Friday Out-Takes: Super Bowl XLIV
John Cockrell, Featured ColumnistEvery Friday, John Cockrell will offer up his perspective on the latest NFL developments that catch his eye. His views are his own, not those of the Patriots. He speaks for himself but he writes for Patriots.com.
SUPER BOWL XLIV:
The More Things Change...
One of the reasons the NFL has blown past Major League Baseball as the National Pastime, in addition to its distinctly appealing lack of BUD SELIG, is the soon-to-be-nixed SALARY CAP. The cap was established in hopes of ringing in a new Era of "Anyone can win"-style parity. While it hasn't quite achieved the lame, "we ALL get trophies!" spirit that pervades the Little League Awards Banquet industry, it has allowed for Super Bowl guest-spots from historical also-rans like the '09 CARDINALS, the jobbed-in-'05 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS and Chucky's BUCS, who actually managed to win, way back in 2002. Sure, the salary cap didn't quite bring an end to the concept of the Dynasty (see: "PATRIOTS," comma, "NEW ENGLAND") or to the Same Time, Next Year post-season invitee (and "EAGLES," comma, "PHILADELPHIA"). Nor did the numbers dwindle in terms of the You Can Count on Me basement-dweller (see: "LIONS," comma, "on the other hand...") Still, the structure collectively bargained into place by league ownership and the NFLPA has basically served its function.
