David Archer never criticizes players directly on the air.
Instead, the Falcons radio analyst says, “Let’s say Matt Ryan makes a bad throw. It is not like Matt wanted to make that throw. I say, ‘That is a pass Matt would be the first to say he would really like to have back.’ I don’t need to blow him up and say that was a horrible throw. Tom Brady makes bad throws. They all do. I tend to be a broadcaster that errs on the side of the cup is half full.’’
Archer began his radio and television career with the Canadian Football League in 1997 and today teams with Wes Durham on the Falcons’ radio broadcast and also does a 12:30 p.m. ACC TV football game every Saturday.
He says his strategy on the air comes from his playing days, which included stops in the NFL, CFL and World Football League.
“Unfortunately, it all has to do with money and it seems like the more money a player makes the more heat he gets,’’ Archer said. “I have to remember that the reason I have the job is because I used to play. I can’t forget where I come from. There are some former players out there that want to be sensational and want to say things that are inflammatory. I don’t buy into that. I do want to bring fans into the locker room and share as much information as I can but I do want to be respectful to how hard those people work.’’
Archer said fantasy football has become so popular that many think “the players are just a piece of meat thrown on the field.’’
He added, “A lot of people forget that these guys have real life situations going on in their house. They may be coming home to one kid getting bad grades and another having a problem. Or, he might have a mother that is sick. We have to remember he still has to deal with that stuff away from the game. …
“I choose not to criticize guys. I know how hard it is to play in the league and try to win a championship. I wish people would try to enjoy the game a little more and just watch the great battles you are seeing on the field.’’
About the Author
