In Defense of Football
February 7, 2004 7:35 PM Subscribe
weston, Thank you, thank you thank you ...
Football is a beloved thing. Yes, its violent. Yes, its testerone laden. Who cares? Its a terrific sport, the best of team sport ground aquisition games ever devised by human mind.
My friends and I missed the boobie flash because we were too busy lamenting the idea that the Super Bowl halftime show should be a local high school band having the moment that those kids would remember forever ... playing at the Super Bowl half time. The game isn't about tits and ass, its about strength and stategy. Its about sportsmanship in a way that no other sport (save maybe soccer) can emulate. Football is about the moments of true heroics. Football is about the will to win, not profit or overexposer, or run half the court with the ball palmed, or making a billion because your the only one who's steroided up enough to hit home runs. Fottball is the real game, and I feel real depression that the season is now 7 months away.
posted by Wulfgar! at 8:00 PM on February 7, 2004
Football is a beloved thing. Yes, its violent. Yes, its testerone laden. Who cares? Its a terrific sport, the best of team sport ground aquisition games ever devised by human mind.
My friends and I missed the boobie flash because we were too busy lamenting the idea that the Super Bowl halftime show should be a local high school band having the moment that those kids would remember forever ... playing at the Super Bowl half time. The game isn't about tits and ass, its about strength and stategy. Its about sportsmanship in a way that no other sport (save maybe soccer) can emulate. Football is about the moments of true heroics. Football is about the will to win, not profit or overexposer, or run half the court with the ball palmed, or making a billion because your the only one who's steroided up enough to hit home runs. Fottball is the real game, and I feel real depression that the season is now 7 months away.
posted by Wulfgar! at 8:00 PM on February 7, 2004
I feel real depression that the season is now 7 months away.
I want my XFL.
posted by Yelling At Nothing at 8:21 PM on February 7, 2004
I want my XFL.
posted by Yelling At Nothing at 8:21 PM on February 7, 2004
I posted the article because I think like many other "smart kids," I may have overlooked the game's merits. I saw the "Hooray for our side!" arbitrary crap and that half the people cheering for the game didn't understand the sport and the players behaving badly at my schools (and still holding privileges many of us didn't get) and just wrote the whole thing off. But I did go to a few games anyway, and found that while I could barely care who had the highest score, I *was* impressed with the article's mentioned combination of different athletic feats, and the coordination of all those feats on the field, especially when I got to watch closely. I still am not terribly into it, still worry when I read articles like this about the price its participants may pay (and do we hold that up as an ideal?), and still think its place in our culture is insanely overrated, but I've come to understand there's definitely a steak there along with the all that sizzle.
posted by weston at 8:24 PM on February 7, 2004
posted by weston at 8:24 PM on February 7, 2004
I feel real depression that the season is now 7 months away.
That's seven more months that my team can pretend to be competitive. Please shut up.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 9:41 PM on February 7, 2004
That's seven more months that my team can pretend to be competitive. Please shut up.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 9:41 PM on February 7, 2004
That's seven more months that my team can pretend to be competitive. Please shut up.
Mmm. You must be a fellow Charger fan. Or one who suffers equally(if there could be an equal-at the moment my Chargers seem poised to take on the role of the Cincy Bungles, for whom historically there is no equal; without LT there'd be no question)...
posted by ehintz at 9:48 PM on February 7, 2004
Mmm. You must be a fellow Charger fan. Or one who suffers equally(if there could be an equal-at the moment my Chargers seem poised to take on the role of the Cincy Bungles, for whom historically there is no equal; without LT there'd be no question)...
posted by ehintz at 9:48 PM on February 7, 2004
Actually, a Chiefs fan preparing for the wheels to fall off (you know, 34-year old QB, 30-year old RB with a bad hip, zero receivers, zero defense). Enjoy that draft pick, San Diego; we're makin' a run at it next year.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 10:26 PM on February 7, 2004
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 10:26 PM on February 7, 2004
All differences aside, ehintz, here's to a Clinton Portis holdout!
