With more than four years to go under the current CBA between the NFL and NFLPA, it is "widely believed" the two sides will "soon pursue in earnest talks on an extension," according to Mike Florio of PRO FOOTBALL TALK. The NFLPA is "bracing for the revival of a request that has been looming quietly for the last few years," as it "expects the league to make a renewed push for 18 regular-season games." Some believe that this season's drop in ratings will "actually make the NFL more intent on growing the inventory of games" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 10/29). Meanwhile, in Boston, Ben Volin wrote the more NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell "opens his mouth, the worse he sounds." Volin, referring to the comments Goodell made last week regarding the league's handling of former Giants K Josh Brown's domestic violence case, noted the NFL will "continue to have these image problems as long as Goodell's main priorities are serving the interests of the 32 owners and making sure that the NFL doesn't lose grievances to the NFLPA" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/30).
FIXER UPPER: In Phoenix, Dan Bickley wrote the NFL "has a crack in its shield" in need of repairs that "require humility, a new commissioner and a long, hard look in the mirror." The league does "not have the product to sustain aggressive attempts to saturate the market," as there are "not enough good teams and compelling stories" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 10/30). The GLOBE's Volin noted the next generation of NFL stars "hasn't really established itself yet, outside of a handful of quarterbacks," though "most of that isn't really the players' fault." The NFL "appears more concerned about punishing bow-and-arrow celebrations and policing footwear than marketing its young star players," including Raiders QB Derek Carr, Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes, Vikings FS Harrison Smith, Chargers DE Joey Bosa, Titans OT Taylor Lewan, Texans CB A.J. Bouye and Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/30). In Buffalo, Tim Graham wrote under the header, "Flags, Fines And Crimes: NFL Enforcement Has Been Hit Or Miss." NFL fans are "confused by The Shield's seemingly arbitrary standards and tone deafness" (BUFFALO NEWS, 10/30).
ATHLETES JUST WANNA HAVE FUN: Browns WR Andrew Hawkins in a special to THE MMQB wrote under the header, "My Problem With The No Fun League." The NFL, now more than ever, "should look for ways to lift individual personalities and help sell its brand." But instead of "allowing players to act as the characters it needs, the NFL has decided to assume the role of the villain by taking some of the fun out of the game, all under the guise of 'protecting its integrity.'" Hawkins: "Why do I feel it's a guise? For starters, they use the celebrations in all of their advertising." The league is "cracking down on celebrations and illegal hits, but then turn around and use that material to market their brand on websites and in television commercials" (MMQB.SI.com, 10/28).
CATCHING ON: In L.A., Michael Hiltzik noted the NFL's "ability to extract public financing for multibillion-dollar stadiums may also not be what it once was." In San Diego, a proposal to "finance a convention center and downtown stadium for the NFL Chargers via a hike in the city hotel tax is heading for a loss." The reason for this may be that voters are "finally getting wise to two facts that sports economists and city planners have known for decades: Sports venues typically contribute very little to civic economic growth, and they often reach much more deeply into the public's pocket than is evident at first glance." A "key question is whether the NFL as a whole is losing its appeal." Hiltzik: "The NFL's future hasn't been this murky in decades. If voters in San Diego reject the Chargers' initiative, that could be a lesson for other cities offered a chance at reflected glory: It might be smarter, for now, to keep your hands in your pockets" (L.A. TIMES, 10/28).
