Will following the Giants ever be the same?

just because they're not good. If the only time you can appreciate the sport is when the team you root for is winning games or projected to win games, that's pretty shallow. There are things about the NFL that are pretty hard to take, but the game itself is still very interesting when you take an interest in learning more about what goes on on the field.

In comment 13660939 Ten Ton Hammer said:

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just because they're not good. If the only time you can appreciate the sport is when the team you root for is winning games or projected to win games, that's pretty shallow. There are things about the NFL that are pretty hard to take, but the game itself is still very interesting when you take an interest in learning more about what goes on on the field.

. Well said. It’s a sport. I love the sport and enjoy the sport. Much prefer wins, but other then some sort of weird glow and bragging rights to friends, when NUG wins a Super Bowl it does not impact my life much more then a loss like today. If you cannot function without the team winning you have some issues. Next time you have a bad day at work, ask if any player on the team cares if you did or not.

Never missed a game. But it all made the 89s that much sweeter when LT was drafted in 1981 and made the other teams not just respect, but fear playing the Giants.

But I, too, wonder if the NFL is not in decline. Most of the ferocious hits that Taylor and friends made in the 80s would be illegal today, and it would be surprising it he evaded suspensions.

Can't really complain about steps taken to make the game less violent, given solid proof of the long term effects of hits to the head on players' brains. Maybe if there was a revolution in protective equipment. The current helmet and pads have been around a helluva long time. Can't someone come up with a helmet that protects the players' heads but is not a deadly weapon should it impact another player in a sensitive spot.

I can complain about all the reviews. Must be about one in three plays reviewed. A fan can't jump up and cheer when a great catch is made just as the receiver is being hit. First we go through review to see if in super slow motion the ball slipped two inches in his hands before he hit the ground. Senseless.

And the reviews don't end all controversy anyway, since they can only overturn a call on clear evidence, which often doesn't settle anything. And of course reviews do nothing to fix the worst penalty of all: pass interference.

I didn't even mind the unreviewed bad calls by the officials. Part of the game. Even out over time. But a see where others could differ.

9 more to go can we find a way to lose to the Niners

In comment 13660912 SHO'NUFF said:

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This is the first year I've considered not watching football because of the officiating. Today's debacle included. It is just shitty that the game is largely effected by someone's subjective viewpoint. After they stole 2 TDs from Shep vs the Eagles, I have become very dissatisfied with pro football. Hell, I've even contemplated quitting fantasy football because I can't take it anymore.

almost every game I see some play that is just mind boggling. going into this week the JETS could have been in first and the pats last (hate them both) but it was the other way around because of the refs.

Games are too long. There's a flag every other play. The defense can't play defense any more. The receivers are coached to whine for a flag on every incomplete pass, and more often than not, they get it. The incessant ridiculous look at me posturing by the players. They make a tackle 8 yards down the field and pound their chest. Catch a five yard out and make and go into a first down signal. Guys doing choreographed endzone dances together, which means they actually practiced it. Ugh. I know people here say it's fun, but it turns me off, including when it's Giants players doing it. There was a time when I couldn't get enough NFL football, and obviously the Giants, but that time has passed. When the Giants put a decent product on the field again, I'm sure I'll be drawn back in, but right now, my interest is at its lowest point.

...when the opponents reluctantly came onto the field in FEAR of the men in blue, particularly the defense and OL which punished people. There once was a time when a 3rd or 4th and 2 was automatic without EVER thinking about passing. The offense lined up and DARED the defense to try and stop them. The heavy package was automatic with OJ Anderson or Joe Morris, and even to some extent Brandon Jacobs. There once was a time when the Giants had not only one, but TWO running backs going over 1000 yards in the same season.

I hate what the Giants have become. A pathetic embarrassment and I can't imagine it ever improving to be what it once was.

people need to get over it. The franchise doesn't disappear once Eli retires either.

That said watching the NFL in general may never be he same. Even at 11-5 last year I really didn't give a shit due to all the bullshit that was/is running rampant. It just isn't a league I invest in anymore. I'll always root for the Giants but I certainly don't root for the NFL and don't care at all what happens to it anymore.

for the players sitting during the National Anthem. That will make it different if it keeps up as the people who spend the most money on NFL games, products, sponsors are the the ones sympathetic to SJWs.

In comment 13661005 SomeFan said:

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for the players sitting during the National Anthem. That will make it different if it keeps up as the people who spend the most money on NFL games, products, sponsors are the the ones sympathetic to SJWs.

are the ones NOT sympathetic to SJWs

And it s no big deal if you don t want to watch.

But I will state this: Playing a lot of sports growing up, I wouldn't want teammates whose enthusiasm was so easily impacted by difficult times.

