NFL Getting Soft

Okay, for years I have considered the NFL my favorite of the big sports. And I still do, but there are a few issues I have with it. Here is my rant.

1. Pass interference calls - If a receiver gets mauled, then by all means throw the flag. But so much of it is the receiver and defender getting tangled up going for the ball. If the QB grossly underthrows the ball, then don't penalize the defender for assuming he could throw it where the receiver is running.

2. Passing game - Probably a by-product of 1. above, but what used to be a game of real strategy where you had to have a running game to go along with a passing attack has become "pass until you need a short gain". Even the best RB's in the game now do not really have a large effect compared to QB's that can pass. And it's not just the NFL. Look at how in years past, the Heisman almost always went to a running back, but now that's changed.

3. The "blackout" rule - Heard this on ESPN radio and have to agree. The NFL has a policy that if a game does not sell out within 72 hours of its start, it won't be broadcast on TV within 75 miles of the stadium. I understand the idea - only allow fans to watch the game on TV if they have an excuse, which is there are no more seats available at the actual game. But maybe if it didn't cost a week's salary for most people to take their family to a game, there would be more sellouts. And I really have to disagree with the logic. By showing the games that don't sell out, you get more exposure, especially to young people who just might watch the game and think "Wow, that's cool. Dad, can we go to a game?".

My rant is done. Thoughts?

And yes, as a Bears fan, I realize a lot of the rules I have stated have helped my team.

...Bears fan.

The NFL has really changed their game over the last 10 years or so in order to increase scoring, increase the instant action, etc. Overall, you can't really argue the success that the NFL is seeing over the last 10 years. The NFL, like any other sport, will always have it's hard core fans. They also have the casual fans who don't really know the game, but can really get excited when they see a quarterback throw the ball 50 yards in the air to a receiver who catches and scores a touchdown. Then they want that qb's jersey.

I remember growing up just north of Indy when the Colts were in their bad years. They would have blackouts and it sucked that I couldn't watch the games with my dad. He always took us to one or two games per year, and at least we got to see the away games on TV.

Adding to your above list, I disagree with alot of the "Defenseless Reciever" penalties. I'm all about protecting players, avoiding injuries, etc. But if you have a reciever jumping in the air, reaching up to catch a ball and a safety comes up and cleans his clock, it shouldn't be a penalty. In my opinion, the defender has an equal right to make a play on the ball as the receiver...as long as the hit isn't dirty.