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Cowboys-Bucs was not a great night for Al Michaels

Al Michaels’ Thursday Night Football call of the Dallas Cowboys’ 24-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 sparked renewed debate about the veteran broadcaster’s fit for prime-time NFL play-by-play. The Bucs, led by undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels, stunned the Cowboys in a game that should have been a walkover for Dallas, given their heavy underdog status.

Michaels’ commentary faced criticism for mixed messaging—dismissing the game as a ‘must-win’ for Dallas while simultaneously calling it a ‘can’t-lose’ contest—while fans also demanded more energy and insight on key plays, including Bucky Irving’s breakaway run and Tez Johnson’s wide-open reception. The broadcast’s climax came in the fourth quarter, when Michaels’ analysis of Tampa Bay’s controversial fourth-and-goal attempt—an ill-advised touchdown drive instead of a field goal—further fueled backlash, leaving viewers questioning whether his sharpness has faded alongside his legendary status.

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