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After yesterday's crazy comeback by the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Los Angeles Chargers, speculation among fans about the NFL being rigged started to pick up steam. Trailing 27-0 at one point, Jacksonville came back to beat Los Angeles 31-30 in a scarcely believable finish.
After the game, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was interviewed and asked how they pulled off the comeback. Lawrence said the NFL could not have written a "crazier script." The quarterback's comments had fans thinking that this was evidence that the league is scripted.
Fans did not hold back, letting their feelings be known towards the league. Here is just a sampling of some reactions.
Is the NFL really rigged?
Despite the noise going around, it is hard to believe that the NFL is rigged. People could point to the game-changing missed false start call as evidence that the league is weighing the scales.
However, looking around, there is plenty of proof that could be used to the contrary. For example, Aaron Rodgers is one player who draws eyeballs to games. If they had really wanted to rig it, they could have decided to ask the Detroit Lions to lose their last regular-season game to the Green Bay Packers. The Lions had nothing to play for, but had the Packers won, they would have made it to the playoffs. Instead, Detroit won to deny Green Bay a postseason berth.
Not only are such theories counterproductive, it takes away from the kind of effort that players have to put in. Trevor Lawrence had a stinker in the first half yesterday, throwing four interceptions. The fact that he came back in the second half with four touchdown throws should be appreciated.
He showed great physical and mental fortitude to ensure that the Jaguars won the game. It should not be overshadowed by unfounded theories. His usage of the word "script" was a figure of speech that is commonly used.
There are many things the NFL can work on. They could focus on better protection against concussions and reducing injuries. They can ensure that owners are better vetted before owning a franchise. But in terms of giving every team a fair shot, it is as equitable a league as there ever has been.
Right from the way the draft order is made to ensure that weaker teams get the better players, it is a league made to maximize competitiveness. Fans should sit back and appreciate it and the players who play in it, instead of getting bogged down by unsubstantiated theories.
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