The value of imports

OK So I am not so much reviving the blog as I am responding to a post and querry of another blogger about American football in Europe. http://joeystein.blogspot.com/

Below is my response that I was unable to post in his comments for some reason. Figured I might as well throw it up on here for the world to see.



Great article Joey. Love hearing different guys thoughts on the value of imports.

In my opinion, the biggest value of the import is at the QB position. With an American QB, it raises the sophistication of the passing game immensely. When I explained what European football is like to friends in the states, I would tell them that it is junior high run schemes and college level passing schemes. Without an American QB, 95% of teams would have both run and pass schemes that were junior high level. That significantly waters down the product, excitement, and fan experience.

The other area where imports have a great impact is an example for national players. The imports can show them what it takes to compete at a high level as well as the necessary skills and techniques. Quite frankly this is also where having skilled American coaches is a huge asset too. That is something that is often overlooked. Great teams have a great staff of coaches as well.

Imports also have great value in that they can also carry out the American coaches vision. Imports typically know what to expect from an American coach and how they want things done. As an American in Europe, the guys who have success over there are the ones that remember that they are just visitors. At the end of the day, we are all going to head back home to the states. It is the national players who are going to continue with the team and build the legacy.

Ultimately, the great teams in Europe are great because of the national players. The Americans usually end up cancelling each other out. That is one of the great things about football is that no one or two guys can take over a team. As long as the majority of players on the field are national players, they will be the ones who decides who wins and losses every week.