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 11:31 PM on February 7, 2004
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 11:31 PM on February 7, 2004
gee, thanks. i've had that article bookmarked forever, so i can whip it out when i hear people knocking on football for being aesthetically barren.
I highly recommend that pro football doubters go and see an NFL game in person at some point in their lives. As the article alludes in the part about Jerry Rice, it's impossible to fully appreciate the jaw-dropping athleticism displayed on nearly every NFL snap until you see it live.
posted by boltman at 11:49 PM on February 7, 2004
I highly recommend that pro football doubters go and see an NFL game in person at some point in their lives. As the article alludes in the part about Jerry Rice, it's impossible to fully appreciate the jaw-dropping athleticism displayed on nearly every NFL snap until you see it live.
posted by boltman at 11:49 PM on February 7, 2004
All differences aside, ehintz, here's to a Clinton Portis holdout!
Dream on, 'bolt boy. Average 128 yards in the 2 games next year; I'm betting you now.
majcher, are you just a physically challenged computer capable person (read short-fat-nerd-fuck) or do you have an argument to make concerning the post? Please understand I adore football. Its the best of sport that humans can aspire to, along with soccer, sumo, Ausie rules football and rugby. So please elighten us as to why you would say "fuck football", unless you're a self-serving little git who hasn't a clue about the game.
(Trust me, I could be far more offensive here, but I really want to know, majcher, what is your problem?)
posted by Wulfgar! at 12:01 AM on February 8, 2004
Dream on, 'bolt boy. Average 128 yards in the 2 games next year; I'm betting you now.
majcher, are you just a physically challenged computer capable person (read short-fat-nerd-fuck) or do you have an argument to make concerning the post? Please understand I adore football. Its the best of sport that humans can aspire to, along with soccer, sumo, Ausie rules football and rugby. So please elighten us as to why you would say "fuck football", unless you're a self-serving little git who hasn't a clue about the game.
(Trust me, I could be far more offensive here, but I really want to know, majcher, what is your problem?)
posted by Wulfgar! at 12:01 AM on February 8, 2004
Here in the Carolinas, we Panthers fans are REALLY impatient for next year.
posted by alumshubby at 6:26 AM on February 8, 2004
posted by alumshubby at 6:26 AM on February 8, 2004
My Broncos 0wnz0r youz!!!
That's right. I'm hoping for far fewer injuries next season, though. I bet with a healthy team they would have made it pretty far, if not all the way.
posted by krinklyfig at 7:15 AM on February 8, 2004
That's right. I'm hoping for far fewer injuries next season, though. I bet with a healthy team they would have made it pretty far, if not all the way.
posted by krinklyfig at 7:15 AM on February 8, 2004
This was a great article, I remember 1988 as the year I got football. As a Bengals fan you think this would be because of Boomer Esiason, James Brooks, or Ickey Woods but it was watching offensive lineman Anthony Munoz and Max Montoya on d-line that really sparked my interest.
I also credit the Madden Football games as helping out with understanding the intricacies of the games.
And now for the fan boy portion of the post: Marvin Lewis is the Saviour.
posted by Mick at 7:57 AM on February 8, 2004
I also credit the Madden Football games as helping out with understanding the intricacies of the games.
And now for the fan boy portion of the post: Marvin Lewis is the Saviour.
posted by Mick at 7:57 AM on February 8, 2004
Thanks for the post weston...it was a great read. Many NFL seasons have been spent teaching the finer points of the game to the women I was dating at the time. They knew that the only way they would get to spend time with me on Sundays during the season (not to mention every Monday, some late-season Saturdays and the glorious Thursday games as well) was if they were willing to park their butt in front of a TV and watch with me.
