[ChuckyTheGoat]

Average NFL salary increases at something like a 20% annual rate. US inflation is more like 3 to 4%. So the earning value of the average NFL player goes up exponentially over time.

It used to be that you could count on second-tier teams to be good value in the second half of the year. Forget about playoff aspirations; second-rung teams were fighting for something much more important. Jobs next year. Those players were fighting to stay in the league.

I believe players making $200,000 per year in the 1990s were much more motivated than a player making $500,000 in 2005. Really, you only need two years now to be in a solid financial position, if you're frugal. Maybe you don't risk your neck as much in 2005. Why spend your post-playing career in a wheelchair?

Half-baked theory?

I know one thing. I've never seen so many limp-dick teams as 2005. The Eagles and Lions can't wait for the season to be over. Lame teams like Green Bay and Minnesota are laying 6+ points this week. And a has-been like Brad Johnson is being lauded for his brainy play. For what? A few audibles at the line of scrimmage?