When we were little, we were told "If you can't think of something nice to say, don't say anything at all." So here's the nicest thing I can say about the Pro Bowl: They're trying.
This year, the NFL is adopting a "fantasy football" philosophy by having a draft instead of assigning players to teams by conference. So Drew Brees could throw passes to Keenan Allen, for example (and if the Chargers had kept him around, he could have been doing that all year. Ponder that one). That's just one of many changes the league is adopting in an effort to make the game more relevant, safe and appealing for everyone involved.
There are no kickoffs this year; the ball will be placed at the 25 yard line. There will also be two-minute warnings in every quarter. The clock will keep running after incomplete passes for most of the game, and the play clock will be cut by five seconds to move things along.
I'm not making those things up. Those are real changes to the game. Some of them make sense, and some seem like they were added by people who can't get enough of the two-minute warning. But at least the NFL is acknowledging the game needs changing. Still, as a fantasy player and football fan, I'd like to suggest a few others:
Instead of paying the winners approximately $50,000 and the losers $25,000, make it winner take all. Or pay the winners $70,000 and the losers $5,000. That's a real difference, and should make the players put some real effort into the game.
Better yet, pay them based on their performance. How about $5,000 per 10 yards rushing or receiving, and $2,500 per 10 yards passing? All touchdowns are $10,000. (For fans of decimal scoring in fantasy football, the league can pay out for each yard so every play counts). Defensive players can be based on tackles or sacks or balls tipped at the line, etc. Let the Elias Sports Bureau present the checks after the game.
Instead of banning it, encourage live Twitter and Instagram updates from the players. If we're watching a paid holiday for athletes, let's see the vacation photos in real time.
Mic up the coaches for the entire game and let fans listen to it on a dedicated audio channel. Let fans hear uncensored insight from the guys calling the shots.
Challenge Cam: We want to see what the referees see when reviewing plays.
Announcers: Bill Murray and Will Ferrell (as Ron Burgundy). Sideline reporter: Tina Fey. Enough said.
Instead of NFL alumni as drafting assistants, let real fantasy owners do it. And let them make trades up until game time.
I think those things would make the Pro Bowl more interesting. But the bottom line is, there are two football games left: One means everything, and the other means absolutely nothing. It's up to you whether or not you want to watch it, knowing that the players are there because they get to play golf and relax and the league televises it because they can make money with it. Nothing terribly wrong with having a Pro Bowl, but there's not much right with it, either. As for me, I plan to revisit football next week when there's a real game to enjoy. See you then.
Do you have any ideas to make the Pro Bowl more tolerable? Or do you love it and think it's fine the way it is? Share your thoughts below.