For me, the love of football spectating comes from the fact that I was too scared to play in high school. I was small then, although many smaller boys had the courage to play and I always envied them. I chose to play baseball, and because I can play baseball with some level of skill I have no interest in watching it. But football is glorious, it's war with rules and men trying to hit each other as hard as they can on every single play for our entertainment.
posted by vito90 at 8:00 AM on February 8, 2004
For me, the love of football spectating comes from the fact that I was too scared to play in high school. I was small then, although many smaller boys had the courage to play and I always envied them. I chose to play baseball, and because I can play baseball with some level of skill I have no interest in watching it. But football is glorious, it's war with rules and men trying to hit each other as hard as they can on every single play for our entertainment.
posted by vito90 at 8:00 AM on February 8, 2004
Four words from me: Hall Of Fame Coach
To quote Howard Dean, "Yeeeargh!"
posted by owillis at 8:38 AM on February 8, 2004
To quote Howard Dean, "Yeeeargh!"
posted by owillis at 8:38 AM on February 8, 2004
i'm a rugby fan myself.
i find the incessant advertising during football (i'll use the american naming convention) games incredibly annoying.
soccer is good for style, not for real tactics and skill.
posted by knapah at 9:03 AM on February 8, 2004
i find the incessant advertising during football (i'll use the american naming convention) games incredibly annoying.
soccer is good for style, not for real tactics and skill.
posted by knapah at 9:03 AM on February 8, 2004
Football is the sport of choice for latent homosexuals. Gimme World Cup (no ads) or baseball (no clock).
posted by trondant at 9:12 AM on February 8, 2004
posted by trondant at 9:12 AM on February 8, 2004
are you just a physically challenged computer capable person (read short-fat-nerd-fuck) or ... a self-serving little git who hasn't a clue about the game.
Gosh, I guess I you're right. You've completely changed my mind about football, wolfie. I don't know how I hadn't been swayed earlier, with champions as polite and charming as yourself boosting this fine sport.
posted by majcher at 10:45 AM on February 8, 2004
Gosh, I guess I you're right. You've completely changed my mind about football, wolfie. I don't know how I hadn't been swayed earlier, with champions as polite and charming as yourself boosting this fine sport.
posted by majcher at 10:45 AM on February 8, 2004
This thread is depressing. The NFL does not define football. The Super Bowl does not define football. Violence does not define football. Football does not need rabid fans, cheerleaders, or $1000 seats. It does not need beer, it does not need tv timeouts, and, frankly, it does not need defending. It's silly to whine about advertising. It's ridiculous to complain about the commericalization. That's not what football is, and if you'd played a game in your life, you'd know that.
I was a scrawny kid who loved the game but thought he was too small for football. Ten years later, I'm still not the fastest, still not the strongest, still not the smartest, but now I understand the game. Football has 22 completely different roles waiting to be filled, plus a kicker thrown in for good measure. There's a place for everyone. It's a sport where a 20 year old can face off against a 40 year old and you'll still see the kid get his ass handed to him. It's a sport that has superstars, but having one, two, or even three on your team doesn't guarantee a thing. It's hyper-chess: pawns sometimes take up two squares, kings jump three squares to prevent the checkmate, and bishops break free down the middle for the win. It's a game where experience, consistency, and execution reign.
I've been playing flag football in Chicago with the same group of 20 or so guys almost every weekend for three years now-- rain, snow, or shine-- and most days I don't catch a single ball, don't knock down a single pass. I don't leap for touchdowns or do little dances in the end zone. I am a center, and for three hours a day, I put the ball in my quarterback's hands and fend off attack after attack after attack. It's not a glitzy job, but without me, the ball never takes flight, the catch is never made, the end zone remains empty. And Sundays, I put up with the fireworks and I deal with the spectacle because I might learn something. How do I address two lined up in the gap? How do I control the superstar linebacker on the blitz? How do I better sell the screen? How do I control the situation? How do I win?
That's football. It's baseball's coaching, soccer's strategy, and basketball's athleticism. It's hockey's pressure, golf's accuracy, and rugby's teamwork. It's war, it's peace, it's handshakes at the end and promises of next year, next week, tomorrow. It's every game for all people. I look back at the ten years I wasted thinking football was defined by size and speed and genetics and see 520 lost weekends, and I'm not going to lose another one, not to TV, not to advertising, and definitely not to the naysayers who don't understand the game. Football doesn't need to be defended-- it just needs to be played.
posted by eamondaly at 11:02 AM on February 8, 2004
I was a scrawny kid who loved the game but thought he was too small for football. Ten years later, I'm still not the fastest, still not the strongest, still not the smartest, but now I understand the game. Football has 22 completely different roles waiting to be filled, plus a kicker thrown in for good measure. There's a place for everyone. It's a sport where a 20 year old can face off against a 40 year old and you'll still see the kid get his ass handed to him. It's a sport that has superstars, but having one, two, or even three on your team doesn't guarantee a thing. It's hyper-chess: pawns sometimes take up two squares, kings jump three squares to prevent the checkmate, and bishops break free down the middle for the win. It's a game where experience, consistency, and execution reign.
