ManningCast rebounds dramatically, but overall MNF numbers dip due to no ABC simulcast

Monday night’s Falcons-Eagles game brought a mixed bag from the folks who measure TV audiences. The ManningCast on ESPN2 dramatically rebounded from last week’s if-we-don’t-put-it-in-the-press-release-it-didn’t-happen all-time low of 872,000 viewers . Last night, the ESPN2 number shot to 1.

34 millon. Given the absence of an ABC simulcast, however, the total audience fell sharply, from 20.5 million in Week 1 to 15.



038 million. It’s still not clear why the Week 1 ManningCast dropped as far as it did. Not having the DirecTV audience surely was a factor.

Last night’s alternate broadcast benefited from the frank, blunt criticism from the Mannings and fourth-quarter guest Matt Ryan in real time, regarding the Eagles’ decision to throw a pass on third and three, late in the game..