Football Losing It's Luster?

[bMore Heathen]

Yes, that game is dead. And it should be, because the game you grew up watching being played like that wouldn't be around 25-30 years from now.

So the game either evolves so that it can survive, or it dies.

Money is what changes things. The game I watched and played wasn't in danger of dying, money just made it softer, more exploited, and watered down.

[ravensfan2430]

Good stuff guys, thanks for giving your opinions.

[rmcjacket23]

Money is what changes things. The game I watched and played wasn't in danger of dying, money just made it softer, more exploited, and watered down.

No, it was dying, and frankly, it still might be. 

 

In a roundabout way, you are sort of correct that money changed it, but that also had a lot more to do with players who had already retired.

 

Just out of curiosity... in the "game you used to watch", how often were the words/phrases "concussion", "permanent brain damage" and "early death" used to describe the game you were watching? And in particular, how often did you hear players talking about it?

 

That's what changed the game. All of the rule changes and adaptations of it are just a byproduct/reaction to those words, and they were formulated because professional athletes started to figure out that their sports career is short and their pain and suffering can be significantly longer.

 

That trickles down to parents who make the initial choice as to whether or not their sons play football, and when that decline starts, the entire sport declines.

[bMore Heathen]

No, it was dying, and frankly, it still might be.

In a roundabout way, you are sort of correct that money changed it, but that also had a lot more to do with players who had already retired.

Just out of curiosity... in the "game you used to watch", how often were the words/phrases "concussion", "permanent brain damage" and "early death" used to describe the game you were watching? And in particular, how often did you hear players talking about it?

That's what changed the game. All of the rule changes and adaptations of it are just a byproduct/reaction to those words, and they were formulated because professional athletes started to figure out that their sports career is short and their pain and suffering can be significantly longer.

That trickles down to parents who make the initial choice as to whether or not their sons play football, and when that decline starts, the entire sport declines.

Yeah, defiantly. Concussion were not talked about when I was younger other than "he really got his bell rung on that one", or "he's seeing stars". I had multiple concussions when playing sports as a youth. It wasn't seen as a big deal, just sit down for a minute.

I'm not saying that's ok. And I was lucky that a knee injury stopped me from playing, rather than a head injury. But again, it goes back to money and those lawsuits the NFL got over concussions. I really think the NFL is more concerned with that, rather than the safety of the sport.

But my point was more about the popularity of the sport over the last decade or so, and the exploitation it has got since then. Thursday night football is the result. It was fun on thanksgiving and the weeks after when playoffs were on the line, but I'm not interested in a couple of 2-6 teams playing on Thursday. Maybe some people are, I don't know or really care, frankly. Like I said, watered down, but it's here to stay I guess.

[balfan23]

Much of the luster is lost because our team (for the first time in a while) has no chance to make a run in the playoffs. 

 

I understand though ... the rule changes and the general state of officiating has taken something out of the game. Some of the rules changes I get ... I know we like the hard hitting aspect of the game, but something had to be done to prevent this sport from becoming so damaging to the players. Other aspects of rule changes that don't have to do with player safety, but have to do with attempting to escalate offense, are not to my liking. 

 

Finally, I don't think I'm imagining this, but the officiating seems to be super uneven. I feel like refs come into a game with a predetermined view of each team and call accordingly. We are a team that has a rep of being undisciplined, so we're placed under a microscope and other teams get away with things we're routinely flagged for. And of course the golden boys always get the benefit of the doubt. That kind of star treatment isn't exclusive to NFL officiating, but it feels as if it has gotten worse over the past decade and is worse than I see in other sports. 

[balfan23]

In the "game you used to watch", how often were the words/phrases "concussion", "permanent brain damage" and "early death" used to describe the game you were watching? And in particular, how often did you hear players talking about it?

 

That's what changed the game. All of the rule changes and adaptations of it are just a byproduct/reaction to those words, and they were formulated because professional athletes started to figure out that their sports career is short and their pain and suffering can be significantly longer.

Many of them, but not all of them. 

 

There is no doubt rules have been put in place for player safety. It doesn't matter if we liked the game that we used to watch. That game is not sustainable. It needed to change and may need to change further. I can't with a clear conscience say that I want it back, when I now better understand the damage it causes. 

 

However, some of the rules changes are in place to artificially generate offensive production. The league knows the casual fan isn't interested in a defensive struggle. The fantasy game has made this even more pronounced. The #1 offending rule is illegal contact ... and not only the rule - but the (ever fluctuating) threshold to the amount of contact allowed before flags fly. Too often a team is in 3rd and a mile and out comes the illegal contact foul (automatic ... clap, clap ... 1st DOWN!). Then the replay shows something that happens on virtually ever pass play ever. That contact isn't giving anyone brain damage ... it is all about keeping the offense (especially, high powered offenses) on the field. 

