Part 6/12:
Despite claims that parity and competitive balance keep the league engaging, the author argues that this “balance” actually contributes to mediocrity. With half the teams struggling and many playing uninspired football, the league resembles a collection of unimpressive “polished turds.” The decline is exacerbated by a deteriorating skill level: receivers unable to make contested catches, offensive linemen struggling, and even routine field goals becoming unreliable. The amateurish execution on display is alarming, reflecting insufficient preparation and practice—conditions worsened by limited training camp opportunities.