I'm Really Surprised by the lack of Support for WEEI here, I have been very dissapointed in the Sports Hub so far:
-D&C v. Toucher & Rich: I concur with the majority that both shows have major flaws, but at least Callahan, whetther you like his politics or not, is knowledgeable about Sports, particulary about football and the Pats. T & R sound like those kids in school who'd try to be cool by talking about sports but its obvious they don't what your talking about.
-Dale & Holley v. Tanguay & Zolak: Clear advantage WEEI. Tanguay is a panic button artist and they focus on irrelevant, yet negative topics incessantly, such their endless discussions about Laurence Maroney and the running game (The Pats always find a way to run the ball, relax, etc.) I can just see Tanguay in the radio booth with his eyes bulging, flipping out for no reason. Zolak is good, but Dale & Holley are together are very balanced, articulate, and i really enjoy their interviews with Pats players.
-Big Show v. Felger and Mazz: The Big Show has its flaws as well, but Ordway, Shepperd, and their football guests do really know football and the Pats well, and their interviews with BB are really insightful. I usually like Felger when he isn't being over-the-top contrarian and he also really knows the Pats. But teaming him w/ Mazz was a terrible idea. Mazz is overly negative, hates fans, hates BB and the Pats, and has a voice made for Al-Quaeda members @ Gitmo. 98.5 needs to pair Felger with a more calm and hoemrish type to even him out and then maybe they'll have some.
-Mikey v. DA. Mikey at least is funny, you just have to accept the fact that he will tal only Red Sox and Yankees and laugh at his drunk callers. But this DA guy sucks, particulary about the Pats. He reminds me of national writers from 03-04 who didn't "get" the Pats. He is another running game worry-wart, and like most of 98.5, is clearly taking an over-negative view on the pats just to incite callers.
-I also like WEEI's NFL pre-game show much better. Dale, Holley, Fauria (who really provides good insight on the Pats preparation and outlook from his 02-05 days) and Chris Price are much better than the Tanguay, Gresh, and Zolak team on 98.5
-Overall, WEEI-despite some flaws-is still clearly better than the competition. Not every segment on every show is going to please everyone, but WEEI is consistently more insightful and entertaining (much less often head-pounding annoying) than 98.5.
-The best Pats related programming is still the Patriots.com Radio programming on Tuesdays thru Thursdays. PFW in Progress "gets" the team at a much higher level than anyone else, and Patriots Playbook is good when John Rooke IS NOT hosting.