1988 NFL Season
As originally written by Jimmy Delach and Tim Brulia:
The St. Louis Cardinals are lured to the Valley of the Sun and become the Phoenix Cardinals.
PRESEASON
Saturday 7/30: Bengals-Rams (Canton, OH - Hall of Fame Game), 2:30, ABC. Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
Sunday 7/31: Dolphins-49ers (London), 1:00, NBC. Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Saturday 8/6: Raiders-49ers, 9:00, CBS. Verne Lundquist, John Madden
Sunday 8/7: Saints-Vikings, 8:00, ESPN. Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
Saturday 8/13: Redskins-Dolphins, 8:00, ABC. Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
Sunday 8/14: Bears-Vikings (Gothenburg, Sweden), 1:00, CBS. Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw, Irv Cross
Sunday 8/14: Eagles-Steelers, 8:00, ESPN. Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
Friday 8/19: Broncos-Dolphins, 9:00, NBC. Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Saturday 8/20: Redskins-Raiders, 10:00, CBS. Verne Lundquist, John Madden
Sunday 8/21: Vikings-Cardinals, 8:00, ESPN. Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
Monday 8/22: Bears-Cowboys, 8:00, ABC. Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
Thursday 8/25: Colts-Broncos, 8:00, ESPN. Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
Friday 8/26: Giants-Browns, 9:00, NBC. Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Saturday 8/27: Steelers-Saints, 12:30, ABC. Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 1, 1988 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/4:
Falcons-Lions, 1, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Cowboys-Steelers, 1, CBS, Tim Brant, Hank Stram
Rams-Packers, 1, CBS, Steve Zabriskie, Terry Bradshaw
Dolphins-Bears, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Vikings-Bills, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Eagles-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, James Brown, Gary Fencik
Cardinals-Bengals, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
49ers-Saints, 1, CBS, Verne Lundquist, John Madden
Browns-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Gary Gerould, Reggie Rucker
Oilers-Colts, 4, NBC, Tom Hammond, Jon Morris
Jets-Patriots, 4, NBC, Marv Albert, Joe Namath
Chargers-Raiders, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Jimmy Cefalo
Seahawks-Broncos, 4, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Monday 9/5:
Redskins-Giants, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 2, 1988 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/11:
Bears-Colts, 1, CBS, Tim Brant, Dan Jiggetts
Dolphins-Bills, 1, NBC, Chuck Thompson, Jerry Kramer
Saints-Falcons, 1, CBS, James Brown, Gary Fencik
Steelers-Redskins, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Merlin Olsen
49ers-Giants, 1, CBS, Verne Lundquist, John Madden
Buccaneers-Packers, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Bengals-Eagles, 4, NBC, Kevin Slaten, Dave Lapham
Lions-Rams, 4, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Chiefs-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Sam Nover, Jon Morris
Raiders-Oilers, 4, NBC, Ray Scott, Joe Namath
Patriots-Vikings, 4, NBC, Jim Donovan, Reggie Rucker
Jets-Browns, 4, NBC, Mel Proctor, Al DeRogatis
Chargers-Broncos, 4, NBC, Merle Harmon, Paul Hornung
Monday 9/12:
Cowboys-Cardinals, 8, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
NBC was carrying the Summer Olympics (yes, Summer) in Seoul and with the majority of their sportscasters in South Korea, veteran sportscasters such as Chuck Thompson, Ray Scott, and the return of Curt Gowdy and Al DeRogatis were called upon to fill in for a few weeks.
Dan Jiggetts was a last-minute replacement for Hank Stram after Stram collapsed the day before the CHI-IND game. Stram would undergo open-heart surgery and would not return to the broadcast booth until Week 7.
