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NFL in Decline?
bronco2078
Posts: 9,964 ✭✭✭✭✭
in Sports Talk
Interesting article with some theories about why ratings are down.
weeklystandard.com/the-nfl-is-in-decline/article/2005033
Myself I think its the games , they are awful. Teams do suck sure but can we do something about penalties? The Arizona/Seattle game seemed like it would be a good one to watch but holding penalties were being called on every series. There was one drive in the 4th quarter by Seattle where they made a nice pickup to get near field goal range then took 2 holding penalties and were at 1st and 30 
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Just by watching last night I'd say the game needs some more dependable kickers or interpretation of rules, or both. It was a very physical game, but something about it made it feel not so much like the defensive slugfests of the old days, but more like futility being perpetuated by physicality. The game, at times, appears to lose its luster beneath the constant chest beating and abusive behavior. The flow of the game is persistently interrupted by television advertising and blather. There are not many players in the current game who possess the magnetic personalities of the now retired guys who still bombard us with commercialism.
The completion of football Sunday ended in a useless heap of indecision. And the bad teams are really bad.
Too many commercials, too many penalties, too much coddling of quarterbacks and receivers, defensive players aren't allowed to hit anyone unless it's in a 6 inch area in the middle of the body, players do more chest beating than playing but if they wanna dance after scoring it's a fine and penalty, the league is taking the physicality and the fun out of the game. I could go on and on listing reasons why people are getting tired of the NFL.
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Yes
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Unquestionably. Those dudes are bigger, faster and stronger than ever before. Kam Chancellor weighs as much as most linemen did back in the 70s. As a result, the product is being diluted due the proliferation of injuries, many of which are season-ending. If you're a professional football player and can make it through 16 games unscathed, it's almost to the point where you're in the minority. I could cite countless examples, but one that immediately comes to mind is pathetic state of the Browns. We're not even halfway through the season and I think they are on QB #5.
Try your hand at fantasy football and it'll become crystal clear which direction the sport is trending.
Wow Galaxy or should I say Nostradamus
Arian Foster just retired in the middle of the season because his body can't take another day of punishment
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
The NFL is the absolute most unpredictable THING in the world, honestly that's one of the things that turns me off, I don't know why maybe because I'm heavily involved in fantasy football and I think that in itself is ruining it for me. I love the Pats and emotionaly want them to win other than that I actually hate the NFL deep down because of the frustration I get from fantasy football. If I can just stick to rooting for the Pats then I think I can enjoy the sport more than I have.
There's truth in your post @perkdog.
While I am only in one fantasy league, it can mess with your head.
I'm thinking of not participating next year to see if I can more enjoy the season like I think I can.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
I opted out of FF 15 years ago and I'm very glad I did. I was slacking at work and literally searching the Internet 24/7 for any edge I could get. I was consumed and my work suffered greatly abs I was fired.I did win three out of the last four years. Dynasty
So was it worth it.?
Hell's yes!
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Well, there's something magical about strutting around the office with your head held high after gathering up the last of those 20 dollar bills from your co-workers. Still, nothing equals the pleasure of draft night, which became somewhat of a tradition amongst our group. The effort behind scouting players and choosing lineups quite often interfered with actual work. Then, a bunch of the guys fell into this ridiculous getting married/having kids/raising families/pursuing careers nonsense and suddenly we were sneaking beers at piñata parties instead of toasting each other with Jaegermeister shots after everyone got their first round pick.
Love fantasy football and watching football~I'm in seven leagues and hope to win two championships each year, if possible.
The ironic part of all the penalties and the coddling is that the game is more violent now than it ever was as players are bigger, stronger and faster and collide at much higher speeds with greater forces of impact. Back in the 1970s, players looked like bigger guys you'd hang out with after work. Today, they look like freaking gladiators.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
I guess I need to quote myself, because that statement could be interpreted more than one way. Fantasy football in and of itself has probably never been more popular. But not until you become immersed in it do you fully realize just how rapidly these guys are dropping like flies.
E.g., one player I have on both of my squads this season is Jordan Reed. Total stud, but I swear he is on the verge of becoming a vegetable before he turns 40. He is currently in his second home -- protocol -- after suffering his 6th concussion in the past 5 years. If the guy pulled an Arian Foster and threw in the towel STAT, I would not be displeased (even though his absence would punish my teams).
there are different things that I believe the League could do to change what takes place on the field, but trying to protect players with rule changes probably isn't one of them because it isn't working. as galaxy noted, the Browns are the extreme example since they are on QB #6 right now.
