Are the days of NFL parity over?

[MickeyG]

It seems to me more and more that the parity days of free agency and salary cap are over.

Although money is still a factor for players, more and more players are wanting to go to teams that compete, and why not? Teams that are stable i.e. the likes of the Colts and Pats are perennial contenders. Stable on the field, stable in the front office.

Has there ever been a season where so many teams suck? Look at the division tables for evidence of this.

[bane]

I think it's just a hiccup. Teams that have bad management will continue to suck (IE Raiders), but they're the exception. Other than a few franchises, almost everybody has an equal shot at it. I just think this year is an anomaly. Tennessee, for example, has too good a coach and too good of management to stay down.

[JakeYonkel]

I think it's just a hiccup. Teams that have bad management will continue to suck (IE Raiders), but they're the exception. Other than a few franchises, almost everybody has an equal shot at it. I just think this year is an anomaly. Tennessee, for example, has too good a coach and too good of management to stay down.

I'm with you. Cincinnati was a joke last year and all of a sudden they're what, 5-2 this year? Granted, I think they're playing a bit over their heads, but regardless.

Tampa was passable last year and just terrible this year.

The Raiders and Rams have continually sucked the past few years.

Otherwise, everybody's been at the worst decent over the last couple seasons.

The NFL does it right, though - the trading of draft picks as well as some sort of salary cap does keep things more on a level playing field, even if their non-guaranteed contracts are a joke.

[Redman77]

Tampa was passable last year and just terrible this year.

The Raiders and Rams have continually sucked the past few years.

Otherwise, everybody's been at the worst decent over the last couple seasons.

We're so bad we even forgotten when discussing shitty teams.

[cc117]

The Lions have at least won a game.

[Redman77]

The Raiders have won 2. Your point?

[MickeyG]

I think the likes of the Titans are maybe an anomaly but I wonder about a downward spiral for some of these other teams that have sucked for a bit and have questionable management.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the NFL "split" into 3 tiers in the future.

You'll have the same contenders every year, like the Pats, Colts, Steelers. The same shitty franchises every year, like the Raiders, Rams, Redskins, Lions and Browns. And then teams that float between the 2 or are middle of the road. Teams like the Bungals, Dolphins, Jets, Vikes etc. It could be argued it's that way already but it feels like there may be a gap opening up a little bit.

[cc117]

The Raiders have won 2. Your point?

Be glad you aren't a Rams or Titans fan.

[bane]

It was just a few short years ago when the Rams were the greatest show on turf. Players decline, and somebody else on another team takes their slot. I think the top tier teams are on top because they have special players right now. Indy has Manning, NE has Brady etc. While those guys are in their primes, those teams will probably still be top tier, but it'll be tough for them to stay on top once those players decline. Parity exists, but as long as there are better than average players, there will still be short lived dynasties.

[Alabama Slammer]

I'm with you. Cincinnati was a joke last year and all of a sudden they're what, 5-2 this year? Granted, I think they're playing a bit over their heads, but regardless.

Bad example. People forget how good of a QB Carson Palmer is. They were playing with a 2nd stringer, and not even a very good one, for 99% of last year.

That being said, parity isn't over. If anything, it's more evident than ever which is why we're seeing such drastic changes in teams from year to year.

[JakeYonkel]

I'm with you. Cincinnati was a joke last year and all of a sudden they're what, 5-2 this year? Granted, I think they're playing a bit over their heads, but regardless.

Bad example. People forget how good of a QB Carson Palmer is. They were playing with a 2nd stringer, and not even a very good one, for 99% of last year.

That being said, parity isn't over. If anything, it's more evident than ever which is why we're seeing such drastic changes in teams from year to year.

I disagree. They still lost their #2 receiver, are playing Cedric Benson at RB, and have a lousy D. Yeah, Palmer is a great QB, but that'll only take you so far.

[Alabama Slammer]

Bad example. People forget how good of a QB Carson Palmer is. They were playing with a 2nd stringer, and not even a very good one, for 99% of last year.

I disagree. They still lost their #2 receiver, are playing Cedric Benson at RB, and have a lousy D. Yeah, Palmer is a great QB, but that'll only take you so far.

Having 2 really good receivers doesn't help much if the QB can't get them the ball... and ask the Bears what they think about Cedric Benson these days.

Regardless, it reall does just go to show how real parity still is.