 

That, I could live without. 

[TSizzle00]

Just because our team sucks doesn't mean the whole sport is taking a hit. Ratings are at an all time high. I still enjoy watching other games. Probably nothing else I'd rather watch than football.

 

Im sure if we were undefeated there wouldn't be any talk of lack of luster lol.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

The product that the NFL has become is somewhat lack luster. From the inconsistent officiating, artificial turf fields, some of the contact rules, sky-box millionaire focuses, extreme commercialism and fan apathy it's becoming more and more difficult to be excited about no matter if your team is having a losing or winning season.

 

Luster-wise: As a Ravens fan my excitement and anticipation for the next game has been luke-warm since week 3. However, as a fan of the sport overall, my luster for the game itself has been in decline since the Goodell Era. Football is looking more like the FICA Soccer 'premadonna' Complex. The fans and the overall product are secondary while money is primary at any cost.

[Drew P]

I was wondering if football is starting to lose it's luster with anyone other than myself?  I get it, it doesn't help when your team isn't playing well, but regardless, I feel as though these games are borderline unwatchable.

 

There are flags on what seems like every play, I can't tell what a catch is anymore, most every hard hit is a penalty, QB's are nearly untouchable...

 

It is tough for me to enjoy watching any game now.   Anyone else agree? Disagree?

 

Wait until the off season to make this statement

[rmcjacket23]

Yeah, defiantly. Concussion were not talked about when I was younger other than "he really got his bell rung on that one", or "he's seeing stars". I had multiple concussions when playing sports as a youth. It wasn't seen as a big deal, just sit down for a minute.

I'm not saying that's ok. And I was lucky that a knee injury stopped me from playing, rather than a head injury. But again, it goes back to money and those lawsuits the NFL got over concussions. I really think the NFL is more concerned with that, rather than the safety of the sport.

But my point was more about the popularity of the sport over the last decade or so, and the exploitation it has got since then. Thursday night football is the result. It was fun on thanksgiving and the weeks after when playoffs were on the line, but I'm not interested in a couple of 2-6 teams playing on Thursday. Maybe some people are, I don't know or really care, frankly. Like I said, watered down, but it's here to stay I guess.

1. They are absolutely more concerned with lawsuits than player safety. That's obvious. And frankly, they should be. When ex-players are suing you, current players take notice. And at the end of the day, the owners of these franchises are in it to make money. If they consistently didn't make money, they'd get rid of the team, regardless of how much they love the game or the franchise. 

 

But then again, that's been consistent for decades, even going back to the "good old days". Owners wanted profitable franchises decades ago and they certainly do today. They weren't happy getting sued back then and they certainly aren't now.

 

2. Games are on Thursday every week because the public demands that they be. The ratings for said games reflect the fact that if you give people football, they will watch it. Everybody knows the quality of play on Thursday nights is far worse, yet we watch. We are guilty of making this a "problem", though to the NFL and frankly to the fans, its not a problem at all.

 

If you really think about it... whats the point of Monday Night Football? Hasn't that always 100% been about ratings and money? Began in 1970...

[rmcjacket23]

Many of them, but not all of them. 

 

There is no doubt rules have been put in place for player safety. It doesn't matter if we liked the game that we used to watch. That game is not sustainable. It needed to change and may need to change further. I can't with a clear conscience say that I want it back, when I now better understand the damage it causes. 

 

However, some of the rules changes are in place to artificially generate offensive production. The league knows the casual fan isn't interested in a defensive struggle. The fantasy game has made this even more pronounced. The #1 offending rule is illegal contact ... and not only the rule - but the (ever fluctuating) threshold to the amount of contact allowed before flags fly. Too often a team is in 3rd and a mile and out comes the illegal contact foul (automatic ... clap, clap ... 1st DOWN!). Then the replay shows something that happens on virtually ever pass play ever. That contact isn't giving anyone brain damage ... it is all about keeping the offense (especially, high powered offenses) on the field. 

 

That, I could live without. 

So could I, but you and I represent the minority.

 

Ask yourself this... why would you, as a provider of business services, put out a product that goes AGAINST what the demand from your consumers is?

 

Make no mistake... the overwhelming majority of NFL fans like this product better than they ever did decades ago.

[balfan23]

So could I, but you and I represent the minority.

