Morning Joe! Proposed NFL Realignment

by doctork44 on Jan 20, 2012 9:00 AM EST

Hello Bills Nation,

Today's Joe, I will be discussing the idea of a complete NFL Realignment. The idea came to me when I was watching the New York Giants take on the hated New York Jets. I was back in the city that weekend visiting my family and the city was buzzing. So as I watched the game, I said to myself "how come we can't see more in-state rivalry games like this one"? Is there a legitimate reason why the NFL refuses to put teams in divisions where you might have in-state rivalries or geographical rivalries? It will seem to me that this will create better football and really determine what part of the country plays the best football. How does it make sense to have a division be called the NFC East and have a team like Dallas playing in it or AFC East and a have a team like Miami playing in it. If there were logical reasons behind it, then it will make sense.

Well I'm not one to complain about something and not make any suggestion, so lets see what a new NFL would look like if the NFL took these things in to consideration.

We all know or should know what the current NFL Divisions look like, so I won't bore you with that. But here is what the new NFL should look like.

AFC North East Division

Buffalo Bills
New York Giants
New York Jets
New England Patriots

AFC Mid Atlantic Divison

AFC South Division

AFC Gulf Division

NFC West Division

NFC Great Lakes Division (East)

NFC Great Lakes Division (West)

NFC Central Division

So this is my proposed realignment, with Dallas being the only team that might not fit geographically. But because of the history between Dallas and Green Bay; two of the teams that can be considered "Americas" team, this makes perfect sense.

So what you think Bills Nation, does this provide for better football or what? Feel free to make suggestions.

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.

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Me and a co-worker did this a few weeks ago...

Looks somewhat similar.

Buf – NYJ – NYG – NE
Balt – Wash – Phil – Pitt
SF – Oak – SD – Sea
GB – Minn – Det – Chi
Ari – Dal – Hou – NO
Mia – TB – Jax – Car
Den – KC – Stl – Indi
Atl – Tenn – Cle – Cinci

Keeps everyone close, eliminates some of the “Old Time” rivalries… but it will make some grow. Having these teams play every year you would see battles of the NYC area teams, also with Buffalo in the division you could have the “State Title” … along with other interstate rivalries, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Florida, Missouri, Ohio and Border Battles btween Baltimore and Washington.

Id miss Bills/Fins games… but Id like this more than I miss it I think.

I hate that I love Buffalo.

by bflo on Jan 20, 2012 9:27 AM EST reply actions

I like your breakdown

What was the reasoning behind the Atl-Tenn-Cle-Cin division?

by doctork44 on Jan 20, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions

That was the trickiest one to set I think.

I was debating whether or not to put Carolina or Atlanta in the “Florida” division with Mia, TB and Jax…

Really you could swap either one of them in for each other, I just decided that Atl looked better in the Tenn/Ohio division. Plus Tennessee and Atlanta could become a nice little rivalry. Not too far of a drive.

I hate that I love Buffalo.

by bflo on Jan 20, 2012 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

By "State Title"

do you mean New York Vs New Jersey?

"Hardwork beats talent when talent fails to work hard" -Norm Nixon
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius

by ChewyFL on Jan 20, 2012 5:18 PM EST up reply actions

I prefer to keep the current set-up.

When the 8 division set-up was discussed a key point was historic rivalries. It was reported that our own RW lobbied to keep Miami in our division (don’t have a link) and keeping Dallas in the NFC East was for that reason, and also a financial one. KC was kept in the AFC West due to ties to Denver and Oakland. Rams-49ers is a long rivalry.

The one change I could back is to add a seventh play-off team (third Wild Card) to each Conference. Only the team with the best record gets a bye, and the other three division winners each host a Wild Card team. So 2 hosts 7, 3 hosts 6, 4 hosts 5. Re-seed after the round. 1 hosts lowest remaining seed, next highest hosts second lowest seed.

When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.

by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 20, 2012 9:34 AM EST reply actions

I get the point of historic rivalries

but you can still accomplish this if you realign. College football does it all the time. USC will play Notre Dame every year and it doesn’t matter what division they’re in.

For example, lets take one of the more popular rivalries that will we will be losing if we realign; Chiefs vs Raiders. Both teams will play their instate/geographical rivals twice. KC will play St. Louis twice a year (which will be awesome if you’re from that area) and Oakland would play San Fran twice a year, then the last game of the season they will play each other.

by doctork44 on Jan 20, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

No sale.

One of the latest changes made was scheduling more divisional games in the last month. The drama (and TV dollars) was higher because of this change.

The TV dollar is the primary engine that drives the NFL, and if it was crunched that your plan would produce more money then that is what they would have done. Traditional rivalry games always produce TV numbers, and a large amount of these games are continued with the current alignment.

… then the last game of the season they will play each other.

