Jim Turner
September 12, 2010
There are plenty of NFL talking heads to choose from on Sunday
but who really stands out of the pack as the guys that give you the most
substance? Turner Sports Desk ranks the analysts that add insight to your
Sundays.
1. 
Marshall
Faulk – Marshall is not the most flamboyant guy but as he explains his views
you get the feeling that he is three steps ahead of everyone else like a
champion chess player. Faulk can be brutal with his analysis but that asset
alone makes him refreshing.
2.
Warren
Sapp – Sapp definitely found his second calling after crushing QBs. He gets
you fired up, he has substance and he will call players and coaches out that
are not getting it done. Sapp was very entertaining on the field and now he may
be better as a studio analyst.
3. 
Steve
Young – Although Steve Young is on a relatively lame ESPN set he stands out
as a guy that gets it. He is prepared, sharp and his knowledge of the game
shows when he speaks. If you have a matchup with QBs he gives you a great
perspective from the mind of a QB. They took Young out of the studio and the
ESPN shows are barely watchable now.
4.
Sterling
Sharpe – Sterling is one of the best in the business. He is interesting,
thoughtful and he validates his opinions with videotape.
5. 
Brian
Billick – Billick is great at bringing you the game or a matchup from a
coach’s perspective. He is smart and not as annoyingly arrogant as he was when
coaching.
6.
Mark
Schlereth – Stink is not on a Sunday morning show but he is on NFL Live and
other shows in which he shows he is very fluent in football. There is no one
better at explaining the game from the perspective of an offensive lineman.
7.
Michael
Irvin – Michael Irvin would be higher on this list if he were less of a
Cowboys homer. Troy Aikman is a very good game color analyst because he calls
it like it is and does not favor the Cowboys in every game. Obviously Michael
has not gotten the memo that he is not on the Cowboys Public Relations staff.
Michael has the knowledge, the emotion and he can communicate well but he needs
to elevate his game beyond being just a Cowboys cheerleader.
8. 
Howie
Long – Howie does his homework, he knows his stuff and he does not favor
anyone. On a pretty lame Fox studio set Howie stands out as a guy that is a
professional.
9.
Shannon
Sharpe – Easily the most loquacious on this list the future hall of famer
knows the game and communicates it beautifully.
10.
Charlie
Casserly – The Former Redskins and Texans General Manager is an awesome
analyst. He excels at bringing you the view from the front office. Casserly has
never been afraid to make the tough decision and he carries that to the
Studio. Casserly knows his business and
he is great at the details the average fan does not see.