18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

Currently,we play our Division twice,Play a full division in the NFC Conference (currently North) and then a team in each of the other two Conferences (South & West) who finished in the same order,as we did in our own division that season before. (Rams and Bucs)

But with an 18 game schedule,this might very well considerably change who we play now.

I've been talking to my brother about this all week on this subject and we came up with a few possibilities on the schedule change.

[B]18 game schedule:[/B]
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[B]Example 1:[/B]
Play Division twice (6 games)
Play Everyone in the NFC Conference once (12 games and all 3 other divisions)
[B]Summary:[/B] I actually like this set up the best because I'm not the biggest fan of Non-Conference play. This would make all games important and not have the"well..we can lose to the Colts because they're AFC" and this also throws the Strength of Schedule out the window.(everyone in the same conference play each other at least 1 time)
[B]Why would this be a bad idea[/B]? LOVE this set up the best,but there's one bad thing that I hate about it.....You could theoretically [B]LOSE[/B] all Division Games(0-6) and win all your other games in the Conference going 12-6 overall and win your division because of overall record and Conference play. That would be crazy...Not win a division game,but win your division...really? lol Likely would never happen..but still,you can't allow this possibility imo.
[B]Why would this be Great[/B]? Makes the Super Bowl more special! Makes the AFC/NFC matchup in the Super Bowl a special meeting. It used to be like this actually! Also,gives your team a true measure of how good they really are,since they've played everyone in their Conference at least one time. It also makes seeding more legit since same records can easily be decided by head-to-head matchups in the playoffs rather than just Conference records being compared.

[B]Example 2:[/B]
Play Division twice (6 games)
Play Conference Division twice in rotation (8 games)
Play Non-Conference Division once in rotation (4 games)
No common opponent games in other 2 Divisions.
[B]Summary:[/B] This one is pretty cool...If you were going by this years schedule with this method,we would play G.B.,Bears,Lions and Vikings @Home and Away.(just like Division) IMO...This kind of evens the playing field a little more here with this set up. But keeps the same set up on the Non-Conference play as we have,but eliminates those 2 Conference games like the Rams and Bucs in those 2 other Divisions. This would give teams 14 Conference games and 4 Non-Conference games.
[B]Why would this be a bad idea[/B]? Haven't found anything yet...
[B]Why would this be Great[/B]? This method allows your team to get another crack at the Conference Division teams your playing like in your own Division. Instead of our redskins getting G.B. and Minny @Home and Lions and Bears on the road,we would get two shots of each team @Home and on the road. No more of those lucky wins as teams end that conversation with sweeps or getting revenge. Also makes it possible to play a team outside Division 3 times if you meet in the playoffs somehow. This could very well increase rivalry games BIG time!

[B]Example 3: [/B]
Play Division twice (6 games)
Play Conference Division in rotation once (4 games)
Play 2 Non-Conference AFC Divisions once (8 games)
No common opponent
[B]Summary:[/B] This is my least favorite,but it does balance out the schedule a little more. It gives teams 10 Conference opponents and 8 Non-Conference opponents. It also makes the Non-Conference play a little more important now. With only 10 total Conference games,there's no more..."Well,we can lay down for the Colts and be ok" games...Because that plays a bigger role in a teams overall record instead of just 4 games as it is now. So if you win all your Conference games with 10 wins (including all 6 division wins) You better win a couple AFC games if you want to win your Division outright cause 10 wins might just be good enough for a wild card if you don't play well for Non-Conference play.
[B]Why would this be a bad idea[/B]? Lessons the importance of Conference play and puts more emphasis on Non-Conference play with the amount of games played. Increases the chances that a team could easily meet in the Super Bowl and have already played each other...This isn't good either imo...
[B]Why would this be Great[/B]? More variety matchups outside Conference. That's really all I got,since I'm not a big fan of Non-Conference play anyways. That's what Preseason games are for..lol. But you do add more good QB VS QB matchups doing it like this by increasing the AFC conference opponents.

Which of the 3 do you like the most?

And do you have your own Schedule method,you would like to see the NFL go with [B]WHEN[/B] they add 18 games to teams schedules?

The most likely and easiest scenario is they will just add 2 more common opponents for us...(So like this year...we might have had Carolina and Niners on our schedule or something like that..) I hope they don't go that route though...

Your thoughts?:food-smil

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

I'm for it. Take away 2 preseason games, add it on to the season, and give the teams more players to start with. I think Changing the 53 man roster to enable teams to have more on the roster will help teams be able to have more back ups that already know the system vs. having to hunt the open market and bring someone in and teach them with only a weeks worth of time.

