1981 NFL Season
CBS Sports, under the direction of new boss Terry O'Neil, 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- or 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
Regular season
Week 1 (NBC DH)
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 (NBC DH)
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 (CBS DH)
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 (CBS DH)
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 (NBC DH)
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 (CBS DH)
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 (CBS DH)
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 (NBC DH)
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 (CBS DH)
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 (NBC DH)
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 (CBS DH)
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, Harmon Wages
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 (NBC DH)
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 (CBS DH)
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 (NBC DH)
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 (CBS DH)
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 (NBC DH)
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
Playoffs
Wild card
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, Michigan
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
National radio
Wild card
Sunday 12/27:
Bills-Jets, Noon, CBS Radio. Lindsey Nelson, Jim Kelly
Giants-Eagles, 3:30, CBS Radio. Jack Buck, Hank Stram
Divisional playoffs
Saturday 1/2:
Buccaneers-Cowboys, 1, CBS Radio. Jack Buck, Roman Gabriel
Chargers-Dolphins, 5, CBS Radio. Lindsey Nelson, Jim Kelly
Sunday 1/3:
Bills-Bengals, 1, CBS Radio. Lindsey Nelson, Jim Kelly
Giants-49ers, 5, CBS Radio. Jack Buck, Hank Stram
Conference championships
Sunday 1/10:
Chargers-Bengals, 1, CBS Radio. Lindsey Nelson, Jim Kelly
Cowboys-49ers, 5, CBS Radio. Jack Buck, Pat Summerall
Super Bowl XVI from Pontiac, Michigan
Sunday 1/24: 49ers-Bengals, 4, CBS Radio. Jack Buck, Hank Stram
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Local announcers: Radio | Preseason television (since 1970) | Disgorged regular-season games (1964–1984)