Pre-Season Why?

[Mr. Broken]

Why not just add 2 more regular season games to the NFL schedule, and do away with pre-season all together.

[Menolly]

Are we talking American football?

If so, have teams made final roster decisions by the time preseason starts? I thought that was the purpose of preseason games, to give many of the unknowns a chance to show their stuff against other teams...

[Queeaqueg]

Don't every team sports have pre-season? In football, the purpose of pre-season is to get fitness levels back, integrate new players and test unknown players as well as establish players.

Is pre-season different in NFL?

[dANdeLION]

Yeah, every sport has preaseason games. The thing that stands out in the NFL is that the preseason games aire on tv. That might be part of the thinking behind shortening the preseason, too; the NFL already has tv crews working the games, so why not make them 'real' games and make tons of money off them? Personally, I don't think they should extend the regular season.

[aTOMiC]

Would I like to see the season extended, giving "meaning" to two additional games that are being played anyway (producing injuries, charging regular season game fees etc)?
I suppose since I already feel as though I don't get enough football the quick answer is...YES!

Do I think in reality that it's a good idea for the players, coaches staff etc that are trying to make the team, create a cohesive squad and work out the bugs before the regular season?

Unfortunately the answer is no.

[jelerak]

From how I understand it, players' contracts are based on a 16 game schedule.

The owners are getting full ticket at the gate for preseason games, and only paying out at basically a scaled back practice wage.

It is a cash cow for the owners to keep preseason the way that it is. If 2 regular season games were added, then players' contracts would go up by about 13%...and the owners would not be making the killing that they are by charging regular season ticket prices, but only paying out basically a practice (or training camp) wage.

And again...as I understand it...the TV revenues are based on a 16 game schedule..and the local markets get to keep most of $$$ for most of the preseason games, because the big boys aren't down here promoting the games (except for the nationally televised preseason action).

It's all about the $$$.

[sgt.null]

the call for shortening the pre-season is because of injuries. too many players lost for a season in meaningless exhibitions.

[danlo]

I disagree go through the process or don't--some don't, like LT doesn't do much preseason....

[dANdeLION]

Another problem is the rookies are used to a 12-13 game college season, and usually tire out before the NFL season's ended as it is. 18 games would seriously use them up.

[Mr. Broken]

As far as other sports are concerned I just have one question, how many of them require you to smash into your opponent at full speed? I agree with the Sarge, preseason= needless injuries. As far as the rookies, and what they are used to who cares? If your a pro ,be a pro, get your ass on the field and earn those millions, and then recuperate during your 6 month vacation, I would also like to add that, additional regular season games would open the door to expansion teams perhaps the L.A. Quakers,or the Las Vegas Hitmen.