Kirk Herbstreit has Al Michaels’ back.
Herbstreit slammed critics of his “Thursday Night Football” broadcast partner leading into the Week 13 matchup between the Cowboys and Seahawks in Arlington.
“He hears the noise. I don’t think he’s like, ‘I’ll show them. I’m gonna really bring it this week.’ He’s definitely not doing that,” Herbstreit said on Tuesday’s “Pardon My Take” podcast. “He has more of an eff-you attitude about it, than ‘I’m going to show them.’ He thinks it’s a bunch of bulls–t. I think it’s a bunch of bulls–t. And I think it’s just a narrative that social media’s kind of running with.”
Michaels has come under fire in his second season calling Thursday games for Amazon Prime Video, including the first Black Friday game between the Jets and Dolphins.
There are some who opine that Michaels seems disinterested and just doesn’t pack the same punch that he did in his “Sunday Night Football” or “Monday Night Football” announcing days.
Herbstreit bluntly acknowledged that these Thursday night games just don’t live up to the hype or match the drama of the other prime-time games.
“Al, when he would do ‘Sunday Night Football’ or ‘Monday Night Football’, those games were massive. You’re doing big games and your voice projects based on the setting that you’re in,” Herbstreit said. “These Thursday night games, they’re good, they’re good atmospheres, but I don’t think they’re at the level of these Sunday night games or when I’m doing the Saturday night games.
“I think your voice always matches with what you’re doing.”
Herbstreit, who is also the top analyst for ESPN’s college football coverage, said he believes the narrative stems from two games last season: The Jaguars’ come-from-behind win over the Chargers in the wild-card round and the snoozefest between the Colts and Broncos during the regular season.
Pundits criticized Michaels for not being more excited as the Jaguars won on a walk-off field goal, and he openly acknowledged the terribleness of that Broncos-Colts game.
“It’s almost like they’re using those two examples to say: ‘Al Michaels hates Thursday night, Al Michaels has lost it,’” Herbstreit said. “As the guy sitting next to him. I’m his biggest fan of all-time going back to the 1980s Olympics and to be working with him is very surreal.
“I’ve noticed Al Michaels is very much like me. When the game warrants excitement, he brings excitement.”
Michaels previously defended his broadcasting enthusiasm to The Post.
“I don’t think I’m a lot different than I have been through the years,” Michaels told The Post. “And if people you know want to say that, ‘Al doesn’t sound as excited.’ Hold on a second, folks. I’m doing the same game I’ve always done.”
Herbstreit, who has defended Michaels before, still believes his partner has that passion for the industry.
Stream the game live on Thursday night on Amazon Prime Video
“He’s really enjoying, I think, our crew and what we’re doing and what we have to work with on Thursday night,” Herbstreit said. “To be at his age, I marvel at what he does. I’m not just telling you guys that. A producer’s talking in his ear, he’s always recognizing and (identifying), typically the right guy every time.
“At his age, I’m blown away by him. I’m not just saying that to defend the guy. I’m being honest with you guys.”