It sounds like Joe is calling out a well-known media bias that seems to heavily favor NFC East teams, particularly from outlets like NBC, which often showcases teams like the Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, and Commanders in prime-time games. Joe seems fed up with the constant exposure, especially when other teams or divisions may be just as worthy of coverage but get less national attention.
The piece by John Breech from CBS, which apparently gave the Buccaneers an “A” for their victory over the Eagles, offers an interesting angle. Joe realizes that beating an NFC East team, particularly one as hyped as the Eagles, might be the quickest way to gain media respect. This theory rings true since NFC East teams, with their large markets and dedicated fan bases, tend to generate more attention and discussion, regardless of their performance on the field.
By suggesting that beating not just one but multiple NFC East teams could earn a team more coverage, Joe humorously highlights the Northeast-centric media landscape that seems to influence how the league is marketed to fans. The NFC East’s consistent media presence might stem from the tradition, market size, and rivalries, but for many, it’s frustrating when it overshadows other deserving teams.
Do you think the NFC East bias is as strong as ever, or have other divisions started to share some of the spotlight recently?
Joe makes a sharp observation about how beating NFC East teams, especially the Eagles, seems to elevate a team’s reputation in the media. The case of Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers dominating Philadelphia highlights this trend, with the Bucs suddenly being regarded as one of the top teams in the NFC following their decisive win. It’s interesting how Mayfield’s success against the Eagles has now become part of the narrative, emphasizing how much media attention gets tied to NFC East results.
Joe’s point about whether the same hype would be generated if the Bucs crushed the Seahawks or 49ers is intriguing. Those teams are respected contenders, but a win over them doesn’t seem to get the same immediate national spotlight or “street cred” that a victory over an NFC East team garners. The media often treats the NFC East as a measuring stick for success, even though other teams or divisions may deserve just as much attention.
Joe’s skepticism about how quickly the media turns a team into a contender based on a win over an NFC East opponent is a fun dig at how narratives can be shaped based on geography and tradition. Do you think Mayfield and the Bucs will be able to keep this momentum, or is the media too quick to jump to conclusions based on one game?
