Who needs the NFL?
It's pretty evident that Angelenos in general don't care whether or not the National Football League puts a team here. In his Sunday column, Bill Plaschke makes the case that even football fans like it the way it is — with more NFL games on television than in any official football city. That mythical lost generation of fans? Pshaw — even Matt Leinart never saw an NFL game live until he was in one this summer. Plaschke writes:
This morning, the first Sunday of the NFL season, there may be people throughout this region who are bemoaning our 11th season without an NFL team.
I'm not one of them. And I'm not alone.
During the last 11 years, I bet Angelenos have watched more pro football than anyone who lives in a town with a team.
I bet Angelenos have cheered as loudly, and argued as vociferously, and bet as much on the NFL as anyone who lives in a town with a team.
We just don't have to pay high prices for lousy seats to do it.
We know what fans in NFL towns everywhere know, but are afraid to admit.
It's the one major sport that is more fun to watch at home.
Week One games air on television here today at 10 am (Broncos at Rams and Saints at Browns), 1:15 pm (Cowboys at Jaguars) and 5:15 pm (Colts at Giants.) Four other games can be heard on local radio. More than enough for me.