WEEK 3, 1988 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/18:
Bills-Patriots, 1, NBC, Mel Proctor, Jon Morris
Bengals-Steelers, 1, NBC, Chuck Thompson, Reggie Rucker
Broncos-Chiefs, 1, NBC, Jim Donovan, Joe Namath
Packers-Dolphins, 1, CBS, Steve Zabriskie, Will McDonough
Oilers-Jets, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Vikings-Bears, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Saints-Lions, 1, CBS, James Brown, Gary Fencik
Eagles-Redskins, 1, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw
Cardinals-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Falcons-49ers, 4, CBS, Tim Brant, John Dockery
Rams-Raiders, 4, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Giants-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Seahawks-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ray Scott, Merlin Olsen
Monday 9/19:
Colts-Browns, 8, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 4, 1988 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/25:
Falcons-Cowboys, 1, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Bears-Packers, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Browns-Bengals, 1, NBC, Jim Donovan, Larry Csonka
Dolphins-Colts, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Reggie Rucker
Patriots-Oilers, 1, NBC, Mel Proctor, Jerry Kramer
Jets-Lions, 1, NBC, Merle Harmon, Joe Namath
Eagles-Vikings, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Steelers-Bills, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Buccaneers-Saints, 1, CBS, James Brown, Gary Fencik
Rams-Giants, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Chargers-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Ray Scott, Merlin Olsen
49ers-Seahawks, 4, CBS, Steve Zabriskie, Terry Bradshaw
Redskins-Cardinals, 4, CBS, Tim Brant, John Dockery
Monday 9/26:
Raiders-Broncos, 8, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 5, 1988 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/2:
Bills-Bears, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Merlin Olsen
Browns-Steelers, 1, NBC, Jim Donovan, Reggie Rucker
Packers-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Oilers-Eagles, 1, NBC, Mel Proctor, Larry Csonka
Colts-Patriots, 1, NBC, Steve Grad, Jon Morris
Giants-Redskins, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Seahawks-Falcons, 1, NBC, Kevin Slaten, Jerry Kramer
Bengals-Raiders, 4, NBC, Sam Nover, Ken Anderson
Broncos-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ray Scott, Joe Namath
Lions-49ers, 4, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw
Chiefs-Jets, 4, NBC, Merle Harmon, Al DeRogatis
Vikings-Dolphins, 4, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Cardinals-Rams, 4, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Monday 10/3:
Cowboys-Saints, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 6, 1988 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/9:
Bears-Lions, 1, CBS, Tim Brant, Terry Bradshaw
Colts-Bills, 1, NBC, Tom Hammond, Dave Lapham
Chiefs-Oilers, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Reggie Rucker
Rams-Falcons, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Patriots-Packers (Milwaukee), 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Jerry Kramer
Jets-Bengals, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Seahawks-Browns, 1, NBC, Mel Proctor, Joe Namath
Buccaneers-Vikings, 1, CBS, James Brown, Gary Fencik
Redskins-Cowboys, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Broncos-49ers, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Dolphins-Raiders, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Jimmy Cefalo
Saints-Chargers, 4, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Steelers-Cardinals, 4, NBC, Gary Gerould, Jon Morris
Monday 10/10:
Giants-Eagles, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 7, 1988 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/16:
Bengals-Patriots, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Cowboys-Bears, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Lions-Giants, 1, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Irv Cross
Packers-Vikings, 1, CBS, James Brown, Gary Fencik
Oilers-Steelers, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Reggie Rucker
Raiders-Chiefs, 1, NBC, Tom Hammond, Joe Namath
Eagles-Browns, 1, CBS, Steve Zabriskie, Will McDonough
Cardinals-Redskins, 1, CBS, Tim Brant, Hank Stram
Buccaneers-Colts, 1, CBS, Jim Nantz, Pat Haden
Falcons-Broncos, 4, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Saints-Seahawks, 4, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Chargers-Dolphins, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Merlin Olsen
49ers-Rams, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Monday 10/17:
Bills-Jets, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 8, 1988 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/23:
Cowboys-Eagles, 1, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Dan Jiggetts
Broncos-Steelers, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Dave Lapham
Lions-Chiefs, 1, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Oilers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Jimmy Cefalo
Raiders-Saints, 1, NBC, Mel Proctor, Joe Namath
Vikings-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Tim Brant, Hank Stram
Patriots-Bills, 1, NBC, Tom Hammond, Jon Morris
Giants-Falcons, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Browns-Cardinals, 4, NBC, Gary Gerould, Reggie Rucker
Colts-Chargers, 4, NBC, Fred Roggin, Jerry Kramer
