Of all the off-season personnel moves that have reshaped (if only slightly) the on-air lineups for networks covering the NFL, none rivals the addition of former NFL vice president for officiating Mike Pereira at Fox Sports.
After a guest column for Fox Sports online in June, when he argued that Major League Baseball should follow the NFL's lead in the use of replay, Pereira officially joined Fox Sports in late June.
He made his full-fledged debut during the opening weekend of NFL action. His presence was important, too.
With the controversial non-touchdown catch in the Lions-Giants game, and with a late game incomplete pass/fumble ruling in the Falcons-Steelers game, Pereira was able to share his expertise about a couple of meaningful moments. And, after a dozen years in charge of the NFL's 120 game officials he has plenty of expertise to share.
Fox Sports officials had planned to incorporate Pereira in quick installments. He was able to observe games from the network's control center in Los Angeles and offer insights and interpretations when necessary.
It was a wonderful idea, but it was a bit clunky at times during the first week. A time lag in the on-air hookup prompted some cumbersome delays when he was on air. Plus, thanks to his experience on the NFL Network, he was able to make clear, concise points without needing as much time as TV had allowed.
Still, Pereira's debut was a resounding success, and Fox Sports wisely complemented his efforts during Sunday games with an online column that allowed him to look at specific instances from several games at one time. That forum -- http://msn.foxsports.com/writer/Mike_Pereira -- provides a glimpse at what the network should strive to allow him to accomplish on TV, too. When Pereira worked for the NFL Network, his more in-depth on-air segments sometimes proved especially interesting.
Fox Sports might not have that time to spare week to week, especially on busy game Sundays, but it should find a way to feature Pereira a bit more. Every week might not be as eventful as the opening week, but no week will be completed without the need for some sort of rules interpretation.
A stand-alone officiating segment quarterly during the season would be enjoyable. At worst, a one-time segment should come during the midpoint of the season -- or perhaps Thanksgiving Day when more casual fans might be watching. Pereira does what he does well, explaining rules interpretations and offering insights into on-field procedures.
Because he was an employee of the league for so long, it might take a while for him to ever be critical of officials or the league, or even outspoken about officiating issues or trends. But if Pereira can just offer insights about what happens, and why it happens, in terms of officiating, it will produce some good TV moments.