"Asking and answering NFL TV queries:

• What are the most significant NFL changes? The three that most interest this viewer: Marv Albert succeeds Gus Johnson on one of CBS' regional broadcast teams; Brad Nessler and Mike Mayock replace Bob Papa, Matt Millen and Joe Theismann on NFL Network's late-season Thursday night package. And, oh yes, Chad Pennington joins Fox as a game analyst.

• How good can Pennington be?

Very, if he says what he thinks and doesn't worry about angering current players or coaches (something that might be an issue because he hasn't ruled out playing again). Pennington, who will call eight to 10 games with Sam Rosen, has a lot going for him: He's witty and likable. As a player, he answered questions cogently, intelligently and, when necessary, in great detail.

Pennington, who is taking a year off after knee surgery before deciding whether to play again, said TV is appealing because "my degree is in broadcast journalism, and I have always had an interest in sports journalism. I felt that exploring a color analyst position would allow me to stay involved on game day and be a part of the game."

Pennington said "my goal is to have a conversation with the viewer, inform the fan on what they're seeing and why. Accentuate great plays and performances. Be truthful but understand the difficulty of the task."

What's his comfort level with criticizing coaches and players?

"Instead of criticizing an error, talk about the great play made on the other side of the ball," he said. "When there's an interception thrown, there's also a good play made by the defender or a good scheme."

• Why did Gus "Screaming" Johnson leave CBS? He didn't like CBS' contract offer and decided instead to become the voice of college football for Fox and its cable network, FX. Johnson and partner Charles Davis will work a few NFL games when Fox needs them.

But CBS found a first-rate replacement in Albert, who will be paired with Rich Gannon."