AT ISSUE
Overseas bad idea
What: The NFL plays in Europe.
Background: The Miami Dolphins and New York Giants play Sunday in London as part of the NFL’s new program in which games during the regular season will be played in Europe, Mexico or Canada. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently said he could see a scenario in which the Super Bowl could be played in London.
Williamson’s take: Let’s get this out of the way right now. The Super Bowl will never be played overseas. Never. NFL owners would never allow it and there would be a mutiny. The game’s showcase simply can’t be played outside of the country. As far as regular-season games go, teams tolerate the idea but don’t embrace it. Many in the league loathe the idea of taking off to Europe during the middle of the season, even though the Giants and Dolphins get their bye week after the game. The NFL, like every corporation, is interested in advertising, and the NFL, already ruler of the United States, wants to own Europe. But why do it at the expense of teams? The Giants and Dolphins are going to be exhausted from this trip. Is it worth it to them for the NFL to grab a few more fans?
THE HOT SEAT
Steel City setback
Who: Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
When: Sunday at Cincinnati.
Why: Tomlin entered Sunday night’s game at Denver as an NFL coaching darling. At 35, he had the Steelers at 4-1 and rolling in the AFC North. He was being showcased on “Sunday Night Football” and the country would get a chance to see this whiz kid at work. And he choked. Tomlin put together a very strange offensive game plan. The Steelers threw the ball all game, even though they have a great running attack and the Broncos have a weak run defense. Then, he mistimed a timeout in an attempt to ice Jason Elam before Elam hit a 49-yard field goal. Hey, Tomlin is young and he has the look of a fine coach. But he had a bad night and it cost his team. He must bounce back against the Bengals.
ROOKIE WATCH
Big Gator
Who: Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas.
When: Monday night against visiting Green Bay.
Why: This kid is becoming a big part of the Broncos’ defense. Thomas’ off-field issues at Florida are well-documented, but Thomas has been a good citizen in Denver and is showing that he is a top talent.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
