En Route: Willin'

The NFL always wanted to treat the Pro Bowl as if it were some kind of treat, a dessert, if you will. After the main course that was the season, we had hopefully saved room for some special creation that would send us off into the night, not only nourished, but satisfied. Unfortunately, the Pro Bowl was never all that sweet, and most of us just left the restaurant before it could even be served, content to wander the streets until it was time for the August appetizer.

This year, the NFL has decided to include to never-so-scrumptious dessert right there within the main course. The theory being that if we simply serve them cake, well then no one can throw their money down on the table and walk out. After all, they're still waiting on their steak.  It's the classic switcharoo, and well, it seems the be working... So far anyway.

Unless you happen to glance at the quarterback fleet for the AFC.  Yikes.  Schuab, Garrard, and Vince-rtifiedinsanity.  I mean, come on, I'm all for the affirmative action, but sheesh.  But just what is the problem here?  Is it that two top flight teams are not contributing players to the rosters?  If you look at the NFC's quarterbacks (Rodgers, McNabb, and Romo), then you cannot really complain about the Super Bowl negatively impacting the roster.  Would we rather see Meachem or Colston over DeSean, Miles, or Roddy?  Not that either of them made the squad regardless.

Sure, the AFC quarterback situation could use some help.  But do any of us need to Peyton dance in the pocket more than 19 games in the same season?  In fact, it's not the Colts Super Bowl appearance that is the problem.  Instead, it's all of the injuries to the immediate reserves such as Tom, Philip, and Ben.  And are we that upset that VJJ is on the squad instead of Reggie Wayne?  And come on, look at these these rosters!  Running the ball on the AFC side we got CJ, MJD, and the Sake Bomb.  On the NFC side we got Fumbles Peterson, Deangelo, and Gore.  On the defensive side, names like Dumervil, Ware, Peppers, Orakpo, Willis, Lewis, and Allen.  Plus, have you checked out the secondary for the AFC?  With the likes of Bailey, Revis, and Asomugha patrolling the greens, it doesn't even matter who is playing quarterback for the NFC, because they might not complete a pass all day.  Did I forget to mention the presence of Ed Reed, as well.

So let's just take it easy everyone and give the new format a chance.  Is it football at its purest?  Of course not. But will it serve as a potentially entertaining and even useful bridge to Super Bowl Sunday?  Maybe... It will certainly be better than the bridge to nothingness that it used to be in the past.  But, if you're still not hungry, then feel free to take a big step back, and literally... check out these tasty english treats:

• Hey, it's John Calipari being a dickhead!  Weird... (AwfulAnnouncing).
• Tell you one thing; AI ain't no Thunder Dan (Hardwood Paroxysm).
• Bar guy with the Frank Tarkenton half Vikings/Giants jersey doesn't know what do now (The Big Lead).
• WHO gives a shit?  Well, parents for one (With Leather).

And in case the Pro Bowl still doesn't work?  Well, here's to a sweet skills competition in its stead.  NOW,COME ON, AFC!  I GOTTA WIN SOMETHING THIS YEAR!