ESPN Changes Horribly Ill-Conceived MNF Graphic at Halftime
In the world of television graphics, sometimes less is more.
It's also wise not to overthink things too much or ignore the obvious, a lesson ESPN sometimes fails to grasp.
For reasons we're still struggling to comprehend, the sharp minds on board the Mothership decided to make their Monday Night Football down-&-distance graphic penalty-flag yellow.
The befuddled feedback began almost immediately:
Looking at ESPN’s yellow downs counter trying to figure out if it’s a flag or just the next down pic.twitter.com/VXybMW1rWf
— SI Extra Mustard (@SI_ExtraMustard) September 9, 2019
Like 80 percent of my timeline has complained about the ESPN down and distance marker being bright yellow and therefore looking like the usual graphic for “the ref threw a flag” and I really have no idea how multiple people looked at that and approved it.
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) September 9, 2019
RT this if you want @ESPN to change the color of the down and distance graphic on MNF.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) September 9, 2019
We must stop this horrendous yellow penalty flag pump fake.
Social media frequently nurtures our worst instincts, but every so often it can do some genuine good.
The Worldwide Leader accepted the criticism and acted accordingly, removing the confusing yellow graphic at halftime as tense Saints and Texans fans let out a contented sigh of relief.
Breaking: ESPN is switching away from the new Down-And-Distance graphic it debuted in the first half of Monday Night Football. ESPN heard the fans’ feedback and acted, quick.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 10, 2019
Our ESPN production team is aware of the feedback on the #MNF down and distance graphic. We have called an audible and adjusted for the 2nd half of #HOUvsNO and for the #DENvsOAK game to follow. New look pictured here. pic.twitter.com/SWLKKuW87w
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) September 10, 2019
Bravo, sir.
The difference is striking.
A look at the before and after Monday Night Football down and distance graphic. ESPN heard viewer complaints and made a change pic.twitter.com/MM0g6GgllH
— Larry Brown Sports (@larrybrownsport) September 10, 2019
The short-lived graphic will be appropriately mourned.
rip ESPN's neon down-and-distance graphic
— SB Nation (@SBNation) September 10, 2019
9/9/19 7:00PM ET - 9/9/19 8:55PM ET pic.twitter.com/YuFunt2N3L
It didn't quite have the staying power of a BoogerMobile or Jason Witten's broadcasting career.