FOX play-by-play man and SNY Mets reporter Kevin Burkhardt talks the excitement of calling his first playoff game and breaks down the two NFC matchups with the Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: What was your reaction when FOX told you that you’d be doing a playoff game (Saints-Seahawks)?
A: It’s pretty insane. The whole year has been surreal for me. I know it’s cliché, but it is what I always dreamed of when I was calling Tecmo Bowl games on Nintendo or watching (Pat) Summerall and (John)Madden when I was growing up. Now, I am just so jacked it’s not even funny.
Q: The Seahawks dominated 34-7 when these teams met in Week 13. Do you expect a closer game?
A: I do. The Saints cannot expect to come into Seattle and throw it all over the yard against the best secondary in the world and think they are going to win. If they do run it, I think they have a chance to win. They’ve always been that passing team under Sean Payton, but the last few weeks that’s changed a little bit. They are changing their plan of attack and against Philly it was beautiful. Seattle’s defense the last month has been playing out of their minds, but their offense has come down to earth a little bit.
Q: Down to earth in what way?
A: Russell Wilson had the worst games of his career when the Cardinals upset them in Seattle. Their offensive line has been a little inconsistent and the running game hasn’t been as dominant.
Q: More pressure on Cam Newton or Colin Kaepernick?
A: Definitely Cam Newton. I don’t know what else Kaepernick has to prove. He’s been to the Super Bowl last year and that game in Green Bay in those conditions he was fantastic. The last seven, eight weeks it’s really clicked on to him when to run. Earlier in the year, he would take off after the first read and he’s not doing that anymore. Cam can obviously run, too. But, first playoff game for Newton, they are the No. 2 seed, the place is buzzing with excitement and I think the pressure is on them.
Q: Now that you’ve had this success, are you hoping to land a play-by-play job in baseball, as well?
A: I think the reality is anytime someone comes to you with something different you have to listen. … I can’t sit here and say I have a plan, just right now the way things are … I am lucky and happy and I’ll see where 2014 takes me.