The viewer interest in the NFL slid a little more last year when they thought they had a captive audience and the ratings would increase. There are several reasons why this is happening and I will suggest the number one is the quality of the game is not what it once was.
When the NFLPA can't get a bigger piece of the pie, they resort to working conditions. These aren't a bunch of coal miners, they need to prepare themselves to play a very demanding sport and they're not doing it enough and we're seeing more injuries because of that.
One of the fundamentals of the game has been slowly disappearing and that's the main reason for the increased scoring. Proper tackling technique is becoming a lost art. I don't jump up at a big hit anymore, I jump up when I see a well executed tackle. And I don't see near enough.
The players back in the day weren't tougher than these guys today, they just weren't as safe. Back then, a player makes a sloppy attempt at a tackle, he's on the sideline and often sitting next to his position coach. Today, they have to leave them in because behind that guy, they got little.
Benching players, the real power of the HC and one Landry, Noll, Lombardi, Grant, Shula and Jimmy Johnson used as motivational tools for their best players is gone. These players know who's behind them on the depth chart and just how much of a threat they aren't. Jimmy Johnson was flat out anal about having backups to apply pressure. That's why those teams in the early 90's were so good. Great players, great depth and few players, including the 1st pick in the draft QB, feeling too safe in their job.
Not a good look, a bunch of millionaire players not showing up. And voluntary doesn't mean squat to fans. At least give us the illusion that they care as much about the team and the game as we do.