The NFL is a major corporation. The television networks which cover the NFL are major corporations. This is the reality of my favorite sport. The game is inconsequential; profit is everything. Therefore, the announcers are required to “hype” the game and its players, while downplaying the unfair punishment by Roger Goodell and his league office. The truth would damage the “brand,” and reveal the fallacies perpetrated by the “experts.”
My greatest complaint is the exoneration and coronation of quarterbacks. The league and its paid “experts” often celebrate success which is not substantiated by the facts. Many of the NFL quarterbacks are overrated. I will only name the most obvious, but there are more who do not deserve the praise of the ordinary fan.
First is Philip Rivers. Drew Brees was released by the San Diego Chargers in 2005. Phillip Rivers replaced him. In nine post season appearances, Rivers has won nine games and lost nine games. He passed for 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has never taken his team to a championship game. And yet he is considered an “elite” quarterback by the “experts.” Statistics mean nothing; winning is everything.
Jay Cutler was supposed to be the greatest thing since “sliced bread” for the Chicago Bears. Cutler joined the Bears in 2009. He has recorded 50 wins, and 47 losses. He has failed to impress NFC Central Fans. His leadership and decision making has been questionable, although announcers who were former players continue to praise his abilities. Cutler has never taken his team to a position to challenge for a division win.
When Tony Romo took the fate of the Dallas Cowboys into his hands; as a fan, I was excited. However, after seasons of injuries and questionable concentration on the task at hand, I believe that he never had the ability to lead his team to success in the post season. In his defense, he had an owner who failed to allow the coaches and players on the field to control the games and consequently their ultimate success.
When Robert Griffin III was drafted, I admired his athletic ability. Unfortunately for Griffin, the NFL requires far more than pure athleticism. In his first year with the Washington Redskins, he attempted to become the entire team and suffered an injury. In 2016 the Cleveland Browns traded for him, and today he is once again injured and will not play again for the entire season. He may never play again.
Andrew Luck is one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. However, the Indianapolis Colts organization has failed to provide him the defense or offensive line to achieve success. He is not a Joe Montana, or a Ben Roethlisberger who can create opportunities for his team to win.
Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton displays a great deal of talent during the regular season. His mental abilities are questionable. Apparently, he cannot be successful under pressure. He appears to rely on only a few receivers when the “game is on the line.”
The quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, Joe Flacco, has talent, but is unable to make all of the throws necessary to be successful in the NFL. He cannot throw successfully to his receivers in “the flat.” When he is pressured, he exhibits panic and cannot perform. His one Super Bowl win was a gift from referees who failed to call pass interference in the end zone.
My final, and most overrated quarterback will anger many fans; especially in New England. Tom Brady would never be a Hall of Fame quarterback if he was not on a team coached by Bill Belichick. In games when Brady is pressured, he is only average. Belichick’s offensive lines have given Brady more time than any other quarterback in history to complete passes. After years of observation, I am convinced that the Patriot’s owner, Robert Croft’s relationship with Commissioner Roger Goodell has influenced calls by the officials. Fans must remember that the NFL is a business first, and a sport second.
I am aware that many of my readers will disagree with part or all of my evaluations. But I always promise to tell the truth. I am a “fanatic” as a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers because of their effort, and the fact that their ownership is beyond reproach. Ben Roethlisberger is among the top five quarterbacks in history because of his value to his team. Statistics matter, but only if they relate to success for the organization.
I am a true fan, and deny the expertise of those who have played the game or who have coached under a specific and controlled program when they offer unsubstantiated opinions about players and coaches.
I stand by my evaluations. They have been offered after decades of my love for the NFL. Thank you for allowing me to present my estimation of what I believe is the last ‘team sport’ in professional sports.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of Keith Allison
Follow me on twitter; @jamesturnagenov
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