Who would've predicted that the Cowboys would've overcome all their faults and mistakes in the Monday night game against Buffalo? 6 turnovers in a game, 2 resulting in touchdowns... and they still come away with a win. Who woulda thunk it?
Me. That's who.
Katie and I sat down after dinner last night, with the TV already tuned to ESPN from the previous day. The two hour pre-game show was on, analyzing every matchup and facet of the game that would be coming soon, along with reiterating each newsworthy item from the week's games. Somewhere in the analysis a commentator pointed out that they would have to play New England after the Bills... and that if Dallas wins against the Bills that they would both be undefeated.
What's that, ESPN? Two undefeated teams, at week 6? That sounds like a ratings powerhouse. That's right. The reason the Cowboys had to win was because it would make for the most compelling TV. It's the first season where I've heard multiple commentators mention that they aren't interested in watching football because so many teams are playing so poorly. People need a reason to tear themselves away from their lives and sit wide eyed in front of "the big game". Monday night's game was the NFL's way of ensuring that this happened.
Two black coaches in the superbowl? I smell PR buzz. Two undefeated teams at week 6? ESPN and CBS were both forcing all employees to pray to their gods, any gods, that Romo would get his crap together and get a win for Dallas. Lo and Behold, they pulled it off. After an onside kick, two challenges, and two kicks (back to back) to win the game... the football gods had assured that the game which must happen would happen.
This points toward the trend I've noticed - If there's a storyline being highlighted consistently, and a game is on the line to further that story, chances are that that game will have an outcome that favors the continuation of that story. Watch the pre-game jibber jabber on ESPN. The NFL is becoming more like the WWE everyday. The fix is in, it's up to the players and coaches to determine how the fix is executed.
Posted by Jordan at October 9, 2007 6:44 PM | TrackBack