"Will it ever be the same"? Evidently not for you guys; too bad.

playoff run, my interest overall in the NFL has waned. Following the Giants isn't like it was in my younger days. I'm not as emotionally invested. after a loss I'm still doing things with the family where it would sometimes take me a couple days not to mope.

But when you look at the product of the NFL declining. The officiating. The continued manipulation to favor the offense. The concern over CTE and player safety.

It all adds up. And for me, it has become significantly harder to stay invested.

In comment 13660908 SHO'NUFF said:

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I don't even get upset anymore... it used to be that a Giants loss meant me in a shitty mood for the entire week, especially after some of the ways we've lost games in the past. The last straw was the Desean Jackson/Matt Dodge incident where I nearly broke my kid's neck for mocking the loss...now, I just don't give a fuck because we are hilariously bad. Even last year's boat trip and subsequent playoff exit didn't upset me because I didn't expect much. Sure enough, the offense didn't fail to let me down with dropped pass after dropped pass. This year, I'm ok with doing things with the family while the game is on. Kohl's, honey? Sure. Costco? Why not? It just doesn't matter to me as much. After Eli hangs 'em up, I've considered not following as closely. But we'll see if management shows us that they give a fuck.

Dude we all love the Giants and all were furious that day but you need to see a professional mental health expert if you almost hurt your kid after a loss. That isn't normal that you even considered that.

including the Giants. I've found better uses of my time and more fulfilling interests.

I think I'm just hanging on to see how Eli's career finishes and then I'm not sure I'll follow the Giants much at all.

It's finally sunk in after all these years that whether a bunch of strangers win or lose a game on TV, it has no bearing whatsoever on my life. I just grew out of it, I guess.

About the anger and even hate displayed on this site from time to time.

It s sports, it s a diversion. You like it or you don t.

It s not personal, some don t seem to understand that.

Felt same way after the LT, Simms, Carson, et al era ended but they came back. Same will happen after Eli is gone.

On the subject of the NFL product, my biggest issue is with the officiating. They have a tough job but boy are the calls inconsistent from game-to-game, week-to-week. All the other stuff doesnt bother me as much as it does some of you.

was the same. The only difference is McAdoo is playing the part of Ha***ey. The early 1970's teams were terrible too.

And those judging about being a 'true fan' don't. We are members of a fan page and I have been a regular poster since the beginning.

If your enthusiasm for the NFL remains the same then good for you. As FMIC said it has all added up for me.

and I no longer plan my Sundays around the Giants. The games suck. Look how many blowouts there were yesterday.. THe whole league sucks. A supposedly "Great" Denver defense gets skewered by the suck ass Giants ground game?

good or bad plays I just sit on the couch with not much enthusiasm. Hell with 4 minutes to go in Denver I was wondering if we still could find a way to lose. That's what bothers me the most, it happened yesterday and I expected it. Waiting for them to implode. That trains never late

massively dumb and obnoxious NYG team that's easy to dislike, led by a GM who hasn't done much to fix weaknesses to his philosophy leaves behind am ugly taste of no optimism. Not to mention a coaching staff that appears overmatched weekly.

In comment 13661043 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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playoff run, my interest overall in the NFL has waned. Following the Giants isn't like it was in my younger days. I'm not as emotionally invested. after a loss I'm still doing things with the family where it would sometimes take me a couple days not to mope. But when you look at the product of the NFL declining. The officiating. The continued manipulation to favor the offense. The concern over CTE and player safety. It all adds up. And for me, it has become significantly harder to stay invested.

For me once I had children I was never as invested emotionally in the wins and losses as I had previously been.

I still love the Giants and watch every game, but my perspective has changed.

In comment 13661043 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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playoff run, my interest overall in the NFL has waned. Following the Giants isn't like it was in my younger days. I'm not as emotionally invested. after a loss I'm still doing things with the family where it would sometimes take me a couple days not to mope. But when you look at the product of the NFL declining. The officiating. The continued manipulation to favor the offense. The concern over CTE and player safety. It all adds up. And for me, it has become significantly harder to stay invested.

This

I've been attending games since 1965 and went to all 5 SBs. I think the last straw for me was Met Life and the PSLs. Having to cough up $40K to sit further from the field with no overhead cover and no pregame player access. It just doesn't feel right anymore. Sold my PSLs last year (season tkts were in the family since 1955) and never looked back.

Still, I watch the Giants. Is it the same? No. But if they were 6-1 rather than 1-6, I could overlook a lot of crap (rules changes, many for the worse ... arbitrary rulings on players away from the field ... awful and inconsistent officiating ... the NFL in general).

