I really like rugby union but saying it is similar to football is really not true.
Many of the things that are bemoaned about gridiron football are what most of us have come to love. The play stoppage, the start/stop nature, specialization of players etc. are what make gridiron football the most strategic of ball games. Continuous play games like rugby and soccer are much more tactical less strategic. Neither is better or worse, but I enjoy the strategy of gridiron & enjoy the tactics of rugby (& aussie rules for that matter).
Getting rid of those elements of gridiron football would be a bit like letting football (soccer) players use their hands. Sure it might make for an interesting new game, but it would destroy what we love about the old.
Except the commercials. God the NFL has to get a handle on that.
Many of the things that are bemoaned about gridiron football are what most of us have come to love. The play stoppage, the start/stop nature, specialization of players etc. are what make gridiron football the most strategic of ball games. Continuous play games like rugby and soccer are much more tactical less strategic. Neither is better or worse, but I enjoy the strategy of gridiron & enjoy the tactics of rugby (& aussie rules for that matter).
Getting rid of those elements of gridiron football would be a bit like letting football (soccer) players use their hands. Sure it might make for an interesting new game, but it would destroy what we love about the old.
Except the commercials. God the NFL has to get a handle on that.