1981 NFL Season

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As originally written by Tim Brulia and Jimmy Delach:


CBS Sports, under the direction of new boss Terry O'Neill, makes dramatic changes to its coverage of the NFL. Among them are a standard graphics package (which becomes so popular that many other sources copy the fonts for local and even north of the border coverage), the elimination of the 50 yard line camera as the primary camera and finally joining NBC and ABC with scrimmage cameras at the 20/25 yard lines, and a noticeably more "serious" tone in coverage by the commentator crews.

PRESEASON

Saturday 8/1: Browns-Falcons (Canton, OH - Hall of Fame Game), 3:30, ABC. Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton, Howard Cosell

Saturday 8/15: Cowboys-Rams, 9:00, CBS. Gary Bender, John Madden

Friday 8/21: Rams-Chargers, 9:00, ABC. Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton, Howard Cosell

Saturday 8/22: Steelers-Cowboys, 9:00, NBC. Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen

Sunday 8/23: Saints-Eagles (Syracuse), 1:00, NBC. Don Criqui, Len Dawson

Saturday 8/29: Oilers-Cowboys, 9:00, CBS. Pat Summerall, John Madden

Sunday 8/30: Redskins-Patriots, 12:30, ABC. Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton, Howard Cosell



WEEK 1, 1981 - NBC Doubleheader:

Saturday 9/5:

Vikings-Buccaneers, 8, KSTP-Minneapolis, WTOG-Tampa, Jim Thacker, John Dockery, Bob Bruce

Sunday 9/6:

Colts-Patriots, 1, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Cowboys-Redskins, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Roger Staubach

Chiefs-Steelers, 1, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Dolphins-Cardinals, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Jim Turner

Saints-Falcons, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram

Eagles-Giants, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, John Madden

49ers-Lions, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Seahawks-Bengals, 1, NBC, Mike Adamle, Rocky Bleier

Packers-Bears, 2, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Johnny Morris

Oilers-Rams, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen

Jets-Bills, 4, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Raiders-Broncos, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

Monday 9/7:

Chargers-Browns, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell


WEEK 2, 1981 - NBC Doubleheader:

Thursday 9/10:

Steelers-Dolphins, 8:30, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell

Sunday 9/13:

Falcons-Packers, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Oilers-Browns, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy

Rams-Saints, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram

Giants-Redskins, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, John Madden

Buccaneers-Chiefs, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Jim Hill

Bills-Colts, 2, NBC, Marv Albert, Gene Washington

Bears-49ers, 4, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Johnny Morris

Bengals-Jets, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

Broncos-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Bob Costas, Jim Turner

Lions-Chargers, 4, CBS, Tim Ryan, John Dockery

Patriots-Eagles, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, John Brodie

Cardinals-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Roger Staubach

Monday 9/14:

Raiders-Vikings, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton, Howard Cosell


WEEK 3, 1981 - CBS Doubleheader:

Thursday 9/17:

Eagles-Bills, 8:30, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell

Sunday 9/20:

Browns-Bengals, 1, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Lions-Vikings, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, John Dockery

Dolphins-Oilers, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

Jets-Steelers, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

49ers-Falcons, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Redskins-Cardinals, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Roger Staubach

Chargers-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Mike Adamle, Rocky Bleier

Buccaneers-Bears, 2, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Johnny Morris

Colts-Broncos, 4, NBC, Marv Albert, Jim Turner

Packers-Rams, 4, CBS, Vin Scully, John Madden

Saints-Giants, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Hank Stram

Seahawks-Raiders, 4, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Monday 9/21:

Cowboys-Patriots, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell


WEEK 4, 1981 - CBS Doubleheader:

Sunday 9/27:

Falcons-Browns, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, John Madden

Bills-Bengals, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner

Oilers-Jets, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Jim Turner

Patriots-Steelers, 1, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Raiders-Lions, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Len Dawson

Redskins-Eagles, 1, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Johnny Morris

Dolphins-Colts, 2, NBC, Sam Nover, Dave Rowe

Vikings-Packers (Milwaukee), 2, CBS, Gary Bender, John Dockery

Chiefs-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Saints-49ers, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Giants-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Hank Stram

Cardinals-Buccaneers, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Roger Staubach

Chargers-Broncos, 4, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Monday 9/28:

Rams-Bears, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell


WEEK 5, 1981 - NBC Doubleheader:

Sunday 10/4:

Colts-Bills, 1, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Bears-Vikings, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Johnny Morris

Cowboys-Cardinals, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Packers-Giants, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Chiefs-Patriots, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