I've been playing flag football in Chicago with the same group of 20 or so guys almost every weekend for three years now-- rain, snow, or shine-- and most days I don't catch a single ball, don't knock down a single pass. I don't leap for touchdowns or do little dances in the end zone. I am a center, and for three hours a day, I put the ball in my quarterback's hands and fend off attack after attack after attack. It's not a glitzy job, but without me, the ball never takes flight, the catch is never made, the end zone remains empty. And Sundays, I put up with the fireworks and I deal with the spectacle because I might learn something. How do I address two lined up in the gap? How do I control the superstar linebacker on the blitz? How do I better sell the screen? How do I control the situation? How do I win?
That's football. It's baseball's coaching, soccer's strategy, and basketball's athleticism. It's hockey's pressure, golf's accuracy, and rugby's teamwork. It's war, it's peace, it's handshakes at the end and promises of next year, next week, tomorrow. It's every game for all people. I look back at the ten years I wasted thinking football was defined by size and speed and genetics and see 520 lost weekends, and I'm not going to lose another one, not to TV, not to advertising, and definitely not to the naysayers who don't understand the game. Football doesn't need to be defended-- it just needs to be played.
posted by eamondaly at 11:02 AM on February 8, 2004
I'm not a huge sports fan, as I prefer participating in anything to watching it, but hockey seems more challenging on the surface than football. You have the baseball like problem of hitting something moving very fast, with the added problem of doing it while on ice skates and that it can go through any point in space (as opposed to the very small strike zone in baseball).
posted by drezdn at 11:29 AM on February 8, 2004
posted by drezdn at 11:29 AM on February 8, 2004
I admit to being a big nerd, but nobody has successfully been able to explain the rules of football to me to the point where I can follow a game. It's like algebra was... every time I think I've got it, turns out I don't. The game just makes absolutely no sense to me and it's annoying to try to watch a sport where everything stops all the time. To me it's like watching a movie where the actors sit down and look around the set for a minute between each line of dialog.
posted by kevspace at 11:42 AM on February 8, 2004
posted by kevspace at 11:42 AM on February 8, 2004
I did play all through junior high and high school, as a two way lineman. (I was a jock who had geeky tendencies) Not that it means anything, as I haven't strapped on the pads in 20 years. But, there is so much more to the game than just large men running into each other. Even at the lower levels, game plans can be quite complex.
I had to know several options of the same play (There were dozens of plays), all depending upon how the defensive linemen and linebackers lined up, and if they blitzed, stunted, or played straight up. Let alone knowing audibles, plays called at the line of scrimmage. That is just scratching the surface. It is a true team game, and I learned a Hell of a lot in the way of sacrifice, discipline and teamwork. And pain, for that matter. Those pads allow you to inflict more of it, rather than protect you. Honestly, you tried to wear as little as you could get away with, as pads affect your speed and quickness.
I would have done anything to continue to play. I knew I wasn't good enough for the next level. That surge of adrenaline when leaving the locker room was amazing. And anyone that would write a football player off as a typical dumb jock never played the game. I'm still a huge fan of both the college and pro games. (Go Wolverines and Lions!) There is so much to love about football...
posted by bawanaal at 12:07 PM on February 8, 2004
I had to know several options of the same play (There were dozens of plays), all depending upon how the defensive linemen and linebackers lined up, and if they blitzed, stunted, or played straight up. Let alone knowing audibles, plays called at the line of scrimmage. That is just scratching the surface. It is a true team game, and I learned a Hell of a lot in the way of sacrifice, discipline and teamwork. And pain, for that matter. Those pads allow you to inflict more of it, rather than protect you. Honestly, you tried to wear as little as you could get away with, as pads affect your speed and quickness.