--- I believe that the Officials on the field are under undue pressure from all sides, players/coaches/fans/TV cameras, and that is where things could be changed the most. the NFL should consider adding 1-2 Refs whose primary responsibility is "temper management" for lack of a better term. coach comes on the field-15 yds., coach stands next to the side judge and rants-15 yds., player complains about a call-15 yds., un-sportsman like conduct-15 yds. to the Team/5 plays on the bench, taunting-automatic ejection, excessive displays to the fans/cameras-15 yds., etc. etc. etc.
I have watched Football for a long time and what goes on, the extraneous BS is just ridiculous, perhaps we have reached the tipping point where it has affected the Game and that has affected us as fans. Paul Brown is famously quoted as telling his players to "Act like you've been there before" when they score a TD. that would be a nice start. now it is commonplace for a player to celebrate anything. the one that gets me is the QB sack where the player is obligated to run 5-10 yards towards the goal and celebrate, it's ridiculous. get up, get yourself back to the huddle and celebrate with your Teammates.
it is a selfish Game and I don't buy this crap that the players get caught up in the moment and overwhelmed by the emotion, their emotional excess is hurting the Game. I would like to see more ejections, that would calm down the players and force their Teammates to reign them in.
the current best example is Vontez Burfact --- he is great athletic player with a mind that's out of control, he hurts his Team to his own satisfaction.
, > @keets said:
More penalties? There are probably a dozen accepted in every game as it is. I don't understand why the offensive holding calls have been way up lately. Are they being told to emphasize those ?
They celebrate touchdowns or huge gains I'm fine with that. When the defense are celebrating a tackle on a running back or a receiver when they are ahead by 20 points its just ridiculous. Maybe all that celebrating is a generational thing , millennials are narcissistic . I know I personally make it through my day without congratulatory selfies being uploaded to the internet after every minor event.
On the other hand I do like the idea of blaming fantasy all it does is encourage people to root for individual players and personal stats instead of team victories. The way the NFL is whoring itself out over fantasy dollars is nauseating .
The last thing we need is more penalties. The game is already plagued with them and you can barely get two plays off without a penalty. Player celebrations aren't the problem and the league already penalizes for excessive celebrations anyway.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
The last thing we need is more penalties.
the kind of penalties I described would return a semblance of control to the referees and take it away from the coaches and players who now run things. I think it's a pretty clear assumption when the things I described start to hurt a Team the players will stop doing them. as a coach, one of the worst and most blatant offenders is up in Seattle he's always on the field. it is pretty bad in college, too. one of the worst offenders there is Urban Meyer.
the coaches and players are always crowding the referees and in their faces, it's disgusting to me.
If you mean Pete Carroll , I think they should send an official over with a bucket and make him spit out his gum too. He looks like a cow chewing his cud whenever the camera is on him
I respect your opinion on that but there are far greater problems facing the NFL than coaches stepping onto the field now and then.
In fact, there already is a rule for that in place, but officials rarely enforce it without a warning at least.
We have enough flags being thrown as it is, including those for excessive celebrations. I for one don't want to see more penalties.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
All the celebrating could and should be stopped by the Head Coach.....period!
I really like what Brown told his players.
If I remember correctly...when Emmitt Smith scored a TD.....which was very often....he simply kneeled and pointed up. No silly dance...no spike...no nothing! He did what Brown said "act like you have been there before". Class guy all around.
Belichick let Blount pose with the Minutemen up in NE a couple of weeks ago so I guess you think he's too soft, lol..
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
I never question the hoodie guy!
Respect the hoodie
Mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I think everybody respects the hoodie.
20-30 years ago, the Nfl was my favorite sport. Today I rarely watch it. College football is more exciting and real.
IT CAN'T BE A TRUE PLAYOFF UNLESS THE BIG TEN CHAMPIONS ARE INCLUDED
grote, again you miss my point. the penalties you talk about are play on the field penalties that should be called. I know it happens, but in a typical game there usually aren't repeat penalties by the same guys, they learn and back off whether it's off-side, motion or holding.
the stuff I'm talking about is non-play penalties and it is more than just a coach running onto the field. geez, the referees can't even discuss what has happened without a player(s) insisting on being in the discussion. it happens every game, they have to warn the players away.
you obviously disagree with that and think the players/coaches should be able to do whatever they want. go watch a top tier High School game sometime on a Friday night, you'll see who is charge of demeanor on the field. right now in the NFL there are too many rules and too many instances when the referees are not in control of what's happening. I know more than a few people, long time fans, who feel as I do. they no longer enjoy the games like they did 20-30 years ago because they are out of control and as fans, we seem to not understand what is happening sometimes.
I still need a good definition of "Football Move" because it eludes me.
other things that are hard to understand are the interpretations of "forward progress" and when the whistle is blown. and don't get me started on how players can now plow into the pile and help move the ball carrier along.