49ers-Redskins, 1, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

Bengals-Oilers, 2, NBC, Marv Albert*, Jim Turner*

Steelers-Saints, 2, NBC, Harmon Wages, Mike Haffner

Browns-Rams, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen

Broncos-Raiders, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

Lions-Buccaneers, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Jets-Dolphins, 4, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Seahawks-Chargers, 4, NBC, Merle Harmon, George Kunz

Monday 10/5:

Falcons-Eagles, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton, Howard Cosell


WEEK 6, 1981 - CBS Doubleheader:

Sunday 10/11:

Browns-Steelers, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Rams-Falcons, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Patriots-Jets, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

Eagles-Saints, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Bengals-Colts, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph*, Mike Haffner*

Raiders-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Seahawks-Oilers, 2, NBC, Mike Adamle, Bob Trumpy

Buccaneers-Packers, 2, CBS, Dick Stockton, Jim Hill

Redskins-Bears, 2, CBS, Tim Ryan, Johnny Morris

Cowboys-49ers, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Lions-Broncos, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, John Dockery

Vikings-Chargers, 4, CBS, Gary Bender, Fred Dryer

Cardinals-Giants, 4, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

Monday 10/12:

Dolphins-Bills, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell


WEEK 7, 1981 - CBS Doubleheader:

Sunday 10/18:

Bills-Jets, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner

Oilers-Patriots, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Len Dawson

Saints-Browns, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Jim Hill

Eagles-Vikings, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Steelers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Cardinals-Falcons, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Fred Dryer

49ers-Packers (Milwaukee), 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Johnny Morris

Chargers-Colts, 2, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Broncos-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Giants-Seahawks, 4, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

Buccaneers-Raiders, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Redskins-Dolphins, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Rams-Cowboys, 8, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Fran Tarkenton

Monday 10/19:

Bears-Lions, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Fran Tarkenton


WEEK 8, 1981 - NBC Doubleheader:

Sunday 10/25:

Colts-Browns, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Jim Turner

Broncos-Bills, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Packers-Lions, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Johnny Morris

Vikings-Cardinals, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Patriots-Redskins, 1, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Giants-Falcons, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Buccaneers-Eagles, 1, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Hank Stram

Bengals-Saints, 2, NBC, Mike Adamle, Mike Haffner

Chiefs-Raiders, 4, NBC, Merle Harmon, George Kunz

Rams-49ers, 4, CBS, Gary Bender, Roger Staubach

Dolphins-Cowboys, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen

Chargers-Bears, 4, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Seahawks-Jets, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

Monday 10/26:

Oilers-Steelers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Fran Tarkenton


WEEK 9, 1981 - CBS Doubleheader:

Sunday 11/1:

Falcons-Saints, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Fred Dryer

Colts-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph*, Jim Turner*

Bears-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Johnny Morris

Browns-Bills, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Oilers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Jets-Giants, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Len Dawson

49ers-Steelers, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Seahawks-Packers, 2, NBC, Sam Nover, Dave Rowe

Cowboys-Eagles, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Lions-Rams, 4, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

Chiefs-Chargers, 4, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Patriots-Raiders, 4, NBC, Merle Harmon, George Kunz

Cardinals-Redskins, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Monday 11/2:

Vikings-Broncos, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton, Howard Cosell


WEEK 10, 1981 - NBC Doubleheader:

Sunday 11/8:

Lions-Redskins, 1, CBS, Jim Kelly, John Dockery

Dolphins-Patriots, 1, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Giants-Packers (Milwaukee), 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Raiders-Oilers, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

Eagles-Cardinals, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Buccaneers-Vikings, 1, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

Bears-Chiefs, 2, CBS, Dick Stockton, Johnny Morris

Falcons-49ers, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Bengals-Chargers, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen

Browns-Broncos, 4, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Saints-Rams, 4, CBS, Gary Bender, Fred Dryer

Jets-Colts, 4, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Steelers-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Rocky Bleier

Monday 11/9:

Bills-Cowboys, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell


WEEK 11, 1981 - CBS Doubleheader:

Sunday 11/15:

Colts-Eagles, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner

Bills-Cardinals, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Gene Washington

Bears-Packers, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Johnny Morris

Broncos-Buccaneers, 1, NBC, Merle Harmon, George Kunz

Rams-Bengals, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Saints-Vikings, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Jets-Patriots, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Jim Turner

Raiders-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Mike Adamle, Dave Rowe

Steelers-Falcons, 1, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Oilers-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Charlie Jones*, Len Dawson*

Browns-49ers, 4, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Cowboys-Lions, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Redskins-Giants, 4, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

Monday 11/16:

Chargers-Seahawks, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell


WEEK 12, 1981 - NBC Doubleheader:

Sunday 11/22:

