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Considering the members of the New Orleans Saints that were to play in the Pro Bowl this season, won't be, my care for the game has diminished a bit. Believe me when I say that I'll be watching still, but my mind will be elsewhere and wishing it was a week later.
The NFL decided to try an experiment this year by moving the Pro Bowl two different ways. Instead of having it in Hawaii as it has been, they've moved it to Miami which is also home of Super Bowl XLIV. The other change is that the game will be played the week prior to the championship game instead of a week later.
My question to both of those changes is...why?
First of all, why take the game out of Hawaii? My thoughts have always been that the trip to the islands was a great little bonus for the guys that played hard enough to make the two squads. Not like these millionaires need help in going on a vacation, but it's a great neutral spot to hold the game. This year it is simply in the same spot as the Super Bowl and in the home of the Miami Dolphins.
Big whoop.
How boring to not even give most of the guys a change of scenery. Is it in Miami so that all the fans buying tickets to the Super Bowl have the opportunity to go to this as well? That makes no sense. Those fans are down there for the big game and really aren't that interested in a glorified all-star game. Let's not forget that the NFL has been focusing on bringing in fans from areas that don't have teams located near them with the primary aim being on London. So taking away the only game that Hawaiian fans get is going to help? Absolutely and incredibly stupid.
Checking out the second change this year with moving the game to a week before the Super Bowl also makes no sense to me. The biggest and most glaring problem here is that any players from the Saints or Indianapolis Colts that made their respective conference's teams will not be able to play. I'm sure it isn't the biggest deal in the world to any of them, but it still kind of sucks. It truly is just an exhibition game, but it is also an honor for them to make the team and now they have no choice but to not play in it.
Saints Players Voted In: Drew Brees, Darren Sharper, Jonathan Goodwin, Jonathan Stinchcomb, Jahri Evans, and Jonathan Vilma
Colts' Players Voted In: Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday
Injuries and other issues have actually forced a great number of changes to those participating in the Pro Bowl this year. The rosters have changed so much that it's almost as if the NFL is going to the fourth and fifth vote-getters just to have both teams filled up. All you have to do is look at the quarterbacks for the NFC and AFC teams to know that this is not going to be the all-star of all-star games. Combining the original six quarterbacks voted in total for both teams; only one of them is still participating in the game. That's just ridiculous.
Let's take a look at how many players have actually dropped out for both squads for some reason or another.
AFC: 13 of the orignal players voted in are not playing due to injury, Super Bowl participation, or other reasons.
NFC: 16 of the orignal players voted in are not playing due to injury, Super Bowl participation, or other reasons.
Wow. So 29 original vote winners for the Pro Bowl aren't going to be playing in the game this year? I fully understand that the Super Bowl commitments so that isn't an issue really. Even though it is stupid having the Pro Bowl before the big game because it forces those guys not to play. The legit injuries are also understandable because there's no sense risking further injury. But I know that a number of players just aren't particpating and chances are because they don't see the point.
Taking the game out of Hawaii is a huge mistake and is ultimately causing this game to go from All-Stars to Glorified Back-Ups. You've done a really good job since stepping into the commisioner role Mr. Goodell. Don't let this be one of your biggest blunders which it is already turning out to be. Do yourself a favor and correct it before next season.
I'm more then happy to say that the New Orleans Saints' players in the Pro Bowl have other plans, but it's upsetting to me none the less. Seeing the gold helmets mixed in with all those from the other teams is always a cool sight to me and this season there won't be a single fleur-de-lis on the field. Well, take the good with the bad because Drew Brees and company will be in Sun Like Stadium a week later anyway.
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The Pro Bowl should be after the Super Bowl and it needs Hawaii

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