I would have done anything to continue to play. I knew I wasn't good enough for the next level. That surge of adrenaline when leaving the locker room was amazing. And anyone that would write a football player off as a typical dumb jock never played the game. I'm still a huge fan of both the college and pro games. (Go Wolverines and Lions!) There is so much to love about football...
posted by bawanaal at 12:07 PM on February 8, 2004
eamondaly, that was beautiful.
majcher, I realize this may be hard to grasp as you seem convinced that its all about you, but you should notice that I wasn't trying to convince you of anything. You pop on in here, dump on something I love with an offensive oneliner, and I asked a question: What the hell is your problem?
If you're going to rank on football, at least say why.
posted by Wulfgar! at 12:29 PM on February 8, 2004
majcher, I realize this may be hard to grasp as you seem convinced that its all about you, but you should notice that I wasn't trying to convince you of anything. You pop on in here, dump on something I love with an offensive oneliner, and I asked a question: What the hell is your problem?
If you're going to rank on football, at least say why.
posted by Wulfgar! at 12:29 PM on February 8, 2004
I've already said why, and I don't really see the point of going on about it at length. (Use your imagination, and substitute "football" for "baseball") You love football, good for you. I don't, and because I don't, and have the unmitigated gall to say so publicly, I'm immediately subject to a vicious little personal attack. See: INSANE.
I was pretty darn drunk - just returning from a non-football sport related event - when I posted that short, sharp little poke. What's your excuse?
posted by majcher at 1:13 PM on February 8, 2004
I was pretty darn drunk - just returning from a non-football sport related event - when I posted that short, sharp little poke. What's your excuse?
posted by majcher at 1:13 PM on February 8, 2004
What's your excuse?
You were being an asshole. I don't like ballet. But I don't go to them just to stand up and shout "fuck ballet". Drunk or not, that would be kinda "INSANE".
posted by Wulfgar! at 1:22 PM on February 8, 2004
You were being an asshole. I don't like ballet. But I don't go to them just to stand up and shout "fuck ballet". Drunk or not, that would be kinda "INSANE".
posted by Wulfgar! at 1:22 PM on February 8, 2004
eamondaly put it pretty well i think, but i still prefer rugby(union not rugby league).
of course, i don't think there's an american football team within 1000 miles of me right now.
posted by knapah at 1:34 PM on February 8, 2004
of course, i don't think there's an american football team within 1000 miles of me right now.
posted by knapah at 1:34 PM on February 8, 2004
Is this a football game, or a discussion about football?
posted by majcher at 5:34 PM on February 8, 2004
posted by majcher at 5:34 PM on February 8, 2004
In my opinion, the way that a truly great single unit in football (mostly an O or D line, but also a secondary or special teams unit) thinks together is the coolest shit in sports. In baseball you still have to shout "I've got it" when trying to make a catch among 2 or 3 teamates, but great football units (like the Denver O-lines of the 90's, or the Chefs' line right now) seem to communicate telepathically with each other. It seems to be the only sport where multiple people get in "the zone" together.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 7:02 PM on February 8, 2004
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 7:02 PM on February 8, 2004
Its about sportsmanship in a way that no other sport (save maybe soccer) can emulate.
Its the best of sport that humans can aspire to
Wow, those are bold statements. I appreciate your enthusiasm for football, but your love of the game doesn't allow for much rational discussion.
That's football. It's baseball's coaching, soccer's strategy, and basketball's athleticism. It's hockey's pressure, golf's accuracy, and rugby's teamwork. It's war, it's peace, it's handshakes at the end and promises of next year, next week, tomorrow. It's every game for all people. I look back at the ten years I wasted thinking football was defined by size and speed and genetics and see 520 lost weekends, and I'm not going to lose another one, not to TV, not to advertising, and definitely not to the naysayers who don't understand the game. Football doesn't need to be defended-- it just needs to be played.