I fully understand your point, keets. I just don't think your argument is a compelling one or based on issues that the vast majority of fans are concerned about. Players have hovered or complained to officials regarding penalties for decades. The rules regarding other aspects like forward progress are also quite clear, imo, and I wouldn't want NFL ganes to mimic high school football, either. I also don't agree that officials are not in control of the game, either~if anything, I feel officials have too much control over the outcome of games at this point. Perhaps I'm just not as cranky to see these problems as pressing ones worth addressing here, especially in light of other, far more legitimate issues confronting the league. I also enjoy the entertainment factor some of the more expressive players provide, as I personally believe this game should be fun. Of course, I didn't walk uphill to school both ways, either.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
"I think everybody respects the hoodie"
Nope.
And...I will say Belichick has rode the coat tail of Brady all the way. When (and if) Brady ever retires the Pats will be but a shell of it's former self. Taking early bets
Gotta be a disgruntled Seahawks fan!
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
"Gotta be a disgruntled Seahawks fan!"
Just one year and one play
Go Hawks!
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I love football as much as ever but it seems some of the magic has gone. I played Pop Warner up to the 12th grade during the 70's and even as kids it was some dirty ball. That was how the NFL played so that is how we played.
I fear the Participation Trophy Generation will ultimately wreck sports
Crap, posted that in mid ramble when I attempted to delete it : D
Stupid Beer
Agreed , what percentage of kids that play football ever benefit from it in a tangible way? It seems like a very low percentage would make the NFL , a larger percentage might get a scholarship which gets them schooling the rest just get injuries. With healthcare costs exploding upwards every year I'd steer kids to a different sport .
They should play hockey instead.
I want to follow up on my last two posts,
this is off topic.
The reason I stopped in mid ramble is I felt "weird"
12 hours later I was in ICU diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a irregular heartbeat.
In one weekend my whole world changed forever.
No more beer or anything else that is super tasty for me.
Not many spring chickens around here, so take care of yourself okay?
Good God man that's scary!!!! please take care of yourself
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Hope you get this under control man. Lots of CHF in my family history.
Thanks guys. Yeah its all about carrot and celery sticks from here on out.
I'll be tailgating with the Rabbits : )
Now back to your regular scheduled program. Go Hawks!
Good to see you back here LotsoLuck!
Surround yourself with LotsoGoodLookinBunnies, and you'll be fine
Steve
Add refs ruining good games. Going to bed after the debacle at the end of the half of the MNF game. Ricidulous
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Been a pretty good MNF game but they sure hosed the Bills on that FG try at the end of the half.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Not once but twice and both with the clock stopped. I bet on Seattle and the last thing I wanted to see was a FG but come on. Embarrassing
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
The refs absolutely butchered the end of that first half.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Love the Hawks but that was pretty bad.
Get well soon LotsoLuck. I tried the NFL last night and found myself preferring to view a story about Bob Uecker, the worst player ever in professional baseball. Near the end of the football game, when I wanted to get drowsy, I tuned in again and it worked.
How can refs be this bad and still have jobs? The stupidity at the end of the first half was breath taking. It made so little sense I can't figure out how to describe it if I wanted to write about in a post.
I went to bed after that and I had nightmares. They spend 5 minutes on a spot of ball to get it right. They can't text Dean and say what's up? How bad are we screwing this up? Help. Or cant Dean text them and say, "hey, you screwed the pouch" lets fix this. It just goes to show you they really aren't all that concerned about getting it right.
FYI- this is the third MNF call where the visitors got absolutely hosed by officials in Seattle. The Tate Fail Mail vs GB . The Batted Ball against the Lions and last nights debacle. I think the refs are more intimidated by the Seattle crowd then opposing teams. Certainly the Packers, Lions and Bills see it that way and millions who watched it
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I immediately thought about this thread when I (unfortunately) saw that nonsense last night. That was not your average run-of-the-mill blown call, mind you. That was multiple incompetent acts by an officiating crew that should have been fired on the spot. If I had been Tyrannosaurus Rex, I would have been flagged, kicked out of the game, fined...........and I still wouldn't be done yet.
Not only did the kicker get clobbered, but did you see the very next play when the official was hovering over the football with a handful of seconds left in the play clock? Naturally (lolz), the Bills were forced to absorb a penalty and right on cue, the kicker missed from 5 yards farther out.
And did anyone really think that wouldn't impact the game at the very end? Sure would have been nice to kick a field goal to tie the game and send it to OT, rather than be forced to convert 4th-and-85 to score a TD and win it, no?
It's no longer a decline...........we've officially entered the precipitous fall realm.
That Green Bay game was criminal!!!