As usual, ESPN will kick off its “Monday Night Football” schedule with a doubleheader. What’s not so usual is that the cable network will have its brand-new “A” team covering the later game.
That would be Monday’s clash between the Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Rams, set for a 7:15 p.m. (PT) kickoff at the Coliseum. Earlier in the evening, ESPN will carry the Jets-Lions game in Detroit (4:10 p.m.).
ESPN clearly believes the nightcap carries more must-see allure with Jon Gruden, the network’s former color analyst, returning to coach the Raiders against a Rams team considered to be a strong postseason contender.