"The integrity of the game"

[ChrisBabcock]

It also featured rules 'expert' Mike Carey being wrong multiple times.

Including one instance in which Nance had to say something like: "I disagree with you. Look at the replay again." Carey: "ohhhh yes. I stand corrected."

[JWL]

I'm indifferent to Simms (the announcer) but he was horrible during this game. It also featured rules 'expert' Mike Carey being wrong multiple times.

Was he wrong about what he said on the Kam Chancellor interception?

I did not think that should have been ruled an interception from a common sense standpoint but the NFL does not always use common sense with rules. Also, I have no idea what the heck the rule states in that type of situation anyway for I do not own an updated rule book. The NFL does not print them anymore.

[mwald]

...lots of questionable calls and the instant replay usage was terrible...game took forever...

There's a tendency to think the game has changed or gotten worse. But has the game really changed, or has media coverage and technology contributed to this phenomenon? Thinking it's the latter.

When every move has 30 cameras on it, will be written about by 500 writers, tweeted about by millions, and the announcers calling it believe their personality is as important as the game or the players who play it, this is what happens.

People are scared to make a move for fear of being wrong, second guessed, or ridiculed. Which, of course, turns into a self fulfilling prophecy. If they had saturation coverage in 1920 the same thing would have happened.

[Bryan]

I've said similar for the past few years but I like how you phrased it. I'll probably use that.

Watching the NFL is like watching a pair of middling Big12 teams play each other. Each offense will spend most of the game in 4 WR and 5 WR sets. The DBs are complete stooges. The QBs aren't all that impressive, but both will end up with 350+ yards by game's end. The #4 WR will have more yards and a greater impact than the leading RB. Defenses are non-existent. The determining factor of the game is which team's offense is more efficient in the redzone. If the game is close, then the outcome will be decided by the kicker or the refs.

[Reaser]

Was he wrong about what he said on the Kam Chancellor interception?

He said incomplete, it was ruled an interception. So, yes.

[Bryan]

There's a tendency to think the game has changed or gotten worse. But has the game really changed, or has media coverage and technology contributed to this phenomenon? Thinking it's the latter.

I think the game HAS really changed. Tyrod Taylor has a 100+ passer rating.

[Reaser]

Watching the NFL is like watching a pair of middling Big12 teams play each other. Each offense will spend most of the game in 4 WR and 5 WR sets. The DBs are complete stooges. The QBs aren't all that impressive, but both will end up with 350+ yards by game's end. The #4 WR will have more yards and a greater impact than the leading RB. Defenses are non-existent. The determining factor of the game is which team's offense is more efficient in the redzone. If the game is close, then the outcome will be decided by the kicker or the refs.

Exactly. Good friend of mine went to Baylor and I give him crap all the time how much of a joke the Big XII is - and as much as he promotes his school, he agrees 100%. Garbage football.

NFL isn't all the way there, yet. But they're trying.

[mwald]

Speaking of the Seahawks, add them to the list of teams (like the 86-91 Bears, 90s Cowboys) who p*ssed it all away. Tremendous team who should be in the middle of a dynasty. Sure, they could still make the playoffs, but will likely go nowhere if they do (would love to be wrong).

Egos did the 86-91 Bears and 90s Cowboys in (by their own admission). Seahawks problem? Carroll's loose-ship style. So refreshing at first, but the inmates run the show now. When that happens, it's over.

[Reaser]

There's a tendency to think the game has changed or gotten worse. But has the game really changed, or has media coverage and technology contributed to this phenomenon? Thinking it's the latter.

The sport has most certainly changed. The middle of the field is wide open and a free pass for receivers which has completely changed the passing game. As has illegal contact, "defenseless players", and the myriad of other changes to open up the (passing) game. Not to mention teams can't practice football, so tackling is the worst it's ever been. Things like replay and how it's been expanded, etc ...

[mwald]

The sport has most certainly changed. The middle of the field is wide open and a free pass for receivers which has completely changed the passing game. As has illegal contact, "defenseless players", and the myriad of other changes to open up the (passing) game. Not to mention teams can't practice football, so tackling is the worst it's ever been, things like replay and how it's been expanded, etc ...

Gee, really? Hadn't heard any of that.