Again, I admire your enthusiasm for the game. I know how it feels to be in love with a sport, but such hyperbole is more suited to entertainment purposes than anything else. I could replace 'football' with baseball and baseball fans would nod in agreement. And by the way, it IS about size, speed, and genetics.
I chose to play baseball, and because I can play baseball with some level of skill I have no interest in watching it.
I can also play baseball with some skill but find watching it more interesting than watching football because it allows me to appreciate the high level of skill being displayed. I think its hard for someone who has never played a game to understand the skill needed for that game.
not to the naysayers who don't understand the game
I hope you're not saying those who don't like football don't understand it. Many who don't like football, baseball, soccer, whatever, do understand it.
In baseball you still have to shout "I've got it" when trying to make a catch among 2 or 3 teamates, but great football units (like the Denver O-lines of the 90's, or the Chefs' line right now) seem to communicate telepathically with each other. It seems to be the only sport where multiple people get in "the zone" together.
The problem with your comparison is that the two aren't comparable at all.
scenario 1: The offense calls the play in the huddle including blocking schemes. Once the play is underway adjustments are made.
scenario 2: A pop fly is hit and until it starts its downfall there is really no way to know who has the best play. There was no planning for a popup, no 'popup play' called. You're basically calling off the other player in order to avoid injury.
Just not comparable at all.
I think football is a great sport, but so much crap comes along with it, and most of the fans eat it up. Its really a catch 22, with the nfl being proud to be america's new pasttime. But its come with a price, the mtvifying of the sport.
I'd rather have less fans and more pure sport. The nfl is proving you can't have it both ways. The nfl looks more like the wwf every year.
posted by justgary at 8:07 PM on February 8, 2004
Its the best of sport that humans can aspire to
Wow, those are bold statements. I appreciate your enthusiasm for football, but your love of the game doesn't allow for much rational discussion.
That's football. It's baseball's coaching, soccer's strategy, and basketball's athleticism. It's hockey's pressure, golf's accuracy, and rugby's teamwork. It's war, it's peace, it's handshakes at the end and promises of next year, next week, tomorrow. It's every game for all people. I look back at the ten years I wasted thinking football was defined by size and speed and genetics and see 520 lost weekends, and I'm not going to lose another one, not to TV, not to advertising, and definitely not to the naysayers who don't understand the game. Football doesn't need to be defended-- it just needs to be played.
Again, I admire your enthusiasm for the game. I know how it feels to be in love with a sport, but such hyperbole is more suited to entertainment purposes than anything else. I could replace 'football' with baseball and baseball fans would nod in agreement. And by the way, it IS about size, speed, and genetics.
I chose to play baseball, and because I can play baseball with some level of skill I have no interest in watching it.
I can also play baseball with some skill but find watching it more interesting than watching football because it allows me to appreciate the high level of skill being displayed. I think its hard for someone who has never played a game to understand the skill needed for that game.
not to the naysayers who don't understand the game
I hope you're not saying those who don't like football don't understand it. Many who don't like football, baseball, soccer, whatever, do understand it.
In baseball you still have to shout "I've got it" when trying to make a catch among 2 or 3 teamates, but great football units (like the Denver O-lines of the 90's, or the Chefs' line right now) seem to communicate telepathically with each other. It seems to be the only sport where multiple people get in "the zone" together.
The problem with your comparison is that the two aren't comparable at all.
scenario 1: The offense calls the play in the huddle including blocking schemes. Once the play is underway adjustments are made.
scenario 2: A pop fly is hit and until it starts its downfall there is really no way to know who has the best play. There was no planning for a popup, no 'popup play' called. You're basically calling off the other player in order to avoid injury.
Just not comparable at all.
I think football is a great sport, but so much crap comes along with it, and most of the fans eat it up. Its really a catch 22, with the nfl being proud to be america's new pasttime. But its come with a price, the mtvifying of the sport.
I'd rather have less fans and more pure sport. The nfl is proving you can't have it both ways. The nfl looks more like the wwf every year.
posted by justgary at 8:07 PM on February 8, 2004
I'm fortunate in that the football teams I follow most closely (besides the Broncos) are both 1-AA college teams. I agree that the NFL is becoming more MTVed all the time (though I would argue that the NBA is completely unwatchable any more for that). Unfortunately, I see the large school college teams following the money right down entertainment lane.
