Back in the day, the NFL preseason was crucial. Players came to training camp out of shape, due to inactivity, other jobs, etc. The teams hadn't been together for several months, and the preseason was needed to kick off the rust.
The NFL wanted a quality product, and that's where the preseason came in. It got everyone back into the flow of the game, so that the NFL could put out a watchable slate of games in the early weeks of the regular season.
However, players don't need the preseason anymore. Football is now a yearlong commitment, and the players spend every waking minute studying film, lifting weights, and playing the game. Every player is a physical specimen; they don't need the preseason to warm up because they never cool down.
And yet, the NFL continues to schedule preseason games. Sure, it's great for marketing, because they can set up games in China, Japan, Nepal, and Sierra Leone, but for players and fans, it's downright frustrating.
Both worry about injury to key players, and the worries are not unfounded. Injuries happen in sports, but when they happen in a meaningless game, people get incensed. Whole seasons can be ruined in the preseason.
The least the NFL could do is cut down the preseason schedule from four to one or two. Better yet, they could just allow teams to set up simulated scrimmages against other teams. This would cut down on the contact and get us to a quicker start to the regular season.
Most starters don't even play in the preseason anyway, so it certainly doesn't enthrall fans. They are what bring in the cash, so why does the NFL keep the games going?
I call upon Roger Goodell to consider the value of preseason games, and he won't have to think hard to come up the answer. Get rid of those games Roger, because they don't benefit anybody.
comments (8) write a comment »
write a new comment
3 months ago
I'll disagree on this matter, simply because with the present 4 week schedule, it gives teams enough time to filter through all the players signed, moved around, and finally down to the 53 players that have to do it day in and day out.
The 4 weeks preceeding, is the best way to test out how these rookies will perform in actual game situations, and also give vets who have changed teams, a chance to mesh more, with new teammates.
I know last year, we went out and signed several Vets, only to realize during camp, the position was better filled either younger, or by a different player.
4 weeks might seem like a long time, but with it, you'll find out who's going to make a better impact on the team, or who's going to struggle.
The Injury factor will always be there....after all, look at Javon Walker. He wound up getting injured in his first week of the year. Tim Brown, again, out week one.
Overall, I don't think dropping 2 games from the preseason would do much to improve the system in football. If you think it'll cause boredom, by all means, go turn the channel.
3 months ago
I see your point, but it doesn't take four games to realize whether someone will make the team or not. I have rarely seen the preseason benefit my team and I don't think it needs to be so long.
3 months ago
I agree that stars like LT, Brady, Manning could get injured while playing in meaningless games, but for someone who is trying to make a team it is crucial.. Case point with the Giants, if there was no training camp David Tyree could've not been on the team and couldn't have helped the Giants win the Super Bowl..
3 months ago
I think that preseason games are freat for a team, because they can see their strengths and weaknesses, and decide whos gonna be starting, backup and third string on the depth charts. It is crucial for a team to figure this out before the season starts, so they can know wht they're doing.
However, I also agree with Jack that you have to be careful about playing starters in the event that many players in the past have been injured in the preseason and missed regular season games because of it, which is not good not only for the player, but also for the organization as a whole.
3 months ago
Nice article. You make some good points, and I see them, but I'm still going to have to disagree with you.
3 months ago
I didn't say there should be no training camp; just no preseason games. Maybe one or two, but no more. With the time the coaches spend these days evaluating the team they don't need four preseason games.
3 months ago
Real good article! Two games would be enough. But I must add that serious fans enjoy watching the NFL hopefuls. Many fans follow these guys during the offseason and would like to see them play! It let's you know who is sitting on the bench.
3 months ago
Yeah I know what your saying Jerry, but I only watch about one preseason game a year. After watching Jon Jansen, CP, and Jason Campbell get injured in the preseason I don't enjoy watching them. I just follow the players online.
write a new comment