The NFL is in a ratings slump, and everyone has a theory why. Perhaps it's because the pending election is drawing in casual viewers. Perhaps it's because the NFL has so many primetime games to showcase their product that we're watching more bad teams than ever. Perhaps it's because everybody is a little more inundated in information these days, and we notice all the injuries and slowdowns a little bit more when there's less football to choose from.TONIGHT! #TNF #JAXvsTEN #Jaguars #TitanUp : @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/gnOVCMXVYW
— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2016
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And what can really be said about this game, besides the fact that it's one giant ego stroke for mediocrity? The Jaguars have improved this year on defense, but it hasn't helped, because their head coach and quarterback do not play effective passing offense until they're down by 14 or more points. No, literally:Gus Bradley is so worried about Blake Bortles making him look bad on throws that he won't throw it until he has no choice but to do so.On the other sideline, the Titans probably have the most talented team in the AFC South in 2016. But instead of using it, they've regressed their quarterback into a shell of his college self. Marcus Mariota came out as one of the most accurate passers in NCAA history. Stuck on this run-first Exotic Smashmouth 1990s monstrosity, Mariota has regressed in every way as a passer. This team should be decent, but is too busy trying to be cute and contrarian to actually get there. The major story about them this year? That their head coach can't stop talking about how good they are in his head.For years, the prevailing response to televised NFL games has been to laugh as bad games steamroll otherwise great events. MLB, for instance, scheduled the World Series so it wasn't on against Thursday Night Football this year.Well here you go, NFL. Two of your most unwatchable teams, playing each other with flags flying like confetti. Let's see how these ratings turn out.pic.twitter.com/buA3TweHRj
— nick (@nick_pants) November 20, 2015