Highlights
- Cris Collinsworth’s 49ers bias in the Cowboys-49ers game sparked fan criticism.
- Collinsworth praised Dallas’s defense despite the 49ers taking an early lead.
- The 49ers faced injuries, with Brandon Aiyuk out for the season and Deebo Samuel hospitalized.
- Fans found Collinsworth’s comments disconnected from the game’s flow.
- NBC extended Collinsworth’s contract despite criticism from viewers.
- Collinsworth earns $12.5 million annually, less than Tony Romo and Tom Brady.
NFL fans didn’t hold back their opinions during the Cowboys-49ers game on October 27. Many viewers expressed frustration over Cris Collinsworth’s perceived bias towards Dallas.
Despite the 49ers taking an early 3-0 lead with Anders Carlson’s impressive 50-yard field goal, Collinsworth’s analysis kept focusing on the Cowboys’ struggling defense.
Fans found this odd, given Dallas entered Week 8 with the 31st-ranked scoring defense under their new coordinator, Mike Zimmer.
NBC’s decision to extend Collinsworth’s contract through the 2029-2030 season shows their faith in him, but fans aren’t convinced.
During this prime-time showdown, some Twitter users felt that Collinsworth was “glazing” Dallas’s defense
. One viewer humorously commented, “Is this announcer a pro-Cowboys guy?” Meanwhile, another fan didn’t mince words, stating, “Cris Collinsworth called the Dallas defense good when in reality, the 49ers offense is just not performing.”
Fans Question Analysis During Key Moments
Collinsworth’s commentary felt off to many viewers during the game’s critical moments. Even as the 49ers led 13-10 in the second half, Collinsworth’s comments continued to center around Dallas’s defensive play.
The 49ers were already dealing with injuries, missing key players like Brandon Aiyuk, who was out for the season due to a knee injury, and Deebo Samuel, who was hospitalized with pneumonia.
Yet, Isaac Guerendo’s touchdown after George Kittle’s jaw-dropping 43-yard catch got less attention than expected from the veteran broadcaster.
This isn’t the first time Collinsworth’s analysis sparked fan reactions. Just two weeks prior, he was criticized for praising Brian Burns’s hard-hitting sack on Bengals’ Joe Burrow, even as Burrow left for medical evaluation.
NBC’s Commitment Amidst Fan Backlash
Despite the criticism, NBC seems unfazed, doubling down on Collinsworth with a $12.5 million annual deal.
This investment is notable but still falls short compared to Fox’s $37.5 million commitment to Tom Brady or CBS’s $18 million for Tony Romo. Even Greg Olsen, Fox’s once top commentator, now earns a reduced $3 million.
Fans questioning the network’s decision have been vocal, pointing out that Collinsworth’s recent commentary feels “out of touch” with what’s happening on the field. NBC’s decision to extend his contract underscores the network’s belief in his experience.
However, Drew Brees’ unsuccessful run as Collinsworth’s potential successor shows NBC is sticking to its veteran despite the chatter.
Social Media Reactions Say It All
Throughout the game, social media buzzed with fan reactions, most calling out the commentator’s “next-level glazing” of Dallas’s defense.
For many, it wasn’t just one-off comments; it was a pattern in Collinsworth’s broadcasting that seemed disconnected from the game’s flow.
His emphasis on Dallas’s defense didn’t sit well with fans who expected a more balanced analysis, especially with the 49ers dealing with several crucial injuries.
Cris Collinsworth’s 49ers Bias is becoming a recurring theme among Sunday Night Football viewers. Despite fan backlash, NBC’s support suggests Collinsworth’s voice will remain a part of the NFL’s biggest games, at least until 2030.
