The NFL on television brought us lots of new and unusual this season:

Network announcers ripping into the league with unprecedented venom, over the replacement referee fiasco. … NBC’s Bob Costas eliciting Internet animus by advocating gun control. … Fox’s Jay Glazer justifiably blasting an ESPN producer, on Twitter, for attributing one of Glazer’s scoops to “sources.”… Chad Johnson, on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” telling the Dolphins’ security director, in jest: “I promise I’m getting arrested while we’re off” — and then, two weeks later — landing in jail, charged with domestic battery on his wife.

Amid it all, several announcers distinguished themselves. Presenting our 21st annual Griddy Awards:

Play-By-Play

1. Al Michaels / NBC — Remains at the head of the class with his combination of big-game presence, attention to detail, deftness for weaving in anecdotes and diligence in spewing down/distance and who made the tackle quickly after plays.

2. (tie) Jim Nantz / CBS and Mike Tirico / ESPN — Both are exceptional at extracting insight from their analysts by asking them pointed questions. And they’re more opinionated than many play-by-play men — Tirico was sometimes more critical than his broadcast partner, Jon Gruden. And Nantz made several worthy points before Phil Simms could, such as questioning Broncos WR Eric Decker for sliding to the ground after a catch, when saving time wasn’t an issue.

4. (tie) Joe Buck / Fox and Kevin Harlan / CBS — Harlan remains the king of quick dissemination of information such as lineup changes and defensive backs in coverage. … Buck is the classic play-by-play technician: sharp, alert, with commanding pipes and presence.

Honorable mention: CBS’ Ian Eagle, NFL Network’s Brad Nessler, Fox’s Kenny Albert and Thom Brennaman.

Game analysts