In regards to preseason the 2 games given could be used to see if the Rookies can play in the NFL. Obviously any team starting from scratch after bringing in a new HC and scheme might have some difficulty in just two short games but then teams can look to have more scrimmages or simply practice with other teams.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

The common opponent games are useful in playoff tiebreakers when the head-to-head matchups are split.

I do think the extra games should be in-conference games though.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

How about a rookie "probation" period, like many jobs have...see how you do in the first 60 days or 6 months before hiring you permanently?

They could have the first 2 or 3 games as evaluation periods for drafted players and UDFA signings. Have expanded rosters with 58 or 60 players for that period so they can play and get a full tryout. In Week 3 or 4, the rosters must be cut down to 53, so either those rookies are cut or an end-of-the-bench player is released to keep the rookie.

Real-life example: We put Brandon Banks on return duties in the first few weeks of the regular season. If he fumbles, he's gone at the cutdown, if he looks promising, we retain him on the 53-man roster.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

On a side note if you look at Hockey they have fewer players on the roster, but they do have farm leagues so even though the players are not on the team they are still signed to the team and are on semi pro hockey teams that are owned or somewhat owned by the pro team.

Same with Baseball.

Football is the only league that your either on a team or your not. Unless each team adopts a UFL team and stashes players there until they need them.

What I don't get is ... why is hockey just as brutal if not more brutal then Football yet in hockey they have fewer players on the roster and about triple the games?

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=SBXVII;743586]On a side note if you look at Hockey they have fewer players on the roster, but they do have farm leagues so even though the players are not on the team they are still signed to the team and are on semi pro hockey teams that are owned or somewhat owned by the pro team.

Same with Baseball.

Football is the only league that your either on a team or your not. Unless each team adopts a UFL team and stashes players there until they need them.

What I don't get is ... why is hockey just as brutal if not more brutal then Football yet in hockey they have fewer players on the roster and about triple the games?[/quote]

They play on ice. Less swelling.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=Buster;743585]How about a rookie "probation" period, like many jobs have...see how you do in the first 60 days or 6 months before hiring you permanently?

They could have the first 2 or 3 games as evaluation periods for drafted players and UDFA signings. Have expanded rosters with 58 or 60 players for that period so they can play and get a full tryout. In Week 3 or 4, the rosters must be cut down to 53, so either those rookies are cut or an end-f-the-bench player is released to keep the rookie.[/quote]

Not a bad idea but I still think and have often thought that in this day in age when players are flying around and hitting possibly harder then back in the 60's and 70's, the NFL should have a long time ago raised the roster numbers. I know there is better equipement to go along with the new age but I still think the roster should have been raised a long time ago.

They are allowed 53 plus 8 on the practice squad. Why not just make it 62 plus 8 on the practice squad. That makes an even 70.

I also like your idea with the Rookies. Maybe tell teams they can have and extra 10 players which are Rookies only, give the team a grace period to use them on in game situations to see how they perform, and give them a date to cut down to the 70 man roster.

I also like your idea with not signing them to a big contract until the teams see how their Rookie will fair in the NFL vs. giving them a big payday only to find out they are no good and yet still have to pay them or put a stipulation on their contract like how much a Rookie can earn the first 2 yrs but make it incentive based. The Rookie plays well, gets lots of playing time, and meets his incentives he gets paid for having done so.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=Buster;743588]They play on ice. Less swelling.[/quote]

What? lol.

Ok your talking playing on soft grass vs. playing on rock hard ice? Less swelling? I'll grant you they might not sustain the same types of injuries as the OL or DL who are falling all over each others knees but otherwise the players suffer similar injuries with similar types of hits.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

I would [B]LOVE[/B] a Washington Redskins Farm team as SBXVII brought up. But I would have conditions on this though...

#1)I don't want teams coming in and taking our guys players on our farm team...(LIke practice squad..you can sign them to your active roster)
Other teams cannot touch them,unless we deal them in a trade or so.

#2)I would be fine in them leaving the teams roster limits the same because of the farm team.(53 limit and 47 active)Guys get hurt? Just promote them to the Washington Redskins from the farm team for whatever position you need that next week.

