I am so grateful I get to write this column every week.
Imagine, if I didn’t do this, how could I make my opinions known?
This column gives me a platform, so to speak, and while there are readers who really don’t care what I think, and I get that, at least I am able to express myself.
I think many things. None of which I lose sleep over.
I think for a league that focuses so much on player safety, the NFL has too many injuries to quarterbacks who get hurt in incidental situations that have little to do with legislating what can’t be done.
In other words, injuries often just happen in the flow of the play of a physical, violent game.
It’s just the way it is and has always has been.
This season it has been hard to find a game without back up quarterbacks leading their teams.
Last weekend, nine teams played without their starter.
Then, toward the end of their loss to the Jets, Texans QB C.J. Stroud, as sure-thing Rookie of the Year for 2023, went down with a concussion.
Some backups have played well for awhile, then tailed off.
Some reserves, like Jake Browning of the Bengals are still playing well, while others have never found their groove.
The Bengals were written off when Jeff Burrow went out, but Browning’s play has given Cincy new hope.
Still, my experience has been that sooner or later, especially as the games become more meaningful for the playoffs, teams find a way of exposing the second-stringers.
Brock Purdy of the 49ers has proven to be a rare exception, and if I recall correctly, there was another guy back in 1970, who proved to be the rarest exception of them all.
That was Tom Brady.
I think the audience that watches sports on the screen, has changed dramatically.
It’s the way of the world and I have no objection.
Notice I used the term “screen” and not TV, because the younger viewer today streams as much as he observes on the bigger screen.
I notice a shorter attention span. While today’s youth may not be as aware and observant to what’s around them, they are quick to digest rapid facts thrown at them.
That’s why they love the multitude of graphics on the screen.
Their cell phones appear to be the main attention-grabber.
Checking up-to-date fantasy league stats.
Maybe checking on the bets they’ve made.
I don’t believe they are sitting in front of their televisions for three hours watching every play.
Maybe that’s why the Red Zone is so popular.
That’s where they switch in dizzying fashion from game to game when a team gets to the opposition 20-yard line.
I don’t think viewers listen to announcers like they used to.
That’s why the Manningcast is so popular on Monday nights.
Peyton and Eli in separate locales comment on the plays and talk about everything.
Guests appear and give their views.
If you just want the game, they’re not for you.
But if you crave for entertainment, they’re right up your alley.
I’ve decided that there are more replays shown of players making fools of themselves than another look at an actual play in an NFL game.
After EVERY play, someone is either mugging, dancing, smirking, or taking part in group-organized pantomimes.
Even if their team is losing by 21, a player will engage in histrionics of some kind.
And I know for a fact none of it is spontaneous.
I remember watching a Denver Broncos practice where groups of player actually rehearsed their act for “showtime”.
I know I’m from the Stone Age, but I remember when the great Jim Brown scored for the Cleveland Browns and simply handed the ball to the closest official in the end zone.
Friends, those days are gone.
I switch now to the latest story in professional golf.
It’s not going to make a big dent in our enjoyment of watching the sport each weekend, but it does speak to golf’s organizational problems.
Jon Rahm, one of the stars of the pro tour, the reigning Masters champion and a popular performer who appeals to fans, has joined the LIV Golf Tour.
While there has been an announced merger between the long-time PGA Golf institution, it is clear that the Saudi-backed tour is not going away.
No one understands the ramifications of the merger, but the new tour is alive and well. This, despite the lack of a network television deal and a format that differs dramatically from the long-established format of conducting tournaments.
Rahm , is by far, the biggest fish to make the jump.
He will be paid upwards of hundreds of millions.
Jon Rahm has every right to make the move.
But my thoughts are on the many top-flight pros who remained loyal to the PGA Tour and refused lucrative offers to switch.
What did this loyalty get them?
I think you know the answer.
And I think you know what rules the roost.
It seems that those officiating NFL games rule the roost more than the players.
Officials calls have made games somewhat unappealing because they are deciding games and not the players.
Doesn’t it seem every time there’s a play of significance you have to hold your breath and your reaction waiting to see if a flag was thrown.
I do
It’s not good and kind of kills the fun in my book.
Last Sunday, the Chiefs lost to the Bills after an apparent touchdown giving KC the lead late in the game was nullified by an offsides ruling against the Chiefs’ Kadarius Toney.
An overwhelming number of viewers would vehemently object to a penalty that didn’t actually affect the exciting touchdown play that followed.
And while agree that the yellow flags are hurting the game, the fact remains, it was indeed a penalty.
Rules are rules, folks.
I only hope that Travis Kelce sticks with Taylor Swift and not blame her for the Chiefs losing four of their last six games.