NFL games on television need to change their standard camera angle across all networks and broadcast partners to give fans a better viewing experience.
The broadcasting camera angle should be addressed because it has been an issue for a long time and needs improvements.
Currently, the camera zooms in and follows wherever the ball is each play.
For fans, not seeing the entire field of play can be frustrating.
Fans are left wondering who is open as the play develops. Fans wonder if a defensive breakdown or miscommunication led to a walk-in touchdown.
Fans are left wondering what type of coverage the secondary is running. Are they in man or zone coverage?
Fans want to know how a wide receiver got open downfield or what technique the cornerback used to blanket their assignment.
The standard broadcast often shows replays from a wider angle (sometimes in slow motion) so fans can see the entire play develop.
But fans should see the routes and coverages develop downfield in real-time as part of the full viewing experience.
In the past, the NFL has provided a sample size of a camera angle where viewers can see the entire field of play.
In the last few years, Thursday Night Football (broadcasted by Amazon) has provided multiple viewing options through Prime Video. One of their options is called “Prime Vision.”
Prime Vision provides a full view of all 22 players on every play.
In 2017, NBC tested a “SkyCam” view of the playing field during a Steelers-Titans game. This angle provided the action developing downfield — such as the routes and coverages — from a quarterback’s perspective.
These angles allow viewers to see the full play develop. Viewers can see how the wide receiver created separation or the technique that the cornerback used to cover the wide receiver.
One option called “All-22” is a subscription that costs $50.
All-22 allows fans to see the entire field on every play after the game ends.
There should be no reason for fans to pay for something broadcasts can easily fix to make games more viewable.
Look at this play for instance.
https://twitter.com/PranavSriraman/status/1773794614404587782
Travis Kelce is lined up and in the frame. As soon as the play starts, Kelce runs his route and is out of the frame.
Once the ball leaves Patrick Mahomes‘ hands, the camera follows the ball, and all of a sudden, Kelce is back in the frame and he’s wide open for a catch.
This can leave fans wondering how Kelce created separation. And it also leaves fans wondering if the Baltimore Ravens were in man or zone coverage.
Sometimes, pregame-show analysts discuss a particular matchup between two key players from both teams.
For instance, they could talk about the matchup between a wide receiver who is top five in receiving yards and a cornerback who is top five in pass deflections.
And it’s frustrating that fans won’t be able to see the key matchup later in the game.
The NFL and its television broadcast partners can solve this ongoing problem for fans.
Leave a comment