In a surprising turn of events, the ongoing spate of quarterback injuries in the NFL has not diminished the league's popularity. Despite multiple teams being forced to start four different players at the crucial quarterback position, viewership numbers for NFL games have soared to unprecedented heights in 2023.

According to recent statistics released by the NFL, games this season have garnered an average of 17.8 million viewers, marking the highest viewership numbers since 2015. In fact, an astonishing 72 out of the 75 most-watched shows on television in 2023 have been NFL games.

This revelation calls into question the league's previous argument in support of stringent roughing-the-passer rules. Last year, the NFL justified these rules by citing the connection between the health of quarterbacks and television ratings. However, the current season has proven otherwise, as viewers continue to tune in despite the absence of some of the league's top quarterbacks.

With this paradigm shift, the NFL may reconsider its approach to protecting quarterbacks, particularly the star players. The emphasis on safeguarding these key figures may no longer be as crucial as previously believed. Additionally, this newfound realization may even pave the way for potential expansion of the league in the future.

The scarcity of talented quarterbacks has long been a concern in the NFL. However, the surge in viewership this season suggests that fans are not deterred by the absence of star quarterbacks on the field. As it turns out, football enthusiasts are simply passionate about the sport itself, regardless of the names behind the helmet.

Ultimately, the popularity of football remains unwavering, with fans eager to watch games regardless of quality. The resilience and dedication of football fans demonstrate that the love for the sport transcends individual players' performances. As the saying goes, "Football is better than no football."

The NFL's record-breaking viewership figures this season serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of the sport. Despite the challenges posed by quarterback injuries, the league continues to thrive, capturing the attention of millions of avid fans each week.