Chris Simms
Chris Simms, the lead NFL analyst at Bleacher Report, talks about calling his first game (BengalsTitans) on CBS this week and the role his dad played in his broadcasting career with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: Any nerves doing the first game at CBS?
A: My work at Bleacher Report made preparing for the announcing game very easy. I’m here watching film all day, every day. I am basically a fan’s GM. I am not going to say I know everything about all 32 teams, but I do know a whole lot. I just feel very prepared. I am excited just to get onto the game and pass along some knowledge to the viewer.
Q: Did your dad, Phil, give you any advice when you started calling college games for Fox Sports?
A: He definitely taught me how to prepare for some of these games, having notes ready for certain players, what’s useful, what’s not. Reminding me not get too complex with what I talk about because the average fan might not get some of the technical stuff.
Q: Do you feel like you had to prove yourself because of who your dad is?
A: There are people that feel that way. I don’t feel that way. I don’t put any pressure on myself to prove to the fans. This is something I have dealt with my whole life. People said that same thing when I was playing and I am sure there are people now that are saying, “he only got a job at CBS because of who his dad is.” It’s not the truth and I know that. I work extremely hard at what I do. I am extremely knowledgeable and I think the people that I talk to around the NFL would all say the same things.
Q: Your one year coaching was with the Patriots. How was it working under Bill Belichick?
A: It’s an unbelievable grind working as a coach, especially under coach Belichick. Just to see the daytoday workings of the Patriots and the brilliance that he brings — not only from the X’s and O’s side, but from the personnel side — that was one area that I did really and truly gain a great deal of knowledge.
Q: What are the biggest surprises in the first two weeks of the season?
A: The Bills being 20 is a big deal. They are a team that I thought could be really good, but I questioned if they could win with EJ Manuel and they’ve shown they can the first two weeks. The 49ers are a 11 team that really had an unimpressive loss to the Bears and a misleading win against the Cowboys. That game was closer than the score.