NFC division playoff game: Carolina Panthers-Arizona Cardinals TV coverage

Best exchange

Leading 17-7 midway through the second quarter and facing fourth and inches deep in Carolina territory, the Cards elected to go for a field goal. Fox analyst Daryl Johnston immediately said, "I don't like this decision,'' and said the Cards needed to put their foot on the Panthers' throat. But partner Tony Siragusa said he liked the call, believing adding points would continue to chip away at the confidence of the Panthers. The two made good arguments in quick fashion, and it was exactly what analyst should do: discuss a topic viewers and armchair quarterbacks are discussing at home.

Worst commercial

Okay, it's official. Those "five-dollar-foot-long'' Subway commercials with the construction workers and office girls have finally gotten on every last nerve.

Best shot

Fox announcer Kenny Albert is a solid pro, but analysts Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa are hit-and-miss and might or might not be your cup of tea. But what sets Fox's NFL coverage apart from others is production and direction. It hardly matters who is announcing. Example: The shots of Carolina QB Jake Delhomme after he threw interceptions, including his one early in the fourth quarter when he buried his face in his hands, say more than any analyst ever could.

Best calling out

Analyst Tony Siragusa tried to make an excuse for Carolina QB Jake Delhomme on an interception in the fourth, saying his line of vision was blocked, partly by an official, and he carelessly threw the ball to a spot in the field. Good for fellow analyst Daryl Johnson to call "baloney'' and say Delhomme simply made a horrible throw.

Final thought

Depending on what happens today, the Chargers and Cardinals could host championship games next weekend. Anyone out there predict that a month ago?