If you had zero score context, you would’ve thought that Al Michaels — in a special return appearance to NBC — and Tony Dungy were calling a random, run-of-the-mill October game. But no, they actually had the call of the Jacksonville Jaguars shocking the Los Angeles Chargers in the third-largest playoff comeback in NFL playoff history.
Did the announcing pair sell the moment, adding relevant excitement or thrills to one of the more remarkable outcomes in the sport’s century-plus lore? Did they noticeably change their tone or have viewers on the edge of their seats as the Jaguars slowly inched their way back to drive a stake into the Chargers and continue that franchise’s curse? Perhaps they even discussed what might be on the line for Brandon Staley and his future in L.A. as the drama built in Jacksonville?
Dearest Readers, if they did, I must have missed it! And so did nearly everyone else watching the chaos unfold on Saturday night. It’s almost difficult to describe just how badly Michaels and Dungy whiffed on the dramatic moment. Their call of the game was that bad.
The football world wasn’t remotely happy with the guys in the booth.
NFL fans ripped Michaels and Dungy for sucking the air out of the Jaguars' epic comeback over the Chargers
i’m really struck at just how dry al michaels and tony dungy are now after witnessing a team come back from a 27-0 deficit to win a playoff game. viewers cheated, man.
— mike taddow (@MikeTaddow) January 15, 2023
The Jaguars just had one of the most insane comebacks in NFL playoffs history, and Al Michaels and Tony Dungy sounded like they were at a funeral.
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) January 15, 2023
Greatest playoff comeback ever loading & Al Michaels & Tony Dungy up there like this pic.twitter.com/Ot3qnO0Ba5
— VP of Wu Tang Financial (@BarbChairScott) January 15, 2023
There were about 14,402 things to discuss and comment on about that game-winning Jacksonville kick, and Al Michaels and Tony Dungy failed to say any of them.
— Pete Fiutak (@PeteFiutak) January 15, 2023
Biggest comeback in NFL playoff history and Al Michaels and Tony Dungy sound like they’re talking about their plans to resod the front lawn this summer
— Hank Greening (@hankgreening) January 15, 2023
What an absolutely bizarre broadcast this has been from Al Michaels and Tony Dungy
— Bryan Rice (@bricey16) January 15, 2023
Could Al Michaels and Tony Dungy sound less enthused?
— Rob Longley (@longleysunsport) January 15, 2023
Al Michaels and Tony Dungy really stunk it up in that second half. Did not match the momentous occasion at all.
— David Sanchirico (@DavidSanchirico) January 15, 2023
I respect Al Michaels and Tony Dungy, but that was one of the most incredible comebacks in NFL history and they weren't really bringing the energy at all.
— Michael (@ZoSo_mb) January 15, 2023
Al Michaels and Tony Dungy are nice men. But it’s like they’re calling a golf tournament, not an NFL playoff game.#LACvsJAX
— Mike Sielski (@MikeSielski) January 15, 2023
Al Michaels and Tony Dungy just called one of the craziest playoff comebacks I’ve ever seen like it was Week 6 Bears vs Commanders.
— John M (@milljm9) January 15, 2023
[insane primetime playoff comeback in progress]
al michaels: some game huh
tony dungy: indeed
— Adam London (@_adamlondon) January 15, 2023
Please do not let Al Michaels and Tony Dungy call an important game again, respectfully
— william (@BilliamWennett) January 15, 2023
Felt like Tony Dungy and Al Michaels were calling a preseason game all night. #LACvsJAX #NFLPlayoffs
— Torin Otis (@TorinOtis) January 15, 2023
Al Michaels and Tony Dungy were the only blemish to an otherwise all time game. #NFLPlayoffs
— Xavier Baltazar (@XavierBalthazar) January 15, 2023
That was the 3d largest playoff comeback in NFL history. Al Michaels & Tony Dungy called it like it was ho-hum mid-season game. This game could have used a Gus Johnson, a Joe Buck, a Tony Romo, someone who could have provided energy or presence. Amazing game, terrible telecast.
— Mike Bennett (@mrhonorama) January 15, 2023