Jets-Dolphins, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Seahawks-Rams, 4, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Redskins-Packers (Milwaukee), 4, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Monday 10/24:
49ers-Bears, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 9, 1988 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/30:
Falcons-Eagles, 1, CBS, James Brown, Gary Fencik
Bears-Patriots, 1, CBS, Tim Brant, Hank Stram
Bengals-Browns, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Packers-Bills, 1, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Rams-Saints, 1, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw
Dolphins-Buccaneers, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Jimmy Cefalo
Cardinals-Cowboys, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Steelers-Jets, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Paul Maguire
Chiefs-Raiders, 4, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Vikings-49ers, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Giants-Lions, 4, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Chargers-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Jim Donovan, Larry Csonka
Redskins-Oilers, 8, ESPN, Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
WAS-HOU aired on WUSA (CBS 9) in Washington D.C. and KTRK (ABC 13) in Houston
Monday 10/31:
Broncos-Colts, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 10, 1988 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/6:
Cowboys-Giants, 1, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw
Lions-Vikings, 1, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Packers-Falcons, 1, CBS, James Brown, Gary Fencik
Rams-Eagles, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Dolphins-Patriots, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Paul Maguire
Steelers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Jim Donovan, Joe Namath
Buccaneers-Bears, 1, CBS, Tim Brant, Hank Stram
Bills-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Mel Proctor, Merlin Olsen
Chiefs-Broncos, 4, NBC, Gary Gerould, Reggie Rucker
Saints-Redskins, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Jets-Colts, 4, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
49ers-Cardinals, 4, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Raiders-Chargers, 8, ESPN, Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
Rai-SD aired on KTTV (FOX 11) in Los Angeles and KGTV (ABC 10) in San Diego
Monday 11/7:
Browns-Oilers, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 11, 1988 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/13:
Bears-Redskins, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Bengals-Chiefs, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Colts-Packers, 1, NBC, Fred Roggin, Larry Csonka
Patriots-Jets, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Paul Maguire
Eagles-Steelers, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Chargers-Falcons, 1, NBC, Jim Donovan, Jon Morris
Buccaneers-Lions, 1, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw
Browns-Broncos, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Oilers-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Jimmy Cefalo
Raiders-49ers, 4, NBC, Tom Hammond, Joe Namath
Saints-Rams, 4, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Giants-Cardinals, 4, CBS, Tim Brant, Hank Stram
Vikings-Cowboys, 8, ESPN, Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
MIN-DAL aired on KARE (NBC 11). It was blacked out in Dallas
Monday 11/14:
Bills-Dolphins, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 12, 1988 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/20:
Bears-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Bengals-Cowboys, 1, NBC, Jim Donovan, Ken Anderson
Lions-Packers (Milwaukee), 1, CBS, James Brown, Gary Fencik
Colts-Vikings, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Paul Maguire
Jets-Bills, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Cardinals-Oilers, 1, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw
Steelers-Browns, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Jon Morris
Seahawks-Chiefs, 1, NBC, Gary Gerould, Jimmy Cefalo
Falcons-Raiders, 4, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Broncos-Saints, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Eagles-Giants, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Chargers-Rams, 4, NBC, Tom Hammond, Joe Namath
Patriots-Dolphins, 8, ESPN, Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
NE-MIA aired on WCVB (ABC 5) in Boston. It was blacked out in Miami
Monday 11/21:
Redskins-49ers, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 13, 1988 - CBS Doubleheader:
Thursday 11/24:
Vikings-Lions, 12:30, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Oilers-Cowboys, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Sunday 11/27:
Bills-Bengals, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Paul Maguire
Browns-Redskins, 1, NBC, Tom Hammond, Joe Namath
Packers-Bears, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Chiefs-Steelers, 1, NBC, Gary Gerould, Reggie Rucker
Dolphins-Jets, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Cardinals-Eagles, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Buccaneers-Falcons, 1, CBS, Steve Zabriskie, Will McDonough
Rams-Broncos, 4, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw
Patriots-Colts, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Jon Morris
49ers-Chargers, 4, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Giants-Saints, 8, ESPN, Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
NYG-NO aired on WABC (ABC 7) in New York City and WWL (CBS 4) in New Orleans.
