1981 NFL Season
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