1-AA ball doesn't have the advanced skill at all positions but it does offer a much more enjoyable and involved experience. The aspects of team and fan (as in fanatic) are so much more dynamic because it isn't about the money quite as much.
posted by Wulfgar! at 8:27 PM on February 8, 2004
1-AA ball doesn't have the advanced skill at all positions but it does offer a much more enjoyable and involved experience. The aspects of team and fan (as in fanatic) are so much more dynamic because it isn't about the money quite as much.
posted by Wulfgar! at 8:27 PM on February 8, 2004
From the article:
"The New Yorker doesn't assign essayists to wax rhapsodic about the beauties of the corner blitz."
Maybe not, but does The Atlantic Monthly count?
"Fraley is the center. He is the guy who squats and offers his wide rear end to the quarterback before almost every offensive play, who snaps the ball into the star's hands and then braces himself to be run over. He has never scored a touchdown. He has never passed, kicked, caught, or carried the football in a game—not in high school, college, or the NFL. Not once."
The article's a good counterpoint to eamondaly's post above, and a great read to boot.
posted by bright cold day at 8:42 PM on February 8, 2004
"The New Yorker doesn't assign essayists to wax rhapsodic about the beauties of the corner blitz."
Maybe not, but does The Atlantic Monthly count?
"Fraley is the center. He is the guy who squats and offers his wide rear end to the quarterback before almost every offensive play, who snaps the ball into the star's hands and then braces himself to be run over. He has never scored a touchdown. He has never passed, kicked, caught, or carried the football in a game—not in high school, college, or the NFL. Not once."
The article's a good counterpoint to eamondaly's post above, and a great read to boot.
posted by bright cold day at 8:42 PM on February 8, 2004
The problem with your comparison is that the two aren't comparable at all.
The offense calls the play,but the blocking assignments are more dependant on the defensive front--as well as who shows blitz, etc.--than on the play itself. And doesn't an outfielder know if his pitcher is a ground-ball pitcher or a heat-thrower who might get taken deep?
I agree that the NFL is becoming more MTVed all the time (though I would argue that the NBA is completely unwatchable any more for that).
Whoah. DO you mea the game itself, or just the marketing? I've been a football fan since before I could read, and the NFL's product has never been more competitive and exciting to me. Do people really think the quality of the game is decreasing?
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 8:49 PM on February 8, 2004
The offense calls the play,but the blocking assignments are more dependant on the defensive front--as well as who shows blitz, etc.--than on the play itself. And doesn't an outfielder know if his pitcher is a ground-ball pitcher or a heat-thrower who might get taken deep?
I agree that the NFL is becoming more MTVed all the time (though I would argue that the NBA is completely unwatchable any more for that).
Whoah. DO you mea the game itself, or just the marketing? I've been a football fan since before I could read, and the NFL's product has never been more competitive and exciting to me. Do people really think the quality of the game is decreasing?
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 8:49 PM on February 8, 2004
Do people really think the quality of the game is decreasing?
I think that's the destinction between the NBA and the NFL, for me. The NFL is getting harder to enjoy because of the wrappings. But the game is terrific (and I would agree, getting better if the last several Super Bowls are any indication). Its like getting fine chocolates in an oily paper bag. You still enjoy the sugar, but you feel icky when you reach in for it.
The NBA, on the other hand, has completely lost any semblance of sport. It's all glitz, all bling, alla time.
I blame Dennis Rodman, and of course, George Bush (/tongue in cheek)
posted by Wulfgar! at 10:40 PM on February 8, 2004
I think that's the destinction between the NBA and the NFL, for me. The NFL is getting harder to enjoy because of the wrappings. But the game is terrific (and I would agree, getting better if the last several Super Bowls are any indication). Its like getting fine chocolates in an oily paper bag. You still enjoy the sugar, but you feel icky when you reach in for it.
