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The NFL is considered the ultimate meritocracy. This is the league's great lie.

Individuals often maintain significant roles without the requisite performance to warrant such a position. Contractual obligations or draft status can overrule on-field achievements.

Multiple starters or significant contributors on every roster aren't playing up to expectations and should have their roles decreased. Whether they're outright benched or used in a different manner, their teams would be better off addressing problem areas instead of letting them fester.

Even three weeks into the 2017 NFL season, trends have started to develop.

Coaches often discuss putting the best players on the field. They needed to follow through with that approach instead of spouting platitudes.