The League...

Hasn't this been one crazy year in the NFL? I think my beloved Baltimore Ravens have pretty much performed as expected this season, at least as far as my expectations are concerned. A 6-2 record & forward momentum going into the back-stretch of the season is all any fan can ask for in my opinion. But getting back to the rest of the league:

-Brett Favre & the Vikings have looked bewildered & lost most of the time in many of their games played this year...

-The Raiders are actually commanding respect once again...

-The Cowboys (who were hoping to play in the Superbowl, which is in their home stadium) have yet to win a home game PERIOD - did I mention they just fired their head coach today???

-Randy Moss has been on 3 (count em' ), 3 teams this year...

-& my favorite feel-good story of the season is the fact that Michael Vick is not just a starting, but credible quarterback in the NFL once again...

These are just a few major stories thus far, how's that for just half the season gone? There have been sooooo many story lines that you almost forget there's a game that remains to be played on Sundays. Speaking of the game itself, a MUCH heavier emphasis has been place upon violent head-to-head hits & its been very noticeable.

Still not so keen on the idea of fining players such large amounts for hits that have been part of the game since its inception, yet I do understand the need to protect players from numerous head injuries. Just not so sure the NFL is going about resolving the issue in the proper manner. Troy Polamalo (of the Steelers) had an interesting idea as far as the Roger Goodell so willfully playing judge & jury (& executioner).

He said something to the effect of there needing to be some sort of council or group that makes important decisions in regard to the game itself & not just one individual - he mentioned 'separation of powers.' I couldn't agree more with his thoughts. Goodell has far too much power & I think everyone can now see various examples of such, like the harsh punishments he hands out to some players at will, while at the same time, affording others the opportunity to make amends for their off-field transgressions.

Overall the league has been very exciting this season, & I look forward to seeing how things play out in the end. I just hope the league doesn't do anything further in terms of decreasing the enjoyment of the game. They've clearly done ENOUGH, any further changes should be reserved for the off-season when owners are given the opportunity to provide input before decisions with such far reaching ramifications are made.