Ongoing CBA discussions

I think the biggest thing right now is the 18 game "enhancement".

“We started this with the fans,” Goodell said. “The fans have clearly stated that they don’t like the preseason. We have a 20-game format, 16 regular season games and four preseason games, and the fans have repeatedly said the preseason games don’t meet NFL standards. And that is the basis on which we started this 18-game concept, taking two low-quality preseason games and turning them into two high-quality regular season games.”

A recent Associated Press poll, however, found that fan interest in an 18-game season was lukewarm at best. And NFL players are just about unanimous in their opposition to the 18-game season.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/04/roger-goodell-18-game-season-is-what-fans-want/ (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/04/roger-goodell-18-game-season-is-what-fans-want/)

So this is what I hate about Goodell, what hes saying is just not true. From everything ive seen the people who really don’t like the preseason are season ticket holders, and that’s only because they are forced to buy them at regular season cost even though the value is half at best. Everyone else maybe isn’t thrilled about watching preseason games but realize it’s a important part of the game to find hidden gems and build depth.

Then he calls the current system a “20 game format” and compares it to a “18-game concept”, which to me is the NFL’s attempt to make it sound like there are less games where players can get hurt. This is a completely inaccurate comparison. 2 preseason games would still remain and a 20 game format would still exist, just 2 games now become non-preseason games.

I also think what really ended up backfiring is the NFL trying to crack down on player safety this season and then also push for a 18 game season at the same time. People see through that, the timing is too coincidental.

What I can't stand about the preseason/18 game schedule logic is that they're trying to sell the idea that players won't be playing as much, thus safety isn't compromised. That isn't being said outright but Goodell's comments imply that.

We all know that starters & guys guaranteed roster spots are not playing much in preseason. Adding 2 real games will increase the risk of injury significantly. Or for some teams that have their playoff position locked by week 16, those two games will look like preseason because the coaches will be scared to play anybody. This is the beginning of a watering down of a good product.

The issue of RS will outweigh all else including the 18 game schedule.

Eisenberg: A solution to NFL labor 'war'? (http://www.csnwashington.com/02/08/11/Eisenberg-A-solution-to-NFL-labor-war/landing.html?blockID=406406&feedID=272)

The Early Lead - NFL, NFL Players Association cancel second day of talks (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/early-lead/2011/02/nfl_nfl_players_association_ca.html)

They've also canceled a meeting that was scheduled for next week.

I think they know that the lockout is inevitable at this point. There is no point to have meetings when they already know that they can't change anything....sad.

But maybe, let's hear it for the Replacement Redskins?? Shane Falco as QB maybe???

Preseason sucks...its boring....its just a glorified training camp.
Gimme 18 games!!!

These things always go down to the final hour, I'm still holding out hope for a last minute deal to avoid a lockout.

What I can't stand about the preseason/18 game schedule logic is that they're trying to sell the idea that players won't be playing as much, thus safety isn't compromised. That isn't being said outright but Goodell's comments imply that.

We all know that starters & guys guaranteed roster spots are not playing much in preseason. Adding 2 real games will increase the risk of injury significantly. Or for some teams that have their playoff position locked by week 16, those two games will look like preseason because the coaches will be scared to play anybody. This is the beginning of a watering down of a good product.


The more games you add the less meaningful each game is, see baseball or even NBA/NHL.

These things always go down to the final hour, I'm still holding out hope for a last minute deal to avoid a lockout.


Just because I am stupid and really have not being following this very closely, when exactly is the final hour?

These things always go down to the final hour, I'm still holding out hope for a last minute deal to avoid a lockout.

You are correct, this is how almost all negotiations go. There will be a lot of back & forth but in the end a deal will get done in time for the season to start on time.

These things always go down to the final hour, I'm still holding out hope for a last minute deal to avoid a lockout.

Ideally I want that too, as I'm sure most of us do. But I would rather sacrifice some of the season to get a deal that's good for both. 2006 that didn't happen & that's why we're at this juncture.