ESPN is set to launch an innovative data-driven alternative broadcast for two upcoming “Monday Night Football” games, as the popular ManningCast won’t return until Week 18. The new broadcast, titled “MNF Playbook with Next Gen Stats,” will premiere on Monday featuring the matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts. It will also be available on the ESPN app, and will subsequently air for the Rams-Falcons game in Week 17.
This alternative broadcast aims to enhance the viewing experience by using the All-22 camera view, delivering real-time data, advanced metrics, and commentary that is heavily influenced by analytics, thanks to the collaboration with the NFL’s Next Gen Stats and Adrenaline’s TruPlay AI. Adrenaline is a company co-founded by former NFL player Sean Lee, emphasizing its ties to the sport.
In Weeks 16 and 17, fans will see former NFL player Luke Kuechly, who is currently a radio commentator for Panthers games in Charlotte, teaming up with ESPN analysts Dan Orlovsky and Field Yates from the network’s headquarters in Bristol. Following these weeks, a diverse group of ESPN commentators, including Mike Monaco, Tim Hasselbeck, and Chase Daniel, will rotate into the booth alongside analytics specialists Brian Burke or Seth Walder, providing expert insights each week.
The introduction of this alt-cast marks an exciting evolution in sports broadcasts, aiming to deliver a more immersive and information-rich viewing experience. As the NFL continues to embrace technology and analytics, initiatives like the “MNF Playbook” promise to deepen fans’ engagement and understanding of the game.