NFL Excuses Run Out After Ratings Declines Continue

[Rain Man]

If I had to rank the reasons for the decline, I'd go with...

1. More ways to watch, including ways that don't get measured. Fantasy football is probably responsible for a decline because a bunch of people now just watch those scoring summary shows. Others don't bother watching live because they can get a replay later.

2. Less interest in football due to the rise of video games and other electronic entertainment.

3. Less interesting seasons because it's always going to be the Patriots, Packers, and Steelers for the past two decades. And your team has no chance without a lights-out quarterback.

4. Less interesting games because it's more about marketing big-name players and scoring lots of points than it is about sports and teamwork. It's becoming obvious that it's a business, and rule changes and enforcement hammer it home.

5. Less interesting games because defense isn't allowed.

6. Cheating by a few teams that tilts the table.

7. Less interest because fewer kids are playing due to health concerns.

8. Aqib Talib.