 

Ask yourself this... why would you, as a provider of business services, put out a product that goes AGAINST what the demand from your consumers is?

 

Make no mistake... the overwhelming majority of NFL fans like this product better than they ever did decades ago.

Never said that it doesn't make sense for the league to grow its product by making it more appealing to a wider audience. I think the point of the thread is to state what we personally think about the changes in sport - and that is how I answered. 

 

Happens all the time ... how many bands sold out over time to a wider audience, only to leave their original followers at least a little disappointed?

[FlocksGottaFeed]

So could I, but you and I represent the minority.

 

Ask yourself this... why would you, as a provider of business services, put out a product that goes AGAINST what the demand from your consumers is?

 

Make no mistake... the overwhelming majority of NFL fans like this product better than they ever did decades ago.

True the game has risen in popularity, but that speaks more to the cultural shift and population growth than the 'overal' quality of the game. There are more people who have taken interest based on commercialism, gambling, social events (football parties, etc), gaming and more women coming into the fold. This does not necessarily mean that the product has not suffered. It could simply mean that there are just more people interested as a result of the branding, product positioning and population growth. I would submit that there are substantially more people/fans with complaints about the product than in past years (percentage-wise). This is what it has become.

[bMore Heathen]

Never said that it doesn't make sense for the league to grow its product by making it more appealing to a wider audience. I think the point of the thread is to state what we personally think about the changes in sport - and that is how I answered.

Happens all the time ... how many bands sold out over time to a wider audience, only to leave their original followers at least a little disappointed?

Great post, and great point. Being an athlete in my youth as well as a musician I know this all too well.

[rmcjacket23]

True the game has risen in popularity, but that speaks more to the cultural shift and population growth than the 'overal' quality of the game. There are more people who have taken interest based on commercialism, gambling, social events (football parties, etc), gaming and more women coming into the fold. This does not necessarily mean that the product has not suffered. It could simply mean that there are just more people interested as a result of the branding, product positioning and population growth. I would submit that there are substantially more people/fans with complaints about the product than in past years (percentage-wise). This is what it has become.

But the idea of "quality of product" is inherently subjective, so you can't develop a factual argument saying that the game is better or worse.

 

There's a large segment of the population that thought the "quality of product" in the NFL a decade or two ago was really bad, and the current landscape of the NFL offers much higher quality of play.

 

Yes, you or I can say that we personally think the game is going downhill, but again, the NFL itself looks at their data and basically laughs at that notion, thus making it unlikely we see changes towards where we might like to see the game.

[Tenacious Faulker]

I was wondering if football is starting to lose it's luster with anyone other than myself?  I get it, it doesn't help when your team isn't playing well, but regardless, I feel as though these games are borderline unwatchable.

 

There are flags on what seems like every play, I can't tell what a catch is anymore, most every hard hit is a penalty, QB's are nearly untouchable...

 

It is tough for me to enjoy watching any game now.   Anyone else agree? Disagree?

I wholeheartedly agree.  I mean, these penalties are ruining the game.  They get it wrong on field way too frequently and the NY crew backs them up waaaaay too much for me to think that this is just a coincidence.  Either these games are as rigged as a WWE match or the league simply can't oficiate its own rule book at this point.  It's dedfinitely one or the other because there's no other logical reason that the Cheatriots get so many calls that go their way.  That ODB "non-catch" this week was as bogus a call as I've ever seen because it was ruled a catch and the NY changed it.  The rules are murky on the subject. 

 

At this point I give the Ravens a casual eye and I stopped watching most of the other matches.  Something stinks in this league and and there is no integrity to this game imo. 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

But the idea of "quality of product" is inherently subjective, so you can't develop a factual argument saying that the game is better or worse.

 

There's a large segment of the population that thought the "quality of product" in the NFL a decade or two ago was really bad, and the current landscape of the NFL offers much higher quality of play.

 

Yes, you or I can say that we personally think the game is going downhill, but again, the NFL itself looks at their data and basically laughs at that notion, thus making it unlikely we see changes towards where we might like to see the game.

Agreed. I added that 'subjective' point to address the future possibilities on changes to the game. Like the downward trending of baseball and basketball (previous sport leaders) that was manufactored/self-inflicted by their league ownership (more games, more commercialism, more rule changes, etc.) - the NFL will most likely follow the same course of over-saturation and game watered-down game anticipation all the while getting richer.

[Tenacious Faulker]

But the idea of "quality of product" is inherently subjective, so you can't develop a factual argument saying that the game is better or worse.

 

There's a large segment of the population that thought the "quality of product" in the NFL a decade or two ago was really bad, and the current landscape of the NFL offers much higher quality of play.