#3) Farm team plays seasons and we get more football!!Yeaaaa! If we take a player from the team,then they are responsible for replacing the guy for finding his replacement.
[B]Farm team needs a name right[/B]? (You know Snyder would love this idea.. money..lol)
Keep the name Washington or Redskins for the Farm team name...(Probably Redskins)
Like...[B]Landover Redskins[/B] (I live in Missouri,so you guys need to help me with this one....lol)

This also makes no need and just eliminates the practice squad imo...You have a team of practice squad players..lol

This also adds resources of finding great players without depending on the draft 100%,to find the players you need. You could have a walk-on be a stud on your farm team or whatever...This would be great...specially if they don't fix the rookie Salaries in the draft...

I would LOVE to watch a Landover Redskins farm team play games throughout the season. Do my own scouting as a fan! I live and breathe this stuff man!!

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

Loudoun County Redskins sounds good.


How about Ashburn Redskins? We could call them the Burnskins for short.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

Call me a cynic but I have a suspicion the 18 game schedule is going to be used as a bargaining chip with the player's union.

We'll drop the 18 game schedule if you'll.....

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

I think I like the first scenario the best, although it might force a divide in the league (kind of like the old days with the NFL and AFL.) I wonder if adding the two extra games will affect how each division is set up? In all honesty, if the NFC East is a true Eastern Division, then Dallas shouldn't be in the division. It should be the Redskins, Giants, Eagles, and Panthers. And I'd even say that the Giants should move to the North. Sorry...I'm thinking out loud.

I do agree with Davy though. I think it could very well be just a bargaining chip.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

I'm willing to give them 1 game but the idea that the fans want to see this is absurd. Fans have little desire to see even more backups take over for starters due to injury. I hope the players union can beat this little scheme that the owners and the "impartial" commissioner have cooking up. Wow, I never rooted for a union before, feels weird.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=skinsguy;743622]I think I like the first scenario the best, although it might force a divide in the league (kind of like the old days with the NFL and AFL.) I wonder if adding the two extra games will affect how each division is set up? In all honesty, if the NFC East is a true Eastern Division, then Dallas shouldn't be in the division. It should be the Redskins, Giants, Eagles, and Panthers. And I'd even say that the Giants should move to the North. Sorry...I'm thinking out loud.

I do agree with Davy though. I think it could very well be just a bargaining chip.[/quote]

Ah, the good old days when the Phoenix Cardinals were in the NFC East... :cheeky-sm

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

to the scheduling question.

I like the idea of an interconference rivalry. It works best with a 17 game system, but could work with an 18 game as well. Simply put:

Same rotational scheduling as used now.

In addition, each team is paired, as logically as possible to a team in the other conference, and plays a home and away game with them.
...hence we would pair with baltimore, dallas with houston, nyj with nyg, etc.

The biggest problem is the one time every 4 years when you would normally cycle through them, so when NFC East plays the AFC North, we would be scheduled for 3 games with the ravens (ugh). Some logical replacement game would have to be figured out, maybe where you play 1 opposing conference team in your position from another division.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

If the NFL switches to an 18 game schedule I won't like it. I like it the way it is. 18 games means everything needs to be switched up. Bigger draft to supplement the bigger roster needed so your team can last 18 games, and I'm a big proponent of keeping the historical books in order. If we switched to 18 games I'm sure 3-5 guys would break 2k yards rushing every year. I don't want to see that. Plus shorter careers which is another negative.

Overall this is a bad idea. 16 games is already demanding enough. If Davy is right and this is just a tactical ploy in negotiations I will be happy.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

The NFL has a farm system that is completely free, it called college football. There is a 0% chance a team or the NFLwould take on the cost of a farm team/league when college fills the bill just fine?

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=Buster;743635]Ah, the good old days when the Phoenix Cardinals were in the NFC East... :cheeky-sm[/quote]

Hah! More like the St. Louis Cardinals! ;)

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=mooby;743640]If the NFL switches to an 18 game schedule I won't like it. I like it the way it is. 18 games means everything needs to be switched up. Bigger draft to supplement the bigger roster needed so your team can last 18 games, and I'm a big proponent of keeping the historical books in order. If we switched to 18 games I'm sure 3-5 guys would break 2k yards rushing every year. I don't want to see that. Plus shorter careers which is another negative.

