Tom Brady has retired again, and most likely for real this time. He is heading into the commentating aspect of sports, and the guys ponder if viewers watch games for the commentators or the events themselves. Some legends of the color booth have made all the difference in the enjoyment and understanding of sports, as well as some polarizing figures, such as the loquacious Bill Walton. Will viewers tune in just to see Tom Brady off the gridiron?
The teams have been decided and the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl on February 12 in Phoenix, AZ. Both franchises are gearing up for the Championship, bringing into focus many things that make fans scratch their heads in wonder. Why is the NFL adopting rules that don’t seem to make any sense, such as being unable to make a challenge in the game’s last two minutes? Coaches have discovered that they will lose that challenge even if referees rule in their favor, as Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers has experienced firsthand. After commissioner Roger Goodell, who was sitting with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the time, witnessed Shanahan’s frustration during that NFC Championship game between the Eagles and 49ers, is there a possibility he’ll be more willing to change that rule? And maybe others?
Should the NFL expand rosters from 45 to 52, making more players available to cover injuries instead of using players from other positions to fill in? Why not allow three QBs every game? The 20 games per season are harder physically on players’ bodies, and having team depth could make all the difference. Kansas City is going into the Super Bowl with four receivers who are in doubtful shape but will probably be playing anyway, and a Philly wide receiver has an injured foot, so both teams are hoping that the two weeks between the playoffs and Super Bowl will be enough recovery time. What effect will these injuries have during the big game, and what can the NFL do to avoid these issues in the future?
Email Fred, Art, and Mark with questions and comments at sportsfred@aol.com
