To change or not to change…the length of the NFL season

One of the hot topics this off season not only has been a change in the rules but also the debate about the length of the regular season for the NFL. There are many pros and cons for this change and in this article we are going to look at just a few. For the fans an extension to the regular season, I am sure, would be a welcome site, just to be able to see your team battle for the playoffs and even just to see your team more times during the season would be more than welcome. A major issue for the fans that was discussed, many fans do not want to pay the prices for the preseason games that, let’s face it, doesn’t have the stars for most of the game. Fans want to see their favorite players on the field at all times and if this rule can make that happen then many will be in favor. The NFL realizes that the fans are a huge part of what makes the NFL go and in order to keep the strong momentum they must look at what the people want.

For the players the thought of a longer regular season is not something they are looking forward to, mainly because there is more chance of injury and of course the money is an issue. Players are worried that playing at such a high level for a longer time could not only signal more injuries but also end careers a lot sooner than desired. Many of the preseason games that are played right now are used to fill in the spots that are needed on the roster and also to look at those rookies and if the season is extended the preseason would be reduced. In this instance it could be more difficult for teams to evaluate the talent and the rookies that are taken in the later rounds of the draft but it may be something that they will have to adjust too.

> Check out the 2010 NFL schedule for your favorite team's schedule this fall and don't miss out on our great selection of NFL apparel & jerseys as well as NFL Fatheads and more!

Fact is this, if you are going to make the fans pay regular prices for preseason games then there must be something that takes places on the field that is worth the price. As they say “you get what you pay for” well in this instance do you? Here is my opinion, reduce the prices of the preseason games make it a marketing time for the NFL, if you are going to keep the preseason. If not reduce the preseason to just two games and extend the regular season by two games and see how that works. I definitely understand the players thoughts with injuries and I understand the fans wanting the quality of good NFL action so in this instance we are at a crossroads and we will just have to wait and see how this one plays out at any rate the preseason is over for this season and its time to start the NFL regular season.

By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer