Owing to the massive enterprise and boatload of dollars at stake, criticism of the end product pro football fans receive on any given Sunday is largely drowned out by the NFL’s incessant tooting of its own horn. But looking at the current league standings as the Steelers enjoy a much-needed bye-week, it’s nearly impossible not to notice that the parity pursued by the league’s brain trust during the past 20 years appears to be reaching its logical-but-ugly conclusion. With Halloween just around the corner, the candy treats aren’t the only things getting smaller and less appetizing.
So far this season, 15 of 32 NFL teams have surrendered more points than they’ve scored.