The Steelers were orchestrating maybe their best offensive possession of the season, taking up almost the entire third quarter for a touchdown drive that effectively put the game out of reach for the Panthers.
Yet, CBS play-by-play man Greg Gumbel couldn’t get the quarterback’s name right. Mitch Trubisky was under center for the Steelers, starting in place of Kenny Pickett, who was out with a concussion. But at least five times, Gumbel misidentified Trubisky.
Gumbel kept identifying Trubisky as Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold, and nobody corrected him, including his partner, Adam Archuleta.
It was amateur hour for CBS’ D-team.
Gumbel, 76, has enjoyed a great sports broadcasting career. He’s called two Super Bowls, multiple Olympic Games, and a myriad of MLB and NBA postseason contests. But at this point, it’s apparent his best days are long behind him.
At numerous times over the last couple of seasons, he’s been unable to keep pace with the action on the field. Last year, for example, Gumbel kept screwing up details and names of players when calling Panthers-Patriots.
Earlier this season, Gumbel woefully misjudged a Pickett interception, incorrectly saying the intended target, Chase Claypool, was wide open (he was not).
On Sunday, Gumbel didn’t keep his mistakes to the quarterback position. He also called Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard “Chuba Howard.”
Gumbel may sill be able to read the front of players’ jerseys. But he seemingly struggles to see the back.