NFL History is Made ‘Across the Pond’

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

It was everything I thought it would be. And wouldn’t be. The National Football League had its historic moment. The game was, for the most part, uneventful. And we can all go home now.

The N.Y. Giants traveled 3,500 miles to beat the Miami Dolphins 13-10 in a rain-soaked slop-fest. As the weeks and months pass, I’m sure Commissioner Roger Goodell will be looking at the positives and negatives that surrounded this game. Most of the negatives, I am guessing, had to do with jet lag, transportation and the general inconvenience of traveling so far to play a game. And the positives? Well, the importance of an NFL regular season game was introduced to a whole new audience. But I’m not sure this qualified as anything better than what a previous overseas preseason game or NFL Europa produced.

I like the concept. I really do like NFL International. And I think sharing the National Football League with the rest of the world is great. But when and where is the right time? And how often? These are questions still unanswered. Perhaps the Pro Bowl would be a consideration for international travel. The game couldn’t be much worse than this one and at least fans would get a chance to see the NFL’s best players. I also think a domed stadium (or a retractable roof) should be a prerequisite to hosting an NFL game of any magnitude. I think the NFL will fine-tune its international interests and we’ll eventually arrive at something the whole world can somehow enjoy.