Mayer: All Hail the NFL

I've been thinking about the popularity of football and success of the NFL lately. At this point, it might be impossible to quantify how popular the sport has become. It is common place to read about NFL games owning the top ten most watched television programs each year and high schools spending 60 million bucks to build a state of the art field.

Courtesy sportsfans.org

What truly fascinates me is the growing love and popularity of the NFL despite an evolution that has produced a much different game. 

Football became popular for the same reason boxing became popular which is the same reason gladiator duels were one of the most sought after forms of entertainment in ancient Rome. A large portion of the population gets a thrill out of physical battles where serious injury and possible death are not out of the question. Call it barbaric or human nature, but it's true.

The NFL used to be about hard hits, picking up first downs through power running, and trying to out muscle and punish the opponent. Don't get me wrong, big hits and physicality are still a big reason football is popular and it is an important aspect in creating a successful team. Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher effect players psyches and coaches game plans because of the punishing hits they give out and total disregard for their own well being.

While there are many other "warriors" similar to Lewis and Urlacher, they are no longer the driving force of the most popular sport in the United States. The game no longer revolves around a ground and pound mentality. The objective is no longer to wear out the opposition into submission. The NFL is a passing league, based on complicated blocking assignments, routes, changes at the line of scrimmage, and precise timing. In my eyes, the NFL in 2012 is closer to a ballet then a gladiator duel.

Courtesy broncosreport.com

There are numerous factors that have led to the evolution of football. Coaches have been able to expand play calling and be more aggressive using players that are smarter and more well trained in the art of the passing game. The famous seven on seven high school passing leagues are a perfect example of players learning and practicing a variety of routes, formations, and schemes that are being employed by professional and college teams. Even more to the point, many high school football teams are using complex spread offenses where the quarterback must be able to call audibles and change routes as if he was Peyton Manning.

With safety being a primary concern, the rules have taken away a great deal of the intimidation factor the defense once had. The quarterback is protected like never before and defensive stars may be called for unsportsmanlike conduct even when attempting to hit a receiver fairly. Personally, I am all for the changes that Roger Goodell has implemented. It is not acceptable to acknowledge the serious physical and mental anguish players go through after retirement without attempting to prevent it.

These rules have drastically changed the game. Coaches do not have to worry about sending recievers over the middle anymore, making four and five reciever sets more dangerous then ever. How is a lineback suppose to cover Wes Welker slanting across the middle when the speedy reciever has no fear of getting bowled over? Aaron Rodgers has become an artist at the backshoulder throw which has become easier to complete now that cornerbacks can't be as phsycial at the line.

Courtesy Sports Illustrated

There is something I can't figure out though. Are more people embracing this style of football or has the growing popularity of the NFL over the years created a snowball effect that can't be stopped? If everything was going in reverse, with the running game being more important and physicality on the field reaching an all time high, would the NFL still rule? I think it's probable, but who knows. The evolution will continue. Expect to see more teams using a no huddle more often in order to stop defenses from subbing in players (see more on this from Peter King's article in the NFL preview issue of Sports Illustrated).

It may be a different game. Ray Nitschke, Dick Butcus, and company might not recognize it, but this change is for the better. Players are more safe. The sport tests the athletes and coaches mental aptitude like never before. Running straight past someone may be easy for a man like Torrey Smith, who has incredible natural speed, but the elite playmakers do everything precisely; ask Greg Jennings. We don't know what is ahead and what football will look like in five years, but I bet you will be watching. I know I will.