I know, I know. Many of you think that the NFL is exciting, and it is in that professional wrestling kind of way. There's the tailgating and painting your face as though it were Halloween and the cheerleaders and the end zone dances, which are now being done at the 32 yard line because someone made a tackle after a gain of 3 yards and that sense of tribal belonging, but as far as actual athletic competition, the NFL has become boring.
This past Sunday, I watched the final 1:54 of the Ravens-Chiefs games, which took 25 minutes. With the Ravens up by 7, KC fumbled the ball. Only they didn't, after 1 review and 5 commercials. The Chiefs ultimately turned the ball over on downs inside their own 20 yard line. They then started using time outs for no discernible reason. With 40 seconds to go, the Ravens drove down to the goal line where they were stopped on 3rd down. Only the referees weren't sure, so another replay ensued as did another 5 commercials. The Ravens then lined up on 4th and goal only to call a time out to decide if they would be better off kicking a field goal. They decided to go for the touchdown, which they scored, and then they kicked off to the Chiefs. The kickoff was followed by 5 commercials before KC ran its final three plays and then the game didn't end so much as everyone stopped playing and the contest whimpered to a halt.
As Al says, television has ruined the NFL. It has destroyed the rhythm of the game. Furthermore,there is no need to stay glued to one's TV set because if you miss a play, it will be shown 8 ways from Sunday on a dozen different post-game shows. Actually, it will be shown 8 ways ON Sunday and half a dozen times more on Monday, too, for good measure. If you missed an exciting play, don't worry; the chances are there was a penalty and it will be called back. If you missed a controversial play, don't worry; it will still be under review when you get back. When does hockey start?
Haha.. I'm so not a football person. I should use an argument like this next time someone says baseball is too slow and broken up.. unlike football. :)
Posted by: Anna Kipps | September 18, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Anna, I believe that I read somewhere that the total number of minutes during a football game in which any action takes place is 12.
Posted by: Austin | September 18, 2009 at 01:18 PM
Apparently you are watching the wrong team. Next time try tuning in to a REDSKINS game! HTTR!
Posted by: Melissa Dodge | September 18, 2009 at 06:26 PM
Melissa, I love your passion for the 'Skins(misplaced as it may be!) :) Enjoy the Rams game.
Posted by: Austin | September 18, 2009 at 09:10 PM
Anna, don't even get me started on the comparison between baseball and football. It's not even close, in my opinion (or IMHO, according to young people). JLL
Posted by: JohnLL | September 20, 2009 at 12:49 PM