October 30, 1997

A LOT TO LIKE

In the December issue of "Football Digest," The Associated Press's Barry Wilner writes that there is "A Lot to Like" about the NFL.

"With supremely talented and identifiable players like Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre to hang its hat on, the NFL has as much going for it as ever before," the story says. Wilner identifies four specific areas of NFL strength.

TELEVISION: "Is there a sport that's better to watch on television than pro football? No way…The league also does a superb job of making its product available to fans around the country. There's also NFL SUNDAY TICKET which makes available each game on Sunday."

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: "Recent rules changes have opened up the pro game…These are great times, too, for those who are more into defense. The zone blitz has made defensive game plans as complex as those of the offenses."

STARS ON OFFENSE: "The current crop of young quarterbacks is just as talented and just as deep as the prime crop of Marino, Elway, and company. We've got Favre, Bledsoe, Blake, Brunell, Collins and Frerotte. We can't wait to see if Kordell Stewart, Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer and Steve McNair are ready to move into the elite group. As for the steady infusion of star-quality runners to eventually replace the Emmitts and Thurmans and Barrys, well, the flow hasn't abated. How about Curtis Martin, Terrell Davis, Marshall Faulk, Adrian Murrell, and Eddie George?…"

"Spotlight pass-catchers are around. In fact, during recent drafts wide receiver might have been the strongest position, with Terry Glenn, Eddie Kennison, Marvin Harrison, Keyshawn Johnson, Curtis Conway and Joey Galloway catching everyone's eye while catching loads of passes."

STARS ON DEFENSE: "The sackmasters are instant highlight films waiting to explode. The flamboyance of many of today's defensive stars is another attraction. Cornerbacks pick off passes, pick themselves up after being tackled, and pick their own dance step. They may look more like Fred Flinstone than Fred Astaire, but it's fun."