Overall this is a bad idea. 16 games is already demanding enough. If Davy is right and this is just a tactical ploy in negotiations I will be happy.[/quote]

Only flaw in your theory is that the league didn't always have a 16 game season. I don't see how this would affect historical books? Besides, if this was an issue, then the NFL probably wouldn't have ever went past a ten game regular season. Also, I'm not sure it would signify shorter careers. Each team would be able to career a larger active roster.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

The league gradually went to 16 games over time, so going to 18 in the long run isn't going to be a big deal. Some day we'll be saying I remember when the season was only 16 games.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=mooby;743640]
Overall this is a bad idea. 16 games is already demanding enough. If Davy is right and this is just a tactical ploy in negotiations I will be happy.[/quote]

No they honestly think it's a genius idea. And 'dey don't have to ask fo nobody permission uhuh.'

[quote]Goodell has pointed out that the league does not need approval from the players in order to extend the regular season.[/quote]

Seriously I thought Goodell was suppose to serve as a go between for the owners and players. Not a white knight for the owners.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

I just hope that the NFL would increase the size of team rosters and gametime rosters as well. As some have mentioned, it would be nice to have special teams specialists on the teams so we can further reduce the risk of injuries. Granted that having more players in the roster would require increases in salary caps...if those ever come back of course.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

To me the NFL is just watering down their product, and increasing the cost to the average fan. OK you have 2 more games, which will increase the likelyhood of serious injury to starters, or like some guys have said, to 2-4 worthless games where the scrubs play so the teams can rest their starters. You say the remedy to this is increase the roster size, fine, but I don't think two games is going to cover the cost of paying 8-10 additional players, leaving the owners with the sizeable profit they want. In addition to that, what are they going to do with the draft? Add 4-6 rounds or something? We all know anyone picked past the 3rd round is most likely practice squad fodder or most likely cut, so what is that going to do to the quality of the product? Also, is the average fan, going to be able to fork over the probable increase in ticket prices, etc? The NFL is going to self destruct over the long haul with this stupidity.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

In all honesty,if they really want to go to 18 games a season,which I'm not so sure this is a ploy for leverage btw...The NFL has had 12 game seasons...14 game seasons (72' dolphins undefeated season and then 16 game seasons,which we've been with for quite some time now.

Since after the Strike season of 82' wasn't it...when we went 8-1 and won SB? I'll have to recheck my history there,but I believe it's been for about 30 years going on or close.

But the if the NFL is serious about this 18 games,then we might see some *new* expansion teams coming in then...Maybe a new team for every division or 8 *new* teams?

5 team Divisions like we've had before...That would be 8 Division games and then 10 games for the rest...I remember the St. Louis Cardinals used to be 2 extra wins for our Redskins..lol

Anyways...That would be 8 division games for the division.....5 games for the NFC Conference we play and then...and then an AFC Division for the other 5 games. 18 games....

Maybe bring back the OLD NFL teams from the History Books...with new unis,colors and all that..
Pottsville Maroons: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottsville_Maroons]Pottsville Maroons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]
Frankford Yellow Jackets: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankford_Yellow_Jackets]Frankford Yellow Jackets - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]
Providence Steam Roller: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Providence_Steam_Roller]Providence Steam Roller - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]
Canton Bulldogs: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canton_Bulldogs]Canton Bulldogs - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]

sorry...
I'm an NFL historian...lol

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

I think the owners are just trying to get back their money from their bad investments such as the unneeded new stadiums, etc. Ford Field is gorgeous, but there really wasn't a dire need to even build it. I know they only leased the Silverdome, but it held a lot more people and most of the paying fans were from Oakland Co anyway. The facility was already rather modern, etc. Did Dallas really need a new stadium with the largest HD jumbotron? Now, the state and local govts coughed up a pretty penny to chip in for these modern marvels, but the owners put up a ton of $$$$$$$$$ themselves, and these investments really haven't paid off. They need to do what any other corporation has done and that is to cut costs, but they have themselves become almost "too big to fail". Take the NFL Network for instance. Sure it is cool to have your own network, but why even bother since you have 3 major media outlets paying YOU to show your product on TV? THe costs to run a 24/7 network has to be staggering, and any advertising might cover that cost, but the profits can't be that great. In short, what I am saying is the NFL just has gotten to big for itself, too big to sustain this type of spending, and it is coming up with harebrained schemes to get back into the black. THe NFL in the summer of '07 or '08 asked the US Govt for a billion dollar bailout to cover operating expenses, and with these stadiums, it is already partially subsidized by state and local govts. Time for the NFL to trim the fat.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=Ruhskins;743699]I just hope that the NFL would increase the size of team rosters and gametime rosters as well. As some have mentioned, it would be nice to have special teams specialists on the teams so we can further reduce the risk of injuries. Granted that having more players in the roster would require increases in salary caps...if those ever come back of course.[/quote]

Yes, the rosters would be increased.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=skinsguy;743681]Only flaw in your theory is that the league didn't always have a 16 game season. I don't see how this would affect historical books? Besides, if this was an issue, then the NFL probably wouldn't have ever went past a ten game regular season. Also, I'm not sure it would signify shorter careers. Each team would be able to career a larger active roster.[/quote]

I'm not stupid, I know the NFL used to have a 12 game season, then it went to 14, and now to 16, so it's only fair they eventually started looking at 18. But why? The season is long enough, and if you can't figure out that adding 2 games a season will shorten a career then I can't help you.