[Heenan Snuka]

a 2nd stringer, and not even a very good one, for 99% of last year.

He's 2-0 this year...Discuss

[Redman77]

The Raiders have won 2. Your point?

Be glad you aren't a Rams or Titans fan.

2009 NFL Detroit Lions 1 5
2008 NFL Detroit Lions 0 16
2007 NFL Detroit Lions 7 9
2006 NFL Detroit Lions 3 13
2005 NFL Detroit Lions 5 11
2004 NFL Detroit Lions 6 10
2003 NFL Detroit Lions 5 11
2002 NFL Detroit Lions 3 13
2001 NFL Detroit Lions 2 14


In the same time frame, the Rams have made the playoffs 4 times and the Titans 3 times and both were in the Super Bowl in 2000. Yeah, I'm glad the Lions have 1 win to their 0 this year.

[Garbageman]

It's pointless to discuss this right now with the league and players not settled in their labor contract. 2010 could be a season without a salary cap and the league might not just be turned upside down, but put in a high speed blender where it comes to who's competitive.

[bane]

The Raiders have won 2. Your point?

Be glad you aren't a Rams or Titans fan.

2009 NFL Detroit Lions 1 5
2008 NFL Detroit Lions 0 16
2007 NFL Detroit Lions 7 9
2006 NFL Detroit Lions 3 13
2005 NFL Detroit Lions 5 11
2004 NFL Detroit Lions 6 10
2003 NFL Detroit Lions 5 11
2002 NFL Detroit Lions 3 13
2001 NFL Detroit Lions 2 14


In the same time frame, the Rams have made the playoffs 4 times and the Titans 3 times and both were in the Super Bowl in 2000. Yeah, I'm glad the Lions have 1 win to their 0 this year.

Ouch. I had no idea it was that bad. I'll admit to only being subjected to Detroit ball on Thanksgiving though, so I don't pay much attention. Pining away for the days of Frerrotte and Batch has to severely suck.

[Redman77]

2009 NFL Detroit Lions 1 5
2008 NFL Detroit Lions 0 16
2007 NFL Detroit Lions 7 9
2006 NFL Detroit Lions 3 13
2005 NFL Detroit Lions 5 11
2004 NFL Detroit Lions 6 10
2003 NFL Detroit Lions 5 11
2002 NFL Detroit Lions 3 13
2001 NFL Detroit Lions 2 14


In the same time frame, the Rams have made the playoffs 4 times and the Titans 3 times and both were in the Super Bowl in 2000. Yeah, I'm glad the Lions have 1 win to their 0 this year.

Ouch. I had no idea it was that bad. I'll admit to only being subjected to Detroit ball on Thanksgiving though, so I don't pay much attention. Pining away for the days of Frerrotte and Batch has to severely suck.

[MickeyG]

Also, there seems to be a high number of ownings this season. Big ass blowouts of uptheass proportions.

I dunno, guys.

Garbageman makes a good point about the labor contract. I wonder whether there's a few of these franchises waiting for a cap free season.

[Crazy Levi]

The Raiders have won 2. Your point?

Be glad you aren't a Rams or Titans fan.

2009 NFL Detroit Lions 1 5
2008 NFL Detroit Lions 0 16
2007 NFL Detroit Lions 7 9
2006 NFL Detroit Lions 3 13
2005 NFL Detroit Lions 5 11
2004 NFL Detroit Lions 6 10
2003 NFL Detroit Lions 5 11
2002 NFL Detroit Lions 3 13
2001 NFL Detroit Lions 2 14


In the same time frame, the Rams have made the playoffs 4 times and the Titans 3 times and both were in the Super Bowl in 2000. Yeah, I'm glad the Lions have 1 win to their 0 this year.

That's kind of rough. When was the last winning season?

[Redman77]

2000 - 9 - 7

[cc117]

2000 - 9 - 7

I remember them in the playoffs once. 1997?

[Redman77]

In my lifetime.

1970, 1982, 1983, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1999

[ROADHEAD]

I think teams have just found a way to beat the system. It worked at first, then players started adjusting contracts to make more room, etc. How about the theory that 10 teams should just be eliminated to make a smaller amount of GREAT teams?

[thejuggernaut]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/w ... ?eref=sihp

[MickeyG]

Yep. The signs are there as told in that article.