game today and it was a giant pleasure to hear Rod S and Matt in the booth. TSN's best combo, IMO. Smith is not as good a play-by-play guy as Cuthbert but is still very good (and miles better than the other Rod), and Matt is the most entertaining analyst they have, by far.

[ArgoRavi]

This thread needs to be bumped. I realized tonight while watching the B.C./Hamilton game that I really don't know who is on the Hamilton offensive line and some of the issues that they have been having regarding injuries. I would probably know much more if the full starting lineups were being listed by TSN as the networks have been doing for decades prior to this season. Yes, I know that I can check on the web but I really should not have to do that.

[argolio]

Agreed Ravi. No reason they can't list full starting lineups AND focus on some key players.

[paulwoods13]

I think part of the problem is that the "starting lineup" often does not actually start or play much of the game intact, as a unit. I've been to many Argo games where, for instance, Durie was announced as a starter but the first play of the game featured double tight ends and no Durie. TSN got exposed on things like that a few times back when they were announcing "starters." You could see someone else on the field even as they were listing the starters.

With all the situation substitutions, being declared a starter doesn't matter too much these days. The Argos rotate six d-linemen -- whoever starts the game there (regardless of who is announced as starting) isn't necessarily going to play the majority of the snaps. Obviously this does not apply to o-linemen, though.