We've always wondered whether the "NFL on CBS'' studio show was overly New York-centric; do fans across the country really care all that deeply what Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms - big names in the Big Apple, no doubt - have to say?
And now, maybe ... a time for some big changes - maybe involving the rising star that is Houston Texans icon J.J. Watt.
It is a heady time right now for Houston football, as the Texans on Saturday night clinched a playoff berth to cap a magical turnaround from where this moribund franchise has been lately. Indeed, it almost feels like a return to the days when Watt helped make Houston a contender might be right around the corner.
Or, as rookie QB C.J. Stroud said, "The time is now!''
Meanwhile, reportedly, changes might be coming to the network's NFL pregame show in 2024. The New York Post reports that big alterations might be due. And why? The paper writes that Simms' contract situation is in limbo, as a "huge shakeup" is possible at CBS.
"Simms is not alone with an expiring contract, as host James Brown, Boomer Esiason and Bill Cowher also are at the end of their deals," Andrew Marchand reports. "CBS could run it back next year, but the future is definitely centered around Nate Burleson, who could eventually host the show, and part-timer J.J. Watt, who could have a bigger role if he wants it."
Watt is arguably the greatest all-time Texan and is clearly a rising star as a media figure. And we don't think we're being Houston-centric to say yes, the CBS studio show could use some new blood, some new energy ... and some guys who aren't just all about New York.
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