So the much anticipated and overevaluated showdown between Bill Belichick and Rex Ryan turned out to be one of the most anticlimactic sporting events I've ever sat through. The Jets came to Foxboro with a better, more creative gameplan coupled with far more grit, and belittled the Patriots on offense and defense. Tom Brady will not be remembered as an MVP or playoff hero, but for his prudent audibles and lack of fortitude under pressure. Please spare me the best quarterback of all time argument or even Tom vs Peyton debate. In the last three years that Hollywood Tom has been in the playoffs, we have watched him lose composure when it has mattered the most. In 2007, his historical offense was thwarted by the overpowering defensive line of the Giants. We watched from home as Eli Manning did what tom could not; elude the rush and make a big play. Last year the Ravens entered Foxboro as underdogs, and made the Pats look feable in their attempt to continue owning the title; "unbeatable at home". This year it was the loud-mouthed Jets that embarrassed New England in front of their home crowd. Now, as fans, we will need to wait patiently as the final 4 teams remaining have it out in their respective conference championships.
Let me be the first to say that the NFL is dead to me until draft day. I have such a terrible taste in my mouth, like the one you wake up with after a heavy night of drinking and neglecting to brush your teeth. As enticing as it is to sit down on a Saturday/Sunday night with friends and watch these games with beverages and snacks, I will not. Instead, I choose to omit the remainder of the season from my life. Following a professional team the correct way takes a whole lot of time and energy, both of which come at a premium at this point in my life. Sports act as a fantasticdeterrant to reality the same way a drug would, giving us both reason and excuse to ignore the responsibilities around us. Fans pour not only their well-earned dollars into this hobby, but also their heart and souls. Now fans have a choice; go back to reality or fill the void with something else? There are plenty of other sports to follow, nevermind that the Red Sox look more promising now than in any of their World Series seasons. My best guess is that fans will follow football through the Superbowl, pick up college basketball for conference championship season and eventually March Madness, then turn to baseball once spring training is in full swing. This is exactly what the sporting industry wants us to do so that they don't miss a beat with tv programming and in turn, ratings. It's the neverending cycle of the sporting year, and we consume it like a drug. Should we blame ESPN? The answer is no, we should take the responsibility for our consumption of the same old, tired storylines and rivalries. The reason ESPN gets away with is is because we will take the time to watch. If I see one more recycled story about a David vs Goliath in college basketball or bad guy gone good in the NFL or NBA (see Vick, Michael), than Im going to be sick. Sports are a drug, and we are giving those who feed us too much of our time, energy, and money. I hope that there is a lockout in the NFL next year, it will force us all to go back to reality. Or maybe we will just fill the void with something less wholesome...
don't do it!!!
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