The NBA, on the other hand, has completely lost any semblance of sport. It's all glitz, all bling, alla time.
I blame Dennis Rodman, and of course, George Bush (/tongue in cheek)
posted by Wulfgar! at 10:40 PM on February 8, 2004
All sport is noble. It teaches, but via playing.
Not watching.
/me awaits baseball season, rally cap beside the couch.
posted by fold_and_mutilate at 12:42 AM on February 9, 2004
Not watching.
/me awaits baseball season, rally cap beside the couch.
posted by fold_and_mutilate at 12:42 AM on February 9, 2004
('Course, Wulfie....I admit I grew up worshiping 'The Pack.')
posted by fold_and_mutilate at 12:44 AM on February 9, 2004
posted by fold_and_mutilate at 12:44 AM on February 9, 2004
And doesn't an outfielder know if his pitcher is a ground-ball pitcher or a heat-thrower who might get taken deep?
He should, but you don't anticipate a popup. Really though, I agree with your football comment, and your admiration of it. Its just a little unfair to compare it to the baseball scenario you did.
Though I must admit its hard to find an appropriate comparison. Baseball and football really are two completely different sports and comparisons are few and far between.
I've been a football fan since before I could read, and the NFL's product has never been more competitive and exciting to me. Do people really think the quality of the game is decreasing?
It all depends if you see the league as highly competitive because of parity or because play has gone down hill. I hear the argument all the time.
I agree that the NFL is becoming more MTVed all the time (though I would argue that the NBA is completely unwatchable any more for that).
I agree. I hardly ever watch the nba anymore. The league seems to be more about marketing new shoes than anything else.
When I said the game has become mtvified I wasn't putting down the game itself, but all the crap that surrounds it. Sure, you can separate one from the other.
But really, what a fantastic superbowl and yet all we hear about is some aging singers breast. The game is good enough on its own.
posted by justgary at 9:18 AM on February 9, 2004
He should, but you don't anticipate a popup. Really though, I agree with your football comment, and your admiration of it. Its just a little unfair to compare it to the baseball scenario you did.
Though I must admit its hard to find an appropriate comparison. Baseball and football really are two completely different sports and comparisons are few and far between.
I've been a football fan since before I could read, and the NFL's product has never been more competitive and exciting to me. Do people really think the quality of the game is decreasing?
It all depends if you see the league as highly competitive because of parity or because play has gone down hill. I hear the argument all the time.
I agree that the NFL is becoming more MTVed all the time (though I would argue that the NBA is completely unwatchable any more for that).
I agree. I hardly ever watch the nba anymore. The league seems to be more about marketing new shoes than anything else.
When I said the game has become mtvified I wasn't putting down the game itself, but all the crap that surrounds it. Sure, you can separate one from the other.
But really, what a fantastic superbowl and yet all we hear about is some aging singers breast. The game is good enough on its own.
posted by justgary at 9:18 AM on February 9, 2004
He should, but you don't anticipate a popup. Really though, I agree with your football comment, and your admiration of it. Its just a little unfair to compare it to the baseball scenario you did.
Of course. I don't actually think football is better than baseball; it just trips my mental beauty/grace receptors in that certain way, ya know. Totally subjective.
It all depends if you see the league as highly competitive because of parity or because play has gone down hill. I hear the argument all the time.
Probably not from people from Cincinatti or Caroliina. Though to me, parity isn't the entire reason why the league is doing so well. In fact, for my money, the real reason is the fact that Tags runs the league like a dictatorship (and I mean that in the best way possible).
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 10:39 AM on February 9, 2004
Of course. I don't actually think football is better than baseball; it just trips my mental beauty/grace receptors in that certain way, ya know. Totally subjective.
It all depends if you see the league as highly competitive because of parity or because play has gone down hill. I hear the argument all the time.
Probably not from people from Cincinatti or Caroliina. Though to me, parity isn't the entire reason why the league is doing so well. In fact, for my money, the real reason is the fact that Tags runs the league like a dictatorship (and I mean that in the best way possible).
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 10:39 AM on February 9, 2004
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posted by mischief at 7:49 PM on February 7, 2004