The eye has it.(Remote Patrol)(analysis of efforts to broadcast the Super Bowl on television)

Parity dies hard, even among Super Bowl telecasters. The big game will be on CBS for the 15th time, tying the late, great NBC for most chances to gorge at the annual smorgasbord of viewers, revenue and seven-hour pregames. But what if a network--same as the teams and the zebras--had to earn the trip based on performance?

On merit, ABC should be in the Super Bowl; Michaels-Madden and the production were brilliant. On every given Sunday, FOX won on visuals and infotainment, and ESPN's presentation was smartest (alas, it's ineligible for the title since it is cable, and if a Super Bowl ever leaves free TV, martial law must be declared). Which left CBS hoping to luck into a wild-card if the Cardinals upset the Vikings.

What's laudatory about The Eye's leitmotif: Phil Simms' high-protein analysis. Boomer Esiason, who will slave for hours on The Super Bowl Today set, then call the action for Westwood One radio. Professional reporters Armen Keteyian and Bonnie Bernstein. New, classy graphics. A majestic theme song evoking Gladiator.

What's lame:

* We can put a man on the moon, but CBS can't stay on the air. It lost video for more than half a minute during the divisional playoffs. In the AFC championship game, one kickoff was missed and the final onside kick was joined in mid-flight.

* Can't blame technical difficulties for focusing on stationary objects--166 shots of coaches ...