Monday 11/28:
Raiders-Seahawks, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 14, 1988 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 12/4:
Bills-Buccaneers, 1, NBC, Gary Gerould, Jimmy Cefalo
Cowboys-Browns, 1, CBS, Jim Nantz, Ken Stabler
Packers-Lions, 1, CBS, Steve Zabriskie, Gary Fencik
Colts-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Fred Roggin, Larry Csonka
Cardinals-Giants, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Chargers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Tom Hammond, Joe Namath
49ers-Falcons, 1, CBS, Tim Brant, Hank Stram
Seahawks-Patriots, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Redskins-Eagles, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Broncos-Raiders, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Saints-Vikings, 4, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw
Jets-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Marv Albert, Paul Maguire
Steelers-Oilers, 8, ESPN, Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
PIT-HOU aired on WPXI (NBC 11) in Pittsburgh and KTRK (ABC 13) in Houston
Monday 12/5:
Bears-Rams, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 15, 1988 - CBS Doubleheader:
Saturday 12/10:
Colts-Jets, 12:30, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Eagles-Cardinals, 4, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw
Sunday 12/11:
Bengals-Oilers, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Jimmy Cefalo
Cowboys-Redskins, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Lions-Bears, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Chiefs-Giants, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Raiders-Bills, 1, NBC, Tom Hammond, Joe Namath
Vikings-Packers, 1, CBS, Steve Zabriskie, Ken Stabler
Buccaneers-Patriots, 1, CBS, Tim Brant, Hank Stram
Falcons-Rams, 4, CBS, James Brown, Gary Fencik
Saints-49ers, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Steelers-Chargers, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Reggie Rucker
Broncos-Seahawks, 8, ESPN, Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
DEN-SEA aired on KUSA (ABC 9) in Denver and KCPQ (FOX 13) in Seattle
Monday 12/12:
Browns-Dolphins, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WEEK 16, 1988 - NBC Doubleheader:
Saturday 12/17:
Redskins-Bengals, 12:30, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
Patriots-Broncos, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Sunday 12/18:
Falcons-Saints, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Dan Fouts
Bills-Colts, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Paul Maguire
Lions-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Greg Gumbel, Ken Stabler
Oilers-Browns, 1, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Dolphins-Steelers, 1, NBC, Tom Hammond, Joe Namath
Giants-Jets, 1, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw
Eagles-Cowboys, 1, CBS, Tim Brant, Hank Stram
Packers-Cardinals, 4, CBS, Tim Ryan, Dan Jiggetts
Chiefs-Chargers, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Dave Rowe
Seahawks-Raiders, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Jimmy Cefalo
Rams-49ers, 8, ESPN, Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann
Ram-SF aired on KTTV (FOX 11) in Los Angeles and KTVU (FOX 2) in San Francisco
Monday 12/19:
Bears-Vikings, 9, ABC, Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf
WILD CARD GAMES:
Saturday 12/24: Oilers-Browns, 1:30, NBC, Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy
Monday 12/26: Rams-Vikings, 2:30, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden, Irv Cross
DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS:
Saturday 12/31:
Eagles-Bears, 12:30, CBS, Verne Lundquist, Terry Bradshaw, Brent Musburger, Will McDonough, Irv Cross
Seahawks-Bengals, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Sunday 1/1:
Oilers-Bills, 12:30, NBC, Marv Albert, Paul Maguire
Vikings-49ers, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Sunday 1/8:
Bills-Bengals, 12:30, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
49ers-Bears, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, John Madden, Irv Cross
SUPER BOWL XXIII from Miami:
Sunday 1/22: Bengals-49ers, 5, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
PRO BOWL from Honolulu:
Sunday 1/29: NFC-AFC, 8, ESPN, Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann, Tom Jackson