Broncos-Bengals, 1, NBC, Bob Costas, Gene Washington

Lions-Bears, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Johnny Morris

Packers-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Fred Biletnikoff

Patriots-Bills, 1, NBC, Phil Stone, Mike Haffner

Saints-Oilers, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Fred Dryer

Giants-Eagles, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Steelers-Browns, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Cardinals-Colts, 2, CBS, Jim Kelly, John Dockery

Seahawks-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Mike Adamle, Dave Rowe

Dolphins-Jets, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Bob Trumpy

Chargers-Raiders, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

49ers-Rams, 4, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Redskins-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

Monday 11/23:

Vikings-Falcons, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton, Howard Cosell


WEEK 13, 1981 - CBS Doubleheader:

Thursday 11/26:

Chiefs-Lions, 12:30, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen

Bears-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Sunday 11/29:

Colts-Jets, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Len Dawson

Bengals-Browns, 1, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Packers-Vikings, 1, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

Rams-Steelers, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Cardinals-Patriots, 1, CBS, Jim Kelly, John Dockery

Redskins-Bills, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Buccaneers-Saints, 2, CBS, Dick Stockton, Johnny Morris

Falcons-Oilers, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Broncos-Chargers, 4, NBC, Phil Stone, John Brodie

Giants-49ers, 4, CBS, Tim Ryan, Fred Dryer

Raiders-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Gene Washington

Monday 11/30:

Eagles-Dolphins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell


WEEK 14, 1981 - NBC Doubleheader:

Thursday 12/3:

Browns-Oilers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell

Sunday 12/6:

Lions-Packers, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Rams-Giants, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Vikings-Bears, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Johnny Morris

Patriots-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

Saints-Cardinals, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Jim Hill

Eagles-Redskins, 1, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

49ers-Bengals, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Fred Dryer

Cowboys-Colts, 2, CBS, Jim Kelly, John Dockery

Falcons-Buccaneers, 4, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Bills-Chargers, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen

Chiefs-Broncos, 4, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Jets-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Monday 12/7:

Steelers-Raiders, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell


WEEK 15, 1981 - CBS Doubleheader:

Saturday 12/12:

Jets-Browns, 12:30, NBC, Dick Enberg

Note: yes, this was indeed a solo broadcast for Enberg. Another stunt by NBC, much like the announcer-less game the year before.

Vikings-Lions, 4, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Sunday 12/13:

Colts-Redskins, 1, NBC, Merle Harmon, Mike Haffner

Bills-Patriots, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Dave Rowe

Bengals-Steelers, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Packers-Saints, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Fred Dryer

Giants-Cardinals, 1, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

Chargers-Buccaneers, 1, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Dolphins-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Marv Albert, Len Dawson

Bears-Raiders, 4, CBS, Dick Stockton, Johnny Morris

Oilers-49ers, 4, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Eagles-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Seahawks-Broncos, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Jim Turner

Monday 12/14:

Falcons-Rams, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton, Howard Cosell


WEEK 16, 1981 - NBC Doubleheader:

Saturday 12/19:

Cowboys-Giants, 12:30, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden

Bills-Dolphins, 4, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Sunday 12/20:

Broncos-Bears, 1, NBC, Bob Costas, Bob Trumpy

Packers-Jets, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Chiefs-Vikings, 1, NBC, Merle Harmon, Jim Turner

Cardinals-Eagles, 1, CBS, Tom Brookshier, Roger Staubach

Buccaneers-Lions, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Johnny Morris

Patriots-Colts, 2, NBC, Sam Nover, Dave Rowe

49ers-Saints, 2, CBS, Tim Ryan, Fred Dryer

Bengals-Falcons, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

Browns-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner

Steelers-Oilers, 4, NBC, Phil Stone, Gene Washington

Redskins-Rams, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen

Monday 12/21:

Raiders-Chargers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell


WILD CARD GAMES:

Sunday 12/27:

Bills-Jets, Noon, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson

Giants-Eagles, 3:30, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden


DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS:

Saturday 1/2:

Buccaneers-Cowboys, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram

Chargers-Dolphins, 5, NBC, Don Criqui, John Brodie

Sunday 1/3:

Bills-Bengals, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen

Giants-49ers, 5, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden


CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS:

Sunday 1/10:

Chargers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen, Mike Adamle

With wind chills at a ridiculous -59°, this game has gone down in annuls as "The Freezer Bowl."

Cowboys-49ers, 5, CBS, Vin Scully, Hank Stram


SUPER BOWL XVI from Pontiac, MI:

Sunday 1/24: 49ers-Bengals, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden


PRO BOWL from Honolulu:

Sunday 1/31: AFC-NFC, 4, ABC, Al Michaels, Fran Tarkenton, Lynn Swann, Russ Francis




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