Ongoing CBA discussions

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by mlmpetert

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/

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.