Let's say your dominant NFL player's career lasts 9 seasons. This is just an example because we all know depending on the position they play they can play much longer than 9 seasons at an effective level. Well 9 seasons with 16 games is the equivalent of 8 seasons with 18 games. And look at that current stats. Most guys experience wear and tear through a 16 game season. Going to 18 games is not only going to give 2 more full games that they could get seriously injured in, but that's 2 more games of wear and tear. You can't tell me players experience the same amount of wear and tear in 2 preseason games as they do in 2 regular season games.

My whole point at the historical books aspect is that stats lose their meaning. 2k rushing seasons will become annual, 5k passing seasons as well too. Now granted only the top 3-5 guys might have a shot at getting that far, but I would rather have it the way it is now, something extremely hard to achieve, rather than it becoming a yearly thing.

Skinsguy your argument that the NFL never would've gone past 10 games if that was an issue is flawed. For one, the years when the NFL played 10 games, etc., is an entirely different era than it is today. I'm talking not as many teams, so obviously not as many games, and back then there was room for expansion, not just bringing new teams into the league but there was room for a bigger schedule as well. We already have 32 teams, a 16 game marathon schedule that already takes enough of a toll on these guys. These guys can't get into better shape, as the majority of NFL players work out year round to keep their bodies in peak physical condition. Their is no way they can get into so much better shape so as to better withstand the hits and the wear/tear of an 18 game schedule.

The only reason this is being brought up is money. There's no concern for any of the players, all the owners wanna do is get rid of preseason games that don't make money for them by replacing them with 2 games that will maximize revenue. And a 2 game preseason? I wouldn't mind shortening it to 3 games but 2 is not enough to get your starters ready to play and give enough time to evaluate players trying to make the cut.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=skinsguy;743731]Yes, the rosters would be increased.[/quote]

The owners didnt want a roster increase but they have decided to give in and add 1 roster spot. I suspect the players union will want a bit more than that.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

Its high time this has happened. Pre-season is irrelevant and boring. Why people pay tickets to watch a game that doesnt count, played by mostly scrubs is beyond me. The NFL season seems to get shorter every year. I'd approve the max amount of roster increase they can get. As far as player durability goes, yea thats an issue I dont think can be resolved other than with player supplementation from an increased roster. But when I see how huge these guys's salarys are, well I have a hard time sympathizing with their pain. The NFL pays monstrous amounts of money to kids that are fresh off the turnip farm and these kids know it. There will never be a shortage of players.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

I'm not sure I could handle two extra weeks of Game Day threads.

As a fan I'm honestly pretty apathetic about adding two regular season games. I don't know I just can't get excited about it

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

And I'm not sure I'd call preseason irrelevant. Without it, we woukdnt have had Undrafted free agents Brandon Banks, Lorenzo Alexander, and Anthony Armstrong playing key roles in our win Sunday

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

It is irrelevant.
NFL games are supposed to be competitive events.
Not a training/evaluation session.
I'm not so die hard that I like to pay to watch guys practice.
And those kids you mentioned......call me when they're carrying us thru the playoffs.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=Alvin Walton;743810]It is irrelevant.
NFL games are supposed to be competitive events.
Not a training/evaluation session.
I'm not so die hard that I like to pay to watch guys practice.
And those kids you mentioned......call me when they're carrying us thru the playoffs.[/quote]

Preseason games basically evaluate players in game situations. The give guys like Kurt Warner necessary reps to allow him to lead his teams to 3 super bowls.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=mooby;743796]I'm not stupid, I know the NFL used to have a 12 game season, then it went to 14, and now to 16, so it's only fair they eventually started looking at 18. But why? The season is long enough, and if you can't figure out that adding 2 games a season will shorten a career then I can't help you. [/quote]


I never said you were stupid, I just have heard the same arguments before, and I am pretty sure the same arguments were presented back when the league went to 16 games.

