I heard "Jag-Wires" too, which is a common mispronunciation, and it kind of stuck in my head.

Look, I Love Zach. If anyone remembers, I was his biggest fanboy here, as a
player, and a person. He was super cool, when I met him at Training Camp--- I took one of my fav photos ever with him, nice to my kids, and when some of you started criticizing, or saying it was time for him to move on, I was a big defender of Zach, the player. He deserves that Ring, and was a valuable piece of the Saints machine.

As an announcer, I dont believe Zach was the best candidate available for play by play. Im astounded that the WWL would chose a player for play-by-play. You can get away with a player for color, which Zach would have been great for. But Play-by-Play is pretty much you flying the ship, and very few can really pull this off. For one, you need a distinguished, polished voice. I noticed a lack of range in Zach's voice, which is not something you can practice & get better at.

You really need a radio background. Think Jack Buck, Cosell, Milo Hamilton, Harry Kalas--- you need that "This is London" quality, which pierces Am Radio static-- the kind of voice, you can pick out on an interstate at night, driving across country. Your average person doesnt have this, just as your average person cant play right tackle.

Two very notable exceptions come to mind. Pat Summerall and Frank Gifford. These guys were blessed with amazing voices (Im in media, and this is my area of expertise.) quick reference ability, and relatability. But these guys were very rare exceptions.

Even guys we've loved here on air, I believe would suck at Play by Play. Bobby, the late Hokie, and even St. Archie--- great radio "personalities," not great announcers. Steve Korte actually has one of the best voices in the Saints broadcast, but I dont know how fast he can pull references, or how he works on the fly. Christian Garrick (spelling?) Also has one of the more radio-pro voices on the staff.

Zach will improve, if he relaxes, breathes more naturally, chew's what he is saying, and doesnt over-think it. His vocal range, or lack, cant be fixed, and the flat quality can't either. A strong PD (program director) could help him with syntax, rhythm, all the fine points, but the danger would be, if the PD gets TOO much in his head. He must do it in pieces, so Zach's broadcasting will be a long work in progress.

I love Zach, but I dont think he'll ever have that iconic, flavorful sound you want in your am radio football broadcast. I'd love to be wrong on this one.