Read the opposing argument from Babe Ruthless.
There seems to be a growing sentiment to not only cut back on the NFL preseason schedule, but to expand the regular season schedule to 18 games. Last August we had a debate revolving around the validity of even having a preseason at all. I argued that it was necessary while Bleacher Fan argued that it was totally unnecessary. Now, we’re discussing expanding the current 16 game schedule to 18 games. Let me go on record again – this is a bad idea.
Obviously, injuries come into play here. As it stands now, NFL locker rooms can often be mistaken for MASH units during Week 17. If players aren’t seriously hurt with serious injuries like torn ACLs, then they are hobbling around with nagging injuries like sprained ankles and sore shoulders. By Week 19, those ankles could end up broken and those shoulders could end up separated. Tom Brady and Ray Lewis have separately addressed the issue, citing injuries to the players. I hesitate using Ray Lewis, of all people, to make a point. But, along with Brady, represents players who have had injuries over the course of their respective careers. In this particular instance his opinion carries a lot of weight with me. Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, whose opinion should carry weight with a lot of people, is opposed to expanding the regular season. He says, “In the preseason you’re involved with experimentation as a player, but in the regular season, that’s two more games in which you are hitting as hard as you can hit.”
According to the current proposal, two extra regular season games would replace two of the preseason games. That leaves two preseason games to get ready for an “extended” regular season. That essentially leaves less time for coaches to evaluate talent on the team. Coaching staffs have enough trouble trimming rosters from the players that start training camp to the roster limit of 53 players. It’s going to be that much more difficult to accurately choose the best players with two less games of evaluation of talent.
I am also am not convinced that an expanded regular season would put that much additional revenue in the pockets of owners. Obviously there would be some increase in revenue, but you can also expect the players to demand a higher salary if they have to put their body through two extra regular season games. As far as I am concerned, you might expect the training staff of each team to ask for a raise as they will be working that much harder. Also, Bleacher Fan said, as a Cleveland Browns season ticket holder, he was expected to buy tickets to the two home preseason games, along with the eight game regular season game. The preseason games are at full price. Therefore, the majority, if not all of the tickets for preseason games, are sold anyway. Where‘s the financial windfall there?
Expanding the regular season seems like a sexy idea. But, you know how you are very much enjoying that double scoop of chocolate ice cream? When you get done, the craving is not finished and you want more!!! Feed that craving!! Well, you end up getting that extra scoop. Unfortunately, after finishing that extra scoop, you feel miserable. You feel bloated! Why did you get that extra scoop of ice cream? It scars your wonderful thoughts of the first two scoops.
There’s no need to overdo it, and possibly damage something that is so good right now. As the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And the NFL certainly ain’t broke.
