Is There An Actual NFL Football Game To Be Played on Sunday?

The talk of Tom Brady and ball quotes is providing parody material that may last for years. The story of footballs losing air dominated the first half of what are a grueling two weeks for NFL fans between Championship Sunday and the Super Bowl (or big game, not sure when you can and cannot say Super Bowl). “Deflate-gate,” as it is being referred to (Can we get more creative about naming our controversies? An entire generation of fans were not even born during President Nixon’s Watergate scandal) seems to be discussed as much or even more than actual football. Is America interested in the game? The talk seems to be about everything except for the actual contest. Awkward press conferences, scientific conclusions by coaches, and the Patriots checkered on following the rules have put America in a frenzy. The result has supplied plenty of ammunition for the New England haters (which are many).

This week, a new story was manufactured to balance the criticism. Now, there is also considerable noise about whether Marshawn Lynch needs to answer all of the questions posed to him at press conferences. It is widely known that Lynch does not appreciate being asked rapid-fire questions. However, as he said over and over at the Superbowl’s Media Day, he showed up to the press conference “so I don’t get fined.” He used this as his answer to every question asked by reporters.

It is understandable why the NFL wants its players to fulfill media obligations. Although intrusive and sometimes disrespectful, the media has been instrumental in propelling the NFL to the financial juggernaut that it is today. This is linked to the 24-hour sports news cycle and the expansion of online news. However, not every player may be comfortable with flashing cameras and nagging reporters. Perhaps the NFL should consider selecting several players from each team to talk with the media, or substitute live interviews with taped ones where players can conduct them in a more comfortable environment.

Even those who do not normally pay attention are weighing in on “deflate-gate.” Some have called for New England to be prevented from playing Sunday. All of the sudden, we are all experts on ball pressure and the impact it has on catching a football. Since the NFL makes decisions that are meant to drive revenues, it is unlikely they would be seeking to replace the Patriots with the team that lost to them (Indianapolis Colts) by 38 points. Most have no idea how much a less-inflated football can affect throwing and catching.

The subplot of “deflate-gate” and “Lynch-gate” is the game itself. Super Bowl XLIX will be played on Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium between the AFC Champion New England Patriots and the NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. New England represents the most successful NFL franchise since 2001, while the Seahawks are the reigning champions. Tom Brady will be playing in his sixth Super Bowl and hoping to win his 4th title. Seattle Quarterback, Russell Wilson, will

attempt to claim his second championship and become of one the most successful young quarterbacks of all time. Besides legacy, Sunday’s game provides additional intrigue, as the Seattle’s top ranked defense will take on New England’s number one offense. Last year, in a similar matchup on paper, Seattle was able to shut down and embarrass Peyton Manning.

Cheating should not be tolerated and if New England is found to be in violation of the rules, then they should be punished, perhaps even more harshly than after “Spygate.” However, the noise made over “deflate-gate” has reached a fever pitch. The Super Bowl will always be about more than just a game. Many will tune in only to see Katy Perry deliver her halftime performance. Others will welcome the frequent interruptions by advertisers. Although we have accepted the reality that Super Bowl Sunday is about many things, it would be refreshing if the game received as much coverage as the drama surrounding it.