During the Super Bowl last February, I recorded the seconds of each play and came up with some startling figures which, I am sure, fans are unaware of because it is billed as the most exciting sports event of the year.
I found that the Colts had a total of 71 plays that took 403 seconds for their nine possessions. Plays averaged 5.48 seconds. Their total playing time was 6 minutes, 3 seconds. The Saints had a total of 66 plays that took 370 seconds for their 10 possessions. Plays averaged 5.4 seconds and their total playing time was 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
That means the total playing time was 11 minutes and 33 seconds (when the ball was "in play") during the two hours and 36 minutes the game was on. The teams walked off the field with 44 seconds left on the clock — the only sport that does that.
So, what is so exciting about the Super Bowl, or football in general? Is it the tailgate parties or the parties at home that make the big game so exciting?
People complain about how baseball is slow, but you can't compare a sport that is one-on-one (pitcher vs. batter) with a contact sport. But 11 minutes and 33 seconds of playing time for a game that has four 15-minute quarters (60 minutes of supposed playing time) makes me wonder what happened to the other 48 minutes and 27 seconds of excitement?
Bert Godin, Lewiston

I know why you don't like football
because it's not a real sport and it should be renamed handegg.
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You really must hate chess!
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The parrot thinks checkers is much more challenging than chess. But, then, he's a liberal. And, consider the size of his brain.
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if you don't like it, don't watch it. and allow others the freedom to enjoy it.
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If you don't like football don't watch it! Do some armchair aerobics. 1) Pick up remote from arm of recliner. 2) Using right or left thumb push button(s) to change channel. 3) When satisfied with channel, set remote back on arm of chair. 4) Relax and enjoy your new show!
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He's just stating his opinion by submitting a letter to the editor. Good grief, folks, he's not asking for people to agree with him.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond."What happened to the other
"What happened to the other 48 minutes and 27 seconds of excitement?"
It's called COMMERCIALS, Bert. Have you ever attended an NFL game? Frequently, throughout the afternoon (or night), you will see the players from both teams taking what appears to be a timeout even though none was called. Both teams just milling about smartly. However, you look up at the big screen TV's and what do you see? Commercials. They literally dictate the flow of the game with commercials. Pathetic and sickening, but that's the way it is.
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Pirate, hate to do it but I need to correct you...the 48 minutes and 27 seconds remaining is for game play, resetting the ball, calling the plays in the huddle etc...thats 60 minutes of football wrapped up in typically about 17 minutes of actual plays...The other @ Hours are devoted to commercial interruptions, news broadcasts and updates from other games and other sports.
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The Pirate yields to his distinguished colleague from the right.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.It's the 'Circus' - not the game... (or lack thereof)
It's the 'Circus' - not the game... (or lack thereof)
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Good point, V...the worst place to watch an NFL game is....at the game.
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