 

Yes, you or I can say that we personally think the game is going downhill, but again, the NFL itself looks at their data and basically laughs at that notion, thus making it unlikely we see changes towards where we might like to see the game.

The NFL and Goodell can stuff their data!  When will it come back to being about the game and NOT so much about the money?!  That's ALL Goodell is focusing on and its ruining the game.  The rule book reads like is a like a legal code and not one of their people get it right even close to 100% of the time.  And they getting over exposed with Goodell trying to put a team in London and move 2 to LA.   

 

Eventually their metrics will catch up with them.  Right now they're riding the bubble and it is going to burst in the near future.  when more people like me start another activity on Sunday during the season their metrics will eventually reflect that, but like too many things with the NFL it will be too late.  They already have more money than they know what to do with.  Now they need more game integrity.  That will only come with a new commissioner that is more mission driven, not money driven.

[rmcjacket23]

The NFL and Goodell can stuff their data!  When will it come back to being about the game and NOT so much about the money?!  That's ALL Goodell is focusing on and its ruining the game.  The rule book reads like is a like a legal code and not one of their people get it right even close to 100% of the time.  And they getting over exposed with Goodell trying to put a team in London and move 2 to LA.   

 

Eventually their metrics will catch up with them.  Right now they're riding the bubble and it is going to burst in the near future.  when more people like me start another activity on Sunday during the season their metrics will eventually reflect that, but like too many things with the NFL it will be too late.  They already have more money than they know what to do with.  Now they need more game integrity.  That will only come with a new commissioner that is more mission driven, not money driven.

The mission is money. They should ride the wave, because less kids are playing, and the wave will eventually die out on its own.

 

Game integrity is largely irrelevant, considering people only complain about it but never act upon their complaints. When that actually happens (and I doubt its even remotely close to happening), then something might be done.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

The NFL and Goodell can stuff their data!  When will it come back to being about the game and NOT so much about the money?!  That's ALL Goodell is focusing on and its ruining the game.  The rule book reads like is a like a legal code and not one of their people get it right even close to 100% of the time.  And they getting over exposed with Goodell trying to put a team in London and move 2 to LA.   

 

Eventually their metrics will catch up with them.  Right now they're riding the bubble and it is going to burst in the near future.  when more people like me start another activity on Sunday during the season their metrics will eventually reflect that, but like too many things with the NFL it will be too late.  They already have more money than they know what to do with.  Now they need more game integrity.  That will only come with a new commissioner that is more mission driven, not money driven.

Absolutely agreed! Thank you.

[Dewy101]

Defense doesn't exist anymore. Coaching has regressed. I'm not sure if it's just an anomaly this season, but it definitely feels different.

[Bltravens]

The game isn't the same.  They messed with it too much.  There used to be safety written into the sport when QBs made terrible reads and got one of their WRs lit up, WR would stop running that route across the middle/the QB would take an extra half second and make sure there was no one there to light up their guy.  I'm tired of watching QBs make horse crap reads or horse crap throws then get rewarded because of a flag or now watching defenders pull up on a guy.  I despise helmet to helmet contact, its the fake tough guy move, but a dude laying the lumber on someone across the middle and just so happens to clip his head and shoulder/chest shouldn't be a penalty, especially when WRs tuck and curl.  Where are you supposed to hit someone now?  I'll never forget Shaun Taylor having Reggie Wayne want no part of him over the middle IN AN ALL STAR game.  And pass interference now is a joke.  

Edited November 16, 2015 by Bltravens

[Jamal]

No doubt there's been a lot of bad football this year, mainly because there's a lot of bad football teams. Way more than usual. Even the best teams this year are nowhere as good as previous great teams.

With that being said though, I'm still glued to the television on Sunday. The Redzone channel has become an addiction.

[Wildabeast88]

Verrry interesting, I too feel that there are definitely "boring weeks" or slower weeks with little production. And as the game changes and they continue to add stupid new rules or change old ones it seems that touch football might be in the NFLs future. Yesterday for example I was watching the Ravens game with an avid female fan and during the Kendrick Lewis unsportsman like penaltt where he put a questionable late hit on Yeldon I think it was, she was stunned by the call although I called the penalty before the flag was even thrown.

And also Odell Beckham's overturned "Megatron rule" catch where he clearly caught the ball maintained full possession while inbounds before having it ripped out of his hands while out of bounds...by former Ravens CB Rashaan Melvin. One ref signaled TD while the other overruled it, and the Giants lost.

