Written By: A.J. McDaniel

The NFL has opened up a new way for the public to view the game: The “Sky Cam.” Anyone that has ever played Madden knows the way the game is displayed to be almost like a third person ball handler view. Now, this angle is going to be broadcasted over live airwaves.

 This angle has been shot for several years but is usually kept for highlights, post-game, and edited for analysis to give the viewer the view that the Quarterback has.

The NFL used this process a few weeks back on October 22nd for a night time matchup in Foxborough Massachusetts, when a thick fog rolled in and made it impossible for the heightened sideline cam to see the field. Thinking quick on his feet, Sunday Night Football producer Fred Guadelli switched over to the sky cam in order to adjust to the weather conditions.

The camera sat seven yards deep and about 5 yards high in order to make a real-life Madden. For people that love Madden this will make a video game-like experience in the real world. It is not a coincidence for the NFL to use this past week as its game to feature this. This game feature two of the NFL’s top performing running backs Le’Veon Bell and Demarco Murray.

Le’Veon is a very patient and quick burst runner with an incredible offensive line that always opens the holes that he hits like a world class sprinter. Demarco Murray on the other hand is a quick break to the outside running back that is always looking to make a big gain and knows how to get it done. The NFL wants to utilize this matchup to showcase two of the NFL’s most dominant running styles.

The NFL is also looking to use this as a stunt to raise their views. Ever since the kneeling protest that took place in September the NFL’s ratings have been in the toilet and have to find a way to get out. Hopefully, this will start to bring them back to the top of the ratings board.