Yesterday was tough, in a new way, for me. Against the Broncos, the team went in 0-5 and while I actually thought it was a situation ripe for an upset (no logic there, just a gut after seeing a lot of strange things in sports for many decades), I started watching that game with no expectations, no emotion. As it went, though, I couldn't help but get excited. When it was over, it was as much a feeling of shock and relief as it was the usual good flow you get after a win.

I had no expectations coming into this one and when Seattle shredded the Giants, it was an eye-roller ... but the D kept hanging in there and at 7-3 by halftime, I was involved. Second half, you could feel it rolling out of control and there was no hope for the offense. Just not enough horses to beat those matchups.

For me, bottom line is that at 1-6, I'm still going to watch, because if nothing else, this is a connection to my Dad, and my son, and it's what we do. This is the team I grew up on, like a religion, and most of us have been through some really down times with the blue. So, I can't go shopping while the game is on. No pumpkin farm visits during that 3 or 4 hours.

But there's less emotion after. Last night, I watched a movie and had a few drinks, hung out with the family, and got to bed at a decent time. Happy to have the BYE week approaching, and I'm still conflicted about wanting another win? Or seeing it all come unraveled in the name of a potentially better draft pick. Just a crap-ass feeling.

I know that I don't like the way things have gone with some draft picks, and I'm not crazy about this head coach. I'm not yet willing to give up on McAdoo. He's had some challenges thrown in front of him, but it seems he's also been behind the 8-ball so far.

Sad that the Eli Era will soon come to a close. Soon, being next year or a few more. It'll have been the best ride of a Giants QB in my lifetime, so I will respect that. I'll hope for another great franchise-type QB right away, but the odds are against that guy measuring up to Eli over this span.

Just hoping for a few good picks ... a few better FA adds ... some health and a re-adjust. Already looking forward to next season. Still, I'll be watching the rest of this year, as painful as it may be. After all, can't enjoy the sweet without tasting the sour.

In comment 13661312 JonC said:

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massively dumb and obnoxious NYG team that's easy to dislike, led by a GM who hasn't done much to fix weaknesses to his philosophy leaves behind am ugly taste of no optimism. Not to mention a coaching staff that appears overmatched weekly.

This pretty much nails it. Yesterday, my wife offered to do the cooking so I could watch the game. I thanked her and politely said I'd rather do the cooking instead of watching the game. Time is too precious to waster on crap.

Beautiful October Sunday afternoon. The fact that the NFL was on barely registered.

We cut cable a few years ago and I now stream everything. The change in my viewership habits since we cut it have had a big impact on my attention level to the NFL. Having a TV on except for a very specific reasons is just not part of my family's lifestyle anymore.

Instead, I streamed the Giants loss late in the evening on accelerated replay (30 minutes) -- the game was so awful in terms of its level of play that I'm glad I didn't waste any more time on it. Then I checked some of the scores from other games and it literally looks like there are no very good teams in the NFL any more.

I know the last Super Bowl was memorable and great, but do you remember how there was not one honestly good and exciting game on in the wild card, divisionals and conf championships last season. I thought that fact was really notable. The product sucks.

about the overall decline in the product...

throw in that most of the players just aren't very like-able (whether that be b/c of the kneeling, the off the field violence/incidents, the on field preening, etc)

and the announcing is unbearable in most cases...

it all adds up to an experience that just isn't that compelling, outside of whatever specific team you are invested in.

The TV Camera showed some of the Old Timers in the stands, which could be some of you guys on BBI. I felt for those guys
because I don't know what is happening now. We are coming up on the end of an Era. I don't know when its going to be legitimately better. Truthfully there is not a lot of talent on the bench either. Guys waiting behind a player to get the opportunity. The tank is empty!

directly on TV. Play the WS and playoff games directly opposite the NFL

In comment 13661632 Victor in CT said:

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directly on TV. Play the WS and playoff games directly opposite the NFL

What would be the point of doing that?

Brady leaves.

In comment 13661655 steve in ky said:

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In comment 13661632 Victor in CT said: Quote: directly on TV. Play the WS and playoff games directly opposite the NFL What would be the point of doing that?

more viewrship, get out of the NFL shadow in SEP and OCT when it is prome baseball season.

In comment 13661552 cosmicj said:

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Beautiful October Sunday afternoon. The fact that the NFL was on barely registered. We cut cable a few years ago and I now stream everything. The change in my viewership habits since we cut it have had a big impact on my attention level to the NFL. Having a TV on except for a very specific reasons is just not part of my family's lifestyle anymore. Instead, I streamed the Giants loss late in the evening on accelerated replay (30 minutes) -- the game was so awful in terms of its level of play that I'm glad I didn't waste any more time on it. Then I checked some of the scores from other games and it literally looks like there are no very good teams in the NFL any more. I know the last Super Bowl was memorable and great, but do you remember how there was not one honestly good and exciting game on in the wild card, divisionals and conf championships last season. I thought that fact was really notable. The product sucks.

