The NFL Network sent out a press release this morning indicating that Thursday Night Football will now be called by Brad Nessler, with color commentary by Mike Mayock. Bob Papa and Joe Theismann will remain with the NFL Network in other capacities. I don't know what Matt Millen will be doing, and given my general disdain for the announcing abilities of Millen and Theismann, I don't really care.
Apparently Gus Johnson was under consideration for the play-by-play role, but the NFL Network decided Nessler would be a better fit with Mayock. Apparently the Network actually decided on Mayock as the color guy first, and then figured out the play-by-play guy based on who would work best with Mayock.
I have to say that I'm a fan of this move. Anything is an upgrade over Theismann, and while Bob Papa certainly wasn't as bad as some play-by-play guys, I think Nessler will be a significant upgrade. What do you think about the new Thursday Night crew? The 49ers will face the Ravens on Thanksgiving night, so if you don't normally watch Thursday Night Football, you'll at least have an opportunity to check out the new crew then.
I've posted the entire Thursday Night Football schedule after the jump.
NFL Network 2011 Thursday Night Football Schedule
Week 10: Thursday, November 10 at 8:00 PM ET
Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers
Week 11: Thursday, November 17 at 8:00 PM ET
New York Jets at Denver Broncos
Week 12: Thursday, November 24 at 8:00 PM ET
San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens (Thanksgiving)
Week 13: Thursday, December 1 at 8:00 PM ET
Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks
Week 14: Thursday, December 8 at 8:00 PM ET
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 15: Thursday, December 15 at 8:00 PM ET
Jacksonville Jaguars at Atlanta Falcons
Week 15: Saturday, December 17 at 8:00 PM ET
Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 16: Thursday, December 22 at 8:00 PM ET