Why do I live in a NFL sports town that seems to crave, and even thrive on, drama? Honestly, sometimes I wish I lived in a more boring, yet equally, losing NFL market. OK, let me clarify that. A NFL team with a losing record market. The Washington Redskins are far from a losing franchise when it comes to NFL standards. They make more money than most every other franchise out there. Unfortunately, that is one of the problems with this franchise. As long as they continue to be financially successful, there is little reason to truly change.
Are all losing NFL teams drama queens?
Are there actually losing teams out there that somehow seem to avoid the drama?
Are there teams that crave normal life and interactions?
Lets take a look.
Minnesota Vikings: Record 3 – 9 – 1 :
A quick search finds the following news items and topicality:
- Talk about AP , his injury, and prospects for suiting up for this weeks game.
- Oh wait, here is an article about shutting down AP to play it safe. Hmmm seems strangely familiar . . .
- Talk about Jared Allen’s future.
- Talk about Cordarrelle Patterson’s and not making rookie of the year prospects.
- And here is a really cool video about how AP sucks at giving presents this year.
So, except for the shutting down for his own and franchise protection, everyone seems to be taking the season in stride and even making funny videos with each other instead of trash talking and saying they suck at passing or running or special teams or even coaching. I think I will put an asterisk next to them as a possible landing spot for enjoying more football with less drama.
But there are plenty more losing teams and markets to check out before I make a final decision.
Atlanta Falcons: Record 3 – 10 – 0 :
A Google search pulls up the expected articles about a team decimated by injuries and needing to rebuild their offensive line.
- There is also the added discussion threads about support or lack thereof for some of the coaching staff.
- Again, understandable but perhaps more of the same that I am looking to avoid.
- The one good thing about the Falcons is that they do have a better receiving corps, when healthy, and in fact could have a much brighter future than my dramaskins.
But we have in-laws that we would like to avoid at all costs so we can scratch Atlanta off the list.
Next up:
St. Louis Rams: Record 5 – 8 – 0
Just the fact that they have all the Redskins draft picks makes them a definite front runner in my book. But lets see what the news and video feeds have to say.
- There is considerable chatter about Rob Ryan not staying with the Rams and whether or not there are any hard feelings. – Stupid and slightly annoying but basically Boring…
- Considerable talk about the draft picks and how good that trade is suddenly looking. IF it did not remind me so much about my dreadskins, I might not think this a bad thing.
They seem to have some questionable drama with coaching decisions and all the Redskins draft picks (which in my mind could be a plus) so the Rams just might be worth considering.
Next. . .
Buffalo Bills: Record 4 – 9 – 0
- An article about Arthur Moats receiving the Ed Block Courage Award which is presented to the player who exemplifies professionalism, courage and good sportsmanship.
- Dan Carpenter is the most accurate single season kicker in Buffalo history and will be a free agent.
- They have a number of potential pro-bowl players on the team.
- They have a great relationship with the community and claim to have some of the best wings in the country.
That, and I tend to like almost anybody from NY, including my wife, puts an asterisk next to Da Bills.
Next:
Cleveland Browns: Record 4 – 9 – 0 :
- Sorry Cleveland. I know you have a storied history in the NFL but I’ve traveled there and nope. I can’t say I would want to live there.
- And don’t worry, your arch rivals Cincinnati isn’t any further up my cities I’d want to live in either. The one time I was in Cincinnati, we all went across the river to Kentucky to watch the races and have some great country and steak dinners.
Next:
Houston Oilers Texans: Record 2 – 11 – 0 :
A long time ago, in a job far far away, I almost moved to Houston.
In fact we traveled there . . .
picked out a house (which was totally awesome)
and missed our chance to be official Houstonites for life.
- They too are in the midst of a coaching and QB carousel. Apparently Lovie Smith and Jay Cutler are two popular topics in the rumor mill.
- Actually, toss any name – Pro or College – out there and chances are somebody in the Houston area is talking about it.
- This has drama written all over it.
- But my wife and I really do like the people of Texas and it is NOT Dallas so I’m actually leaving this on the short list.
Especially if that house is on the market.
Last but not least:
Oakland Raiders: Record 4 – 9 – 0 :
Props definitely go to the fans and the awesome garb they so prominently display.
- There are, as I imagine there always is, a plethora of Darren McFadden articles and articles about the QB situation. Now throw in a couple coaching discussions and I could feel right at home here.
So after discussing this with the family, the first question was why a losing team?
Why not move to a winning team, like the Chiefs, or Denver or New England or Seattle?
Well, I suppose Seattle could work, and possibly the Chiefs and I love the New England area, but simply routing for and or moving to a winning team is too easy.
I want a losing team where the fans and the media market are still nice and have a good – albeit resigned – attitude.
So after much discussion, we have come up with a short list of the best losing teams and markets to either move to or route for.
In no particular order:
- Minnesota Vikings
- Houston Texans
- Buffalo Bills
Honorary mention goes to:
- St. Louis Rams
- Oakland Raiders
Fumbled Returns 