I remember you saying that you were getting into soccer, and specifically the Champions League.

It's interesting to compare the Champions League to the NFL. The CL is comprised of teams that are basically uninhibited in their ability to spend money on players. The NFL has chosen parity instead.

The difference in the quality of play could not be more stark. The CL may be the highest level of play any team sport has seen in human history. The NFL has almost limitless resources and an enormous pool of incredible athletes, but the quality of play declines.

games gets gets MLB more viewers for those games?

I don't try as hard to be in front of the TV for every game. I was away with family on a long weekend camping and listened to the game through the Giants cell phone application while driving home.

I thankfully missed the Yankee games as well.

In comment 13661667 Go Terps said:

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In comment 13661552 cosmicj said: Quote: Beautiful October Sunday afternoon. The fact that the NFL was on barely registered. We cut cable a few years ago and I now stream everything. The change in my viewership habits since we cut it have had a big impact on my attention level to the NFL. Having a TV on except for a very specific reasons is just not part of my family's lifestyle anymore. Instead, I streamed the Giants loss late in the evening on accelerated replay (30 minutes) -- the game was so awful in terms of its level of play that I'm glad I didn't waste any more time on it. Then I checked some of the scores from other games and it literally looks like there are no very good teams in the NFL any more. I know the last Super Bowl was memorable and great, but do you remember how there was not one honestly good and exciting game on in the wild card, divisionals and conf championships last season. I thought that fact was really notable. The product sucks. I remember you saying that you were getting into soccer, and specifically the Champions League. It's interesting to compare the Champions League to the NFL. The CL is comprised of teams that are basically uninhibited in their ability to spend money on players. The NFL has chosen parity instead. The difference in the quality of play could not be more stark. The CL may be the highest level of play any team sport has seen in human history. The NFL has almost limitless resources and an enormous pool of incredible athletes, but the quality of play declines.

Interesting point. I've got to say, my interest in Soccer continues to grow. Despite it not being a sport I necessarily grew up with.

Enemy #1 is the salary cap and lack of incentive to keep a core together. Socialism worked in NFL for a while but its killing it now.

In comment 13661552 cosmicj said:

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Beautiful October Sunday afternoon. The fact that the NFL was on barely registered. We cut cable a few years ago and I now stream everything. The change in my viewership habits since we cut it have had a big impact on my attention level to the NFL. Having a TV on except for a very specific reasons is just not part of my family's lifestyle anymore. Instead, I streamed the Giants loss late in the evening on accelerated replay (30 minutes) -- the game was so awful in terms of its level of play that I'm glad I didn't waste any more time on it. Then I checked some of the scores from other games and it literally looks like there are no very good teams in the NFL any more. I know the last Super Bowl was memorable and great, but do you remember how there was not one honestly good and exciting game on in the wild card, divisionals and conf championships last season. I thought that fact was really notable. The product sucks.

This mirrors my experience very closely. For the last couple years (if not a bit more), my sports-following experience has largely consisted of checking scores and stats on my phone app. The idea of sitting on the couch and watching an entire game in any sport these days (unless I'm watching one socially with others) just feels like a waste of time.

One exception -- I had been treating USMNT matches as "appointment TV," but their failure to qualify for the World Cup has soured me to them, too. I just don't see any sports that are worth a time commitment anymore.

from my father, to me, to my kids, to grandkids, (same with wife), it's family; fun, joyful when we win, disappointing and painful when we lose. But memorable learning, sharing experiences both ways. Over the years, I've learned to put it all in context. Maybe this comes with age. Used to be, I couldn't eat during games. Now I can. Used to be a loss could ruin a week. Now I move on. I'm still invested, still a die-hard, still spend more time on this site than I probably should, but with luck, I'll see another season, maybe another era, maybe share another SB with my kids and for the first time, grandkids. Aside from wins/losses/general suckitude, I was on the season ticket waiting list for 18 years but the PSLs put an end to that dream and that was a major disappointment.

by the success over the past 30 years. I remember watching or attending games in the 70's just hoping for an entertaining game. Then later watching the playoffs and SB saying to myself I wonder if the Giants will ever be there. I have since attended 5 SBs and feel vindicated.

I don't have to go on blood pressure medication....

