Many refer to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs as the "best weekend" of the season, and that usually proves true -- with four quality games, eight good teams and the fact that winners move one victory closer to the Super Bowl.At this time of the year, weather sometimes plays a role in games as well, making compelling visuals with cold temperatures, rain or snow. This season, that probably will not be the case, because three games take place in domes and the other kicks off in seemingly always-sunny-and-warm San Diego.
So that leaves the broadcast booth as the only place for potentially sloppy conditions this weekend -- and Fox's crew of Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa might be up for the challenge. While a three-person booth works well in some cases, and especially on "Monday Night Football" with John Gruden's debut this season -- Fox's three-person effort often seems uncomfortable.
This weekend, Albert/Johnston/Siragusa call Cardinals at Saints (4:30 p.m. Saturday, Fox).Although Albert has clear talent and Johnston and Siragusa bring knowledge, the two-in-the-booth, one-on-the-field approach sometimes makes them feel disjointed to viewers. And it's hard to tell how serious they are about what's happening at times.
Other weekend assignments are:
-- Ravens at Colts (8:15 p.m. Saturday, CBS): Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
-- Cowboys at Vikings (1 p.m. Sunday, Fox): Joe Buck/Troy Aikman
-- Jets at Chargers (4:30 p.m., CBS): Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
In terms of weather, ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd said only fans want cold or snow, anyway. Late in his nationally syndicated show Friday, Cowherd said good weather ensures better games and rewards sophisticated schemes and superior talent.
Finally, a Penn State alumnus will help shape how people view one of the weekend's biggest games. Rich Russo, a longtime director for Fox Sports, will help lead the behind-the-scenes team that shapes all the scenes people see on TV, while working the Cowboys-Vikings game.