Fans like big hits and bone crushing plays but the NFL does not, and with all the injuries players suffer I truly question what might become of the NFL 10 years from now. They make rule changes every damn off season and some of them are kind of questionable, I'd appreciate if the NFL left the constant rule changes to more minor changes and tweaks.

you mean the Patriots had a call go their way NEVER the own Goodell they pick up flags for them too it makes me sick.

[Guest]

I have to agree.

 

The game has been "modified" and its not as enjoyable.  I am also not convinced its inherently safer due to the changes.  They can't stop the concussions yet insist upon QB protection that goes way over the top even when no harm is done.

 

The Refs are killing the game with the leagues blessing being mindful of lawsuits.  Baseball has less judgment call interference.

 

The future of NFL football may be baseball.

Edited November 17, 2015 by Danny D

[Static]

Goodell is running Football into the ground.

[Guest]

The game isn't the same.  They messed with it too much.  There used to be safety written into the sport when QBs made terrible reads and got one of their WRs lit up, WR would stop running that route across the middle/the QB would take an extra half second and make sure there was no one there to light up their guy.  I'm tired of watching QBs make horse crap reads or horse crap throws then get rewarded because of a flag or now watching defenders pull up on a guy.  I despise helmet to helmet contact, its the fake tough guy move, but a dude laying the lumber on someone across the middle and just so happens to clip his head and shoulder/chest shouldn't be a penalty, especially when WRs tuck and curl.  Where are you supposed to hit someone now?  I'll never forget Shaun Taylor having Reggie Wayne want no part of him over the middle IN AN ALL STAR game.  And pass interference now is a joke.  

 

Sorry dude, I hit the wrong button. I agree with you 100%.

 

I don't know what they are going to do about concussions, because they are not going away and the movie is coming out.  Yes there is a movie, with all the great players that committed suicide.

[443hurricane]

I was wondering if football is starting to lose it's luster with anyone other than myself?  I get it, it doesn't help when your team isn't playing well, but regardless, I feel as though these games are borderline unwatchable.

 

There are flags on what seems like every play, I can't tell what a catch is anymore, most every hard hit is a penalty, QB's are nearly untouchable...

 

It is tough for me to enjoy watching any game now.   Anyone else agree? Disagree?

I think I'm just getting older and other things are taking priority.. I'm a male pisces Sir.. My interests change a lot. I think it's just me becoming more interested in other pursuits in life.

[frozen joe flacco fan]

The original post is spot on. The game is becoming more and more like flag football all the time. It is losing its lustre and the integrity of the brand. The refs are paid by the NFL and the NFL favors certain fan bases but not others. That being said, wasn't it big of the NFL to admit they blew another game-changing call in our game? I'm consoled.

[Winchester]

In a way it is boring. The great receivers in the 2000s were special to watch because it was rare to see a very good #2 WR put up 1000 yards. Now #2 WRs almost match the production of a #1. In the 2000s even some #1 WRs barely hit a 1000 yards. And when a team like the rams or colts had 2 1200 yard receivers it was something to behold. No disrespect to Golden Gate but he would never have hit 1400 yards in 2000!!

Often when a team misses the playoffs but there are still players you pay to see play. You pay to watch your home town alpha male joust with another teams alpha male. The ravens don't have any exciting alpha male players you pay to watch play and go to war like a boxing match. The Texans have jj watt to watch joust with whitworth. And Hopkins make spectacular plays. Not only are the ravens terrible, there is nobody you pay to see play!! However Joe Cool is quietly hanging 300 yard games with scrub receivers. He is spreading the ball around. If he cut down on mistakes just a little and ravens average just a TD more per game, Flacco carving up defenses using 8 different scrub receivers will be something to behold. If he can get some chemistry going with Givens he just may be doing that by the last quarter of the season. In my opinion if Joe even has a Lafell and Kendall Wright to work with, the ravens offense would be show to watch!!

Which is why I say Joe Cool is the face of the ravens and their best asset by far!! Getting him young legit receivers to build chemistry should be #1 priority. Drafting a talented receiver and adding a legit receiver younger than 30 will help the ravens be a formidable championship contender far more likely than adding a defensive back. Because the ravens offense could win shootouts all the way to the Superbowl!! Could you picture what Joe could do in the playoffs if he had a true #1 WR and complimented by a legit #2??!! Not just a competent group like 2012 but a feared group of weapons like Alshon with Tyler Boyd or Coleman. Then creating openings for the TEs and RB!! As for the current Ravens team I like watching Joe Cool throw and the TEs Gilmore and Boyle block. Mosley is fun to watch when he is on game.