The NFL has come to Canada only a smattering of times before, mostly for preseason games.
Prior to that, Canadians had to support the WLAF, the World League of American Football or, as it was not-so-affectionately known, the "Whatta-LAF."
As you can well imagine, with a nickname like that, not many turned out to see the Montreal Machine in their maroon-colored jerseys do battle at the decrepit Olympic Stadium, the venue also worthy of a few laughs.
Therefore, when the NFL announced it would be holding a number of regular season contests at Toronto's Rogers Center, there was much excitement.
Word spread far and wide that the NFL was testing the waters for expansion to the Great White North. Guys everywhere chugged down an extra Molson Canadian in celebration and then got back to watching hockey.
It was a foregone conclusion that with Toronto chosen as the city to play host to the league, the Buffalo Bills would be the team to make the trek across Lake Ontario.
The question remained, who would be their opponents? The New England Patriots, perhaps? Maybe Super Bowl winners the New York Giants? Bleacher Report favorites, the Oakland Raiders?
It's Miami.
The Dolphins.
The team who went 1-15 last year and 6-10 before that.
Sure, for some, it may not be the match of the century but let's remember Buffalo and Miami have a fantastic rivalry. OK, they have a rivalry. It's hard to get excited about a rivalry between two mediocre teams.
Still, it's the NFL and it's in Canada, right? Right?
What are the fans saying? Scanning a couple of blogs and other sports sites online, here's a sampling - in this case, from the Yahoo Answers site:
"Doesn't really matter. Both teams are pathetic."
Ouch!
"..That stinks."
Hmm....
"...this sucks!"
Alright, we get the picture.
Ask yourself this question, though. Did you really think the NFL was going to trot out its best teams just to satisfy Canadian fans and, to a much lesser extent, Buffalo fans?
Also, next year could prove to be an interesting one for the Dolphins. Bill Parcells is at the helm, the Dolphins have the No. 1 draft pick. Hope springs eternal!
If the Dolphins aren't your cup of tea, there's always the preseason game in August, pitting the Bills against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Entertaining? Most definitely. Will it count for anything? Not really.
If you don't like the teams squaring off in the inaugural regular season game in Canada, keep it to yourself. We have no right to complain.
The NFL is a fast-paced, high-octane thrill-ride and while that sounds like the tag-line to a bad action flick, it's the truth. It certainly isn't the CFL.
In the end, the stands will be filled to capacity when both teams meet on the grid iron in the temperature controlled Rogers Center on Dec. 7.
A capacity crowd will show the league Canada is serious about the NFL and deserves its own team, perhaps several teams in markets like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
As long as it isn't the Montreal Machine. No one looks good in maroon.
Comments (7) Add a comment »
from about 1 month ago
Hey Tim your right beggars can't be choosers, even though Buffalo vs Miami doesn't sound very appealing this could be a step in the right direction.
I'm from Canada and I can't even name one CFL player!!!! I'm all for the NFL coming to The Great White North at least it won't be the XFL.
from about 1 month ago
"The NFL is a fast-paced, high-octane thrill-ride and while that sounds like the tag-line to a bad action flick, it's the truth. It certainly isn't the CFL."
Indeed it's not.
They are two different games.
CFL is a more wide open game.
Heavier ball, wider field, allowed to have more than one player in motion, and only 3 downs.
Former league rushing leader Ricky Williams was spectacularly unimpressive there.
It's like comparing Rugby to Australian-Rules Football.... or NARCH roller hockey to Junior A ice hockey.... though they may appear similar, they are fundamentally different.
from about 1 month ago
Rod ... fair enough. I should clarify I have nothing against the CFL. I quite enjoy football, CFL and NFL alike. I've just always been more partial to the NFL because the CFL was in the decline in the east when I was growing up. There's been a resurgence of the CFL and I'm happy about that. I'm also just excited to see the NFL up here.
from about 1 month ago
Good point. Really can't judge Miami or Buffalo as bad teams. Buffalo was very close to the playoffs last year, and should only get better. Miami now has Parcells getting the team together. For all we know this could be a playoff make or break game. But anyway its going to expand the bills fan base greatly.
from about 1 month ago
I think the Dolphins will do anything to play somewhere other than Miami......last year they went to London....this year it will be Toronto.....am I missing something?
Someone please do some research for me ...right now I'm too busy....which teams in the NFL had the most empty seats last year..?
I'm guessing the Dolphins are up there...not just because they were 1-15, either...
from about 1 month ago
Well, the NFL definitely won't send a strong team abroad to sacrifice their home game.
I wouldn't say it's the NFL refusing to trot out a power team for "little ol' Canada," but the decision comes down to money. As for having a strong team as an away team, well, then the OTHER team is missing out on potentially more money at their home game. Last year London was lucky by having the Giants visit, because that franchise came out of nowhere for the Super Bowl.
In the regular season, you would have better luck at seeing the Cardinals @ Detroit in Vancouver than Patriots @ Detroit in Vancouver.
from about 1 month ago
Well for starters, the game is going to be Buffalo vs somebody no matter what. Looking at the opponents of the Bills, Miami is actually one of the best. The rivalry will really help the game.
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