It is just another road game.
That’s the approach head coach Bill Belichick took with this game in London, England. Apparently the flight is about as long as a flight to a West Coast game. The accent is different, so is the venue, and the crowd behavior will be unique. But otherwise it’s just another game. It was a big deal the first time the NFL played a regular season game at Wembley Stadium, but there shouldn’t be any fuss about this overseas game.
Honestly, why is the NFL even bothering to play in England? It wasn’t too long ago that the league cancelled NFL Europa because this developmental league was losing money annually.
But that doesn’t keep the NFL from eyeing overseas markets. Patriots owner Robert Kraft even said he wouldn’t be surprised if there was an NFL franchise in London within 10 years.
So would this be before Los Angeles gets a franchise or will Oakland owner Al Davis thumb his nose at the league again and trump Commissioner Roger Goodell by moving the Raiders and cashing in on the British pound? Davis would really make out on the exchange rate.
Why is it so important to expand the league internationally? The NFL can’t even sell out Jacksonville home games now. The powers that be better make sure everything is great at home before crossing any borders.
London doesn’t understand American Football. They already think we’re crazy for calling a game where we throw and carry a pigskin around football. They already have football (soccer to us), and when they have a taste for contact, they’ll turn to rugby. Happy citizens everywhere! Let’s go grab a pint of Guiness!
If leaving a footprint in London was so important, why did the NFL shut down NFL Europe to begin with? If they are true fans of American football out there, they can tune in to the Super Bowl annually.
But if the league really wants to play overseas every year, here’s an idea. Give them a preseason game. I’m positive those games will sell out since they rarely do at home. And the team owners stay happy that they’re not losing money they could make from a home game.
Only Buffalo should be allowed to host home games outside the US because Canada is right next door.
A few things I’m looking for:
Joshing Johnson: Josh Johnson is a second-year quarterback. That makes him fresh meat for Bill Belichick and his schemes. What will he concoct to befuddle the young passer?
Backfield in Commotion: In Johnson’s three starts, he’s been sacked 10 times. The front seven will have chances to bring him down often.
Mercy, Mercy Me: At some point the reserves should get some playing time.
It shouldn't be as bad as last week's 59-0 annihilation, but the Patriots will win this going away.
Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com.