If this is your plan to continue long-term rivalry games then it would also put at risk missing a game against a team that is an opponent every third year (same conference, other divisions) or every fourth year (all other conference teams), or dump one of the same divisional rankings contests. Potentially two NFL teams could not meet for eight years or more. I would not like that.

When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.

by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 20, 2012 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

The USC-ND, ND-BC, ND-Navy games are all contracts between the schools. They are part of the non-conference schedule that the schools are free to coordinate on their own and only need “approval” from the conference, which is pretty much always given. It wouldn’t work in the NFL where scheduling is done by the league

by NDbuffalo on Jan 22, 2012 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

Your Division Choices Make Geographic Sense

I like it.

Specifically about the NYC teams:
I’m not sure this is how the NFL is thinking, but they might be. To have the NYC teams in different conferences keeps the possibility of an all NYC Super Bowl alive. And, although Giants and Jets fans typically hate the other team, New Yorkers tend to rally behind the NYC team that is left in the post season. If they were in the same division, that might not happen anymore.

"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34

by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Jan 20, 2012 9:49 AM EST reply actions

The Giant and Jets fan I know, really hate each other…I think what happens in NYC is that Giants has the superiority complex and the Jets has the inferiority complex, thus creating pure hatred towards one another. I really don’t see either fans rooting for the other if one makes it to the superbowl and the other don’t.

by doctork44 on Jan 20, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

Outside of season ticket holders, you underestimate the fair-weather nature of the majority of NYers.

NYERS LOVE SUCCESS. PERIOD.
(I’m rolling my eyes as I write this.)

I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse

by oompaloompa on Jan 20, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions

I like the thought process. Though I think it would take us even longer to make it to the playoffs having to play the Giants instead of the Dolphins. But those could be exciting games.

by buffalo_bills on Jan 20, 2012 10:02 AM EST reply actions

Haha

Yea, it will be tough getting out of this division.

But how a team build its team will be interesting. I can see teams out east and north building physical teams, with a concentration on the run game and defense and the teams out west and south playing a more wide open passing offense. The weather and climates will play a major role.

by doctork44 on Jan 20, 2012 10:30 AM EST reply actions

Interesting,

I like it. To fix your Dallas conundrum, you should switch them with St. Louis. St. Louis is pretty much across the state line from Chicago, and for whatever reason Dallas and KC seem like more similar teams (probably the history) so they should be in the same division.

Give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that can be changed, and the wisdom to know one from the other.

by k8 on Jan 20, 2012 11:49 AM EST reply actions

Would definitely be supportive of this

though I don’t think it’s necessary.the current ones are fine.

That said, I’m a big fan of the “Great Lakes” division name, and as a Golden Gopher fan pissed they didn’t use something like “Great Lakes” and “Great Plains” divisions instead of the pretentious “Leaders” and “Legends” divisions for the Big10.

As of 1/17/2012
No longer feeding the Buffalo Rumblings resident troll.
No longer responding to said trolls passive aggressive posts.
Not even if he baits by replying to a comment of my own.
Not even if his reply is devoid of all logic and assumes opinion as fact.

by NordicBillsfan on Jan 20, 2012 12:31 PM EST reply actions

This was the original intent

of the alignment of the divisions. But as teams moved, rivalries developed, and expansion teams were added, we get what we have today. The NFL just realigned not too long ago, but kept much the same because of the rivalries. I guess my point is that 20 years from now we may be having the same discussion.

by billskk69 on Jan 20, 2012 12:49 PM EST reply actions

NYC teams cannot be together

Two reasons why the NYC teams cannot be together
1. The NFL will always want them in seperate conferences. It always allows them the hope of both teams winning divisions and being in playoff games..big rating with the NYC market. It also gives them hope to have an all NYC Superbowl.

2. Having them in the same divisions would give them an unfair travel advantage. The Jets and Giants only play each other every 4 years, not such a big deal, but if they were in the same division, they would play twice per year. That gives each team an extra “home” game over their division counterparts. Not only would they not be forced to travel, but they would also be able to use their own lockeroom and facilities.

by sfg79 on Jan 20, 2012 12:53 PM EST reply actions

"home" games

They put up different color bunting depending on who’s “home”.

The difference is HUGE. You don’t even realize you’re in the same stadium.

I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse

by oompaloompa on Jan 20, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions

I see your point,

however I’m not sure that the NFL would want an ALL NY Super Bowl. Think about it, most people outside of NY disdain New Yorkers, and will not watch the game because they hate NY. I live in MD now and I’m originally from NY, the people here hate all NY teams…Its amusing at times.

I remember the Mets v Yankees World Series game; the rest of country cared less who won that game…I think an all NY Super Bowl will alienate the rest of the country.

by doctork44 on Jan 20, 2012 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

elephant in the room

As a uk fan doubt there will be any realignment until a team moves here. Could be sooner rather than later with the rams three year deal announced today which does when their deal on their current stadium does. THeir owner is also the majority shareholder in arsenal fc.

Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life.

- Brooke Shields

by Let's Go Buffalo (UK) on Jan 20, 2012 1:29 PM EST via mobile reply actions

ends when their stadium deal does.

Stupid predictive text.

Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life.

- Brooke Shields

by Let's Go Buffalo (UK) on Jan 20, 2012 1:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I dont think there will ever be a team in the UK. Its like if he have a team here in the EPL…not gunna happen

Ay Ay Ay Ayyyyy

by BuffaloBillsBigestFan on Jan 20, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

never say never

With a franchise based system there is always a chance. I’d rather not have a team here in the uk but money talks.

Association football is different in that it is already a global sport where usa has it’s own professional league with globally recognised players. The only way uk ever has a pro American football team is a franchise moving or at least sharing a team with the uk.

Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life.

- Brooke Shields

by Let's Go Buffalo (UK) on Jan 20, 2012 2:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I just can’t imagine the logistics concerning travel. Distance alone would make me feel that it is impossible.

Having a franchise outside of the US would be neat, but I only see Canada as feasible simply from a geographic perspective. Mexico would work too but for the utter chaos of the country from a security standpoint.

by NordicBillsfan on Jan 20, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

short term issue

You could get around this with three games away followed by four home followed by three away four home and two away to end the regular season. This could work with clever use of bye weeks. This would be an short term solution until one of the concorde 2 projects becomes commercially viable.

Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life.

- Brooke Shields

by Let's Go Buffalo (UK) on Jan 20, 2012 2:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

concorde 2 projects

New type of jet?

by NordicBillsfan on Jan 20, 2012 4:03 PM EST up reply actions

concorde 2

Yes indeed. There are a few firms in different countries working on the next generation of faster than the speed of sound aircraft.

Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life.

- Brooke Shields

by Let's Go Buffalo (UK) on Jan 20, 2012 4:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Well, probably easier than building a chunnel across the Atlantic.

by NordicBillsfan on Jan 20, 2012 5:41 PM EST up reply actions

that might work if:

the teams that traveled to London maybe played Thursday night the week before the trip and got the bye week the week after they play. With something similar for the London team.

"Hardwork beats talent when talent fails to work hard" -Norm Nixon
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius

by ChewyFL on Jan 20, 2012 5:27 PM EST up reply actions

I can’t see Mara letting the Giants become an AFC team. And I’m sure other owners would not be happy about switching conferences either, for historical reasons. But, you make sense.

I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse

by oompaloompa on Jan 20, 2012 2:31 PM EST reply actions

As someone that lives outside of Cleveland I would put money on Cleveland flipping out not getting to pay the Satan Steelers, the biggest games each season by far.

"Hardwork beats talent when talent fails to work hard" -Norm Nixon
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius

by ChewyFL on Jan 20, 2012 5:24 PM EST reply actions

Cool

I like it!

The Sum Of A Franchise Is Directly Proportionate To The Talent Of Franchise's QB. Get A QB OBD!

by buffalobacker on Jan 20, 2012 9:15 PM EST reply actions

I liked it except for one thing

you broke up the Detroit,Green Bay,Minnesota,Chicago division. And IMO that division is already perfect.

flayed ones stealth mode

"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."

by mob16151 on Jan 21, 2012 8:41 AM EST reply actions

It sure is.

"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jan 21, 2012 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

I like your thinking

It is probably time for a change.

Please base your arguments in provable facts instead of pulling stuff out of your rear. -CanadianBillsFan- This is why talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.

by jbbillfan on Jan 22, 2012 1:45 AM EST reply actions

Probably will have to wait until LA is in the mix

Does Jacksonville, St. Louis or San Diego move to LA?

But currently this is what I would do. Not sure which conference these divisions go into. I guess I would divide Conferences by East and West. I tried to consider the type of city in the groupings.

Philadelphia is closer to and more of a similar size as Boston and New York.
I would put Buffalo with Cleveland Pittsburgh and Detroit.
I would also put Dallas with Atlanta, Houston and Carolina. Those are all large southern corporate cities.

Here is my list:
AFC:

Giants
Jets
Patriots
Eagles

Buffalo
Cleveland
Detroit
Pittsburgh

Baltimore
Washington
Miami
Tampa

Chicago
Minnessota
Green Bay
Indianapolis

NFC:

Cincinnatti
Tennessee
Jacksonville
New Orleans

Dallas
Houston
Altlanta
Carolina

Denver Broncos
St. Louis Rams
Kansas City Chiefs
Arizona Cardinals

Oakland Raiders
San Diego Chargers
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks

by Bill Frank on Jan 23, 2012 8:09 AM EST reply actions