NETS BROADCASTER IS ONE EAGLE-EYED PATRIOTS OBSERVER
Ian Eagle may be the Nets’ television play-byplay man, but he’s probably known more in the Boston area for his work on CBS’ NFL broadcasts. He’s worked a number of Patriots games, and let’s just say he knows the way to Foxboro well.
“The last couple of years, we’ve been up there quite a bit,” said Eagle, who has followed the AFC Super Bowl representative closely. “It’s a tremendous scene, and you know you’re going to get some intrigue, just the way they play. And their style is such that every week is different.”
Eagle gave an idea of the task facing the Falcons tonight when he said, “Even as a play-by-play man, you anticipate certain things, but with the Patriots, you have to be ready for someone else to emerge. The week before, LeGarrette Blount could get 24 carries, then the week you get the game (assignment), James White could be the focal point.
“When you get Patriots games, as a broadcaster, you know you’re going to get a little bit of drama that comes along with it, so you prepare yourself for everything that surrounds a Patriots game.”
And Eagle has a strong appreciation for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady after dealing with the two in the private prep meetings granted to network broadcasters on the eve of games.
“Belichick, Brady ... this is not the norm in the NFL,” Eagle said. “When you sit down with Tom Brady, there’s a different vibe in that production meeting. He’s incredibly thoughtful, and it’s not on automatic pilot. He actually listens to the question and formulates an answer. He’s a different kind of guy from the usual we talk to.”
But for all his time up here, Eagle remains the guy from New York. He hasn’t taken to dropping his R’s or anything.
“No,” he said with a laugh. “I mean, I enjoy saying ‘chow-dah,’ but beyond that, no, I’m very cognizant of maintaining my nondescript accent.”