SkyCam has fans in uproar during Steelers-Titans game
Thursday night's Steelers game has much of the television-viewing public angry.
The broadcast of the game against Tennessee Titans on NBC and NFL Network was billed as something as a test for the SkyCam view for the TV audience. The angle of the action has been coming for much of the game from behind the quarterback and of the offense advancing "up" the screen – not unlike the "Madden" video game franchise .
Judging by some of the social-media reaction, it hasn't exactly been a hit with viewers.
Hate hate hate this skycam crap! Love playing Madden but hate this view in real life. #TENvsPIT #TNF
" Topher York (@TopherYork) November 17, 2017
One Twitter user even created a brand-new platform just to vent his hatred:
@NFL @SNFonNBC I made a twitter account just to tell you how much I HATE skycam. It makes the game unwatchable! #skycam #TENvsPIT #TNF
" Stop SkyCam (@StopSkycamNow) November 17, 2017
I already hate this skycam with every bone in my body.
" Brad Hulker (@Brad_Hulker) November 17, 2017
I #millennial hate this #skycam view pic.twitter.com/LcG8E83a8a
" Trent (@big_pittman) November 17, 2017
" John Wick (@wxstr1964) November 17, 2017
Nay...can't see the depth or tell yards gained...
" Joe Compitello (@compyesquire) November 17, 2017
#skycam ... Garbage. Will not watch like this
" Aaron Phillips (@Aphill) November 17, 2017
Horrible angle hate watching it from this one
" Blake Robinson (@BlakeR704) November 17, 2017
Nay. There's a reason 50 yard line seats are coveted. Motions sickness and sucky angle gonna ruin the game
" Tory Moore (@electrodivanyc) November 17, 2017
Certain plays yes. Every play from scrimmage? God awful
" Reuben Lopez (@reubenlopezz) November 17, 2017
The reception wasn't all negative, though:
#SkyCam is great, they should use it more often than not. Really enjoy seeing the play develop on the different levels. #TENvsPIT #NFL
" J (@Justweeterin) November 17, 2017
ESPN's Damien Woody touted its advantages:
You're literally getting to see how players are reading things with this camera angle #TNF
" Damien Woody (@damienwoody) November 17, 2017
Former Steeler Trai Essex asked viewers to keep an open mind:
I know this camera view is different for everyone, but I ask that since you have to deal with it tonight, take advantage of what new things you can see with it. See how the QB maneuvers in the pocket. Watch how the OL holds up on blocks. Watch holes open up for RBs! #TNF
" Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) November 17, 2017
LOVE it. If you know the game this is the best way to watch.
" Clifford L Freedom (@CliffFreedom) November 17, 2017
The viewing angle Thursday has not been all SkyCam, all the time. NBC — which runs production of the game — has switched back to the more traditional sideline view at times during Steelers-Titans.
Chris Adamski is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at cadamski@tribweb.com or via Twitter @C_AdamskiTrib.
