There was talk in the NFL offices of dropping the blackout policy because of the economy, with many cities being hit hard where fans would not have the disposable income to buy tickets. I find it hard to believe that if the NFL dropped the policy that they would have had much trouble selling out games in most NFL cities. As we noted, only a few of the cities look to be having blackout problems, with most of them being the cities hit hardest by the economic downturn. I think that, if anything, the NFL is losing more fans this year by not showing the games than they are gaining by trying to draw people to the stadium. There are certain times when the NFL needs to reevaluate its mission, and while ticket sales may be an important part of the revenue, the league is by no means in any trouble financially, and should put the fans first in this case. Keeping the blackout policy for this season is putting the league before the fans, and harming cities more that have already suffered during the current economic situation.
Random Thoughts:
Monday was one of the best playoff days I have ever seen. First, a great extra-inning game between the Yankees and Angels with the Angels taking their first win of the season. Then, we saw Jimmy Rollins hit a ninth-inning, two-run walk-off triple to put the Phillies up three games to one. I still think we’ll see Yankees-Phillies in the World Series. As a Red Sox fan, I’m always pulling for anyone who knocks-off New York.
The Patriots looked like the team from 2007. Five touchdowns from Brady in the second quarter alone and a 59-0 win. Too soon to say they’re back on track but definitely a good sign going forward. On the other side, how does a team returning 20 of 22 starters start the season winless? Something is wrong in Tennessee and I wouldn’t be surprised to start hearing rumblings of a coaching change.
Stephen Drew to the Red Sox? Do the Sox need another Drew on the team? Still, I like him as a shortstop and think that he could provide some stability that the Red Sox have needed in that position.