The NFL is circling the bowl. Mediocre teams abound, the games are dull and poorly officiated. I've felt that way for a while, but that was tempered for a bit by the Giants being competitive. Absent that, I really have little interest in the rest of the league, which is very different from the last time the Giants were awful for a while, in the '90s. Then, my interest wasn't dependent on the Giants' fortunes. Now, it is.

It looks to me like the coaches are having a tough time adjusting to the CBA. The available time to allot towards practicing fundamentals while still installing game plans is more limited than ever. Are coached adjusting accordingly?

I believe this is the area where Bill Belichick's contributions to the sport will speak most clearly to future generations. His genius has been in maintaining a roster full of players at the right time of their careers/contracts, and molding his plans to the talent he has at his disposal. And I'd bet he targets smarter players with reputations for attention to details.

I was going to say that I think the CBA has a bigger impact on the poor level of play than parity. We've pretty much had parity since the salary cap, but we've only had a noticeable drop in play since the new CBA.

It is a dual storm impact. You have the CBA that limits practice, and you have a college game that is increasingly a gimmick-fest, resulting in having players drafted that need to learn essential skills like getting into a 3-point stance or lining up with a QB under center

"It's interesting to compare the Champions League to the NFL. The CL is comprised of teams that are basically uninhibited in their ability to spend money on players. The NFL has chosen parity instead."

Yes, the game that I am really kicking myself for missing is the Real Madrid/Tottenham CL match. It was apparently a superb matchup with inspired play. The thought of watching this week's NFL big game - Falcons vs Pats - hasn't honestly even crossed my mind.

Btw, I am convinced the MLS is going to have to renounce the salary cap iuf it wishes to really establish itself as a first-class league. I agree with Hassan that the soft socialism of the NFL cap has been destructive of team identity and that this situation has only persisted because of the NFL's monopoly status. The MLS faces direct viewing competition from some big spending European teams that may force it to change its structure.

In comment 13661045 ThatLimerickGuy said:

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In comment 13660908 SHO'NUFF said: Quote: I don't even get upset anymore... it used to be that a Giants loss meant me in a shitty mood for the entire week, especially after some of the ways we've lost games in the past. The last straw was the Desean Jackson/Matt Dodge incident where I nearly broke my kid's neck for mocking the loss...now, I just don't give a fuck because we are hilariously bad. Even last year's boat trip and subsequent playoff exit didn't upset me because I didn't expect much. Sure enough, the offense didn't fail to let me down with dropped pass after dropped pass. This year, I'm ok with doing things with the family while the game is on. Kohl's, honey? Sure. Costco? Why not? It just doesn't matter to me as much. After Eli hangs 'em up, I've considered not following as closely. But we'll see if management shows us that they give a fuck. Dude we all love the Giants and all were furious that day but you need to see a professional mental health expert if you almost hurt your kid after a loss. That isn't normal that you even considered that.

Believe me, that's when I had to step back and pretty much force myself to not care about the Giants as much. It wasn't as bad as it sounds physically because I have self control, but for a moment, a brief millisecond, the intent was there, and that's scary enough.

while my wife watched -- she starts screaming - "you're missing it! you're missing it! you're missing it!" so I come running in to see the penalty on the tail end of the big Engram gain - with a pan on a lit burner on the stove.

"Nothing to see here. Penalty," I replied, and turned around and went back to cooking

Why waste 3+ hours on what you know will be a crap football game when you can DVR it, enjoy the unseasonably warm weather, and go through the crapfest in 45-60 minutes?

I'm glad to see that others have seen the same problem in the NFL. I know a lot of people just watch the Giants - football was the one sport where I always enjoyed watching a good game, regardless of team or level (can pick up a CFB game not knowing either team and enjoy it so long as it's two solid teams playing).

The quality of the product has been declining for some time. I'm afraid the kneeling gives the NFL a good copout, the same way the election did last year. People aren't watching because it's hard to invest your personal time with these comedians when the officiating is a joke, the level of play is down, injuries are prevalent and there's nothing done about it (expanded rosters, different IR structure, etc.).

For years, the amount of money we pay to watch football has grown faster than the teams payrolls, and it's catching up to them in a big way now. With the new CBA and rookies not being as NFL ready as they had in the past, more injuries means more not-so-ready players in the game, means more sloppy play and losses.

The NFL had been hoping that fantasy sports would be able to cover up all that, but it seems like the die hard fans are now starting to take action. Cord cutting might be all we need for the NFL to tighten up their game and improve the situation.

In comment 13660909 Ten Ton Hammer said:

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under coughlin. Some things were consistent, but in the wrong direction.

We were VERY consistent under Coughling. Every year was completely inconsistent from the last. He kept that up every year. #consistency.