Suggestions For GM Committee

by: Michael Steffes

I figured with a little dead time and Tim Ruskell joining this new committee to make suggestions on some of the NFL events, I would add my two cents about some of these events. Today... The Pro Bowl.

First off, the problems that exist with the Pro Bowl, in my opinion, are the fact that nobody really cares about it, it is more a vacation than a game, and that it is massively anti-climatic the weekend after the Superbowl. Here are my suggestions. To continue...

• First, I like the idea of playing it the week before the Superbowl. It fills the dead the week and takes our attention away from the overkill that is the current two week, nonstop media hype. You play it at the Superbowl site, where many players are anyway, the Sunday before the Superbowl. The downside is that the Superbowl players are eliminated. Considering a large portion of the Superbowl players often bow out anyway, I don't see this as much of a problem.
  

• The one thing I love about the NBA all star game is the rookies/sophomores game. They need to add something that incorporates the young players more, who are often overlooked unless they come from a major media market. What if they made it a rookies/sophs team vs the best of NFL. For one, it may increase competition, as young guys would likely step of their game with something to prove.
  

• Eliminate the stupid rule changes, like no blitzes, etc. Either it is football or it is not.
  

• Limit the number of players than any one team can send. Having 11 Cowboys was absurd. In fact, have every team send at least one player, like baseball. That way every team's fans have a tiny reason at least follow the Pro Bowl.
  

• Fix the selection. Voting is poor. Fans are biased. Coaches don't get to watch enough of certain teams, and the media members football knowledge can be in question. Put together a committee and select the players like the 64 college basketball teams every year. That way, when Pro Bowls are used as a HOF criteria, they have even more meaning.
  

These are just some thoughts of the top of my head. I am aware there are pitfalls to some of them. Now it is your turn. What would you suggest the GM committee do to fix this sorry exhibition?