[quote=mooby;743796]Let's say your dominant NFL player's career lasts 9 seasons. This is just an example because we all know depending on the position they play they can play much longer than 9 seasons at an effective level. Well 9 seasons with 16 games is the equivalent of 8 seasons with 18 games. And look at that current stats. Most guys experience wear and tear through a 16 game season. Going to 18 games is not only going to give 2 more full games that they could get seriously injured in, but that's 2 more games of wear and tear. You can't tell me players experience the same amount of wear and tear in 2 preseason games as they do in 2 regular season games. [/quote]

There are so many other factors, Mooby, that goes into a player's NFL career. For instance, consider a dominant player, say, Jerry Rice who played in the NFL for nearly twenty years (if not actually twenty.) Also, consider the fact that Jerry, barring injury, played in at least 18 games a season all through his career if you count playoff games. And keep in mind, I'm not even counting preseason games in this scenario. Your dominant players should already be conditioned to playing a lengthy season. I would argue that a dominant NFL player could have himself conditioned to play 25 games a season if need be. What would be wear and tear on their careers would be having to play a couple of those games overseas, something I don't agree with necessarily.

[quote=mooby;743796]My whole point at the historical books aspect is that stats lose their meaning. 2k rushing seasons will become annual, 5k passing seasons as well too. Now granted only the top 3-5 guys might have a shot at getting that far, but I would rather have it the way it is now, something extremely hard to achieve, rather than it becoming a yearly thing. [/quote]

Well, hasn't it already Mooby? You're talking about 2k rushing seasons and I remember when it was a huge accomplishment for a running back to rush for 1000 yards a season. Also, two games, I don't believe, is going to pad the stats THAT much. Honestly, what pads those stats are the ever changing rule changes that are making it easier for offenses to move the ball.

[quote=mooby;743796]Skinsguy your argument that the NFL never would've gone past 10 games if that was an issue is flawed. For one, the years when the NFL played 10 games, etc., is an entirely different era than it is today. I'm talking not as many teams, so obviously not as many games, and back then there was room for expansion, not just bringing new teams into the league but there was room for a bigger schedule as well. We already have 32 teams, a 16 game marathon schedule that already takes enough of a toll on these guys. These guys can't get into better shape, as the majority of NFL players work out year round to keep their bodies in peak physical condition. Their is no way they can get into so much better shape so as to better withstand the hits and the wear/tear of an 18 game schedule. [/quote]

Mooby, the same argument will be used 30 years down the road and 30 years past that. My only question to you is, how do you know what these guys can take and what they can't? Have you played in the NFL? Have you went through their off season conditioning? My assumption is no. All I'm saying is, I would find it hard pressed to argue how much an NFL player can withstand without going through it myself. Saying that these guys can't get into better shape? Well, I disagree with that until I actually see evidence that supports that theory with my own eyes. I would find it much more believable that some NFL players probably do just enough to land a roster spot, but then again, I don't know that for sure either. Like I said, keep in mind, the players that consistently play for playoff teams are going to already be conditioned into playing more than just 16 games a season.

[quote=mooby;743796]The only reason this is being brought up is money. There's no concern for any of the players, all the owners wanna do is get rid of preseason games that don't make money for them by replacing them with 2 games that will maximize revenue. And a 2 game preseason? I wouldn't mind shortening it to 3 games but 2 is not enough to get your starters ready to play and give enough time to evaluate players trying to make the cut.[/quote]

Well duh....of course it's all about money. I agree with you 100%! It's always been about money. The NFL, like it or not, is a business. The Washington Redskins, like it or not, is a business. While I do have concern (I really do I'm just playing devil's advocate) for the players, at the same time, these guys are getting paid millions of dollars to play a game. I wished people had the same concerns for factory workers having to work in unsavory conditions all year long to earn $10/hour. I wished people had the same concern for school teachers or police officers having to risk their lives every day to earn not even a fraction of what these players earn playing a sport for a few months out of the year. Don't get me wrong, I do realize these players risk their health for our entertainment...but let's get real....they get paid A LOT of money. Sure, I'd like to see the retired players have better health benefits, but that's a whole different can of worms.

Honestly, I don't care either way. I am not hardcore for a longer regular season, and I won't be disappointed if they decide to keep it at 16 games a season. But, I just don't buy into the arguments of wear and tear on players (at least not so dramatically more than the wear and tear they already experience in the current season) nor do I believe it will affect the historical data and stats that past players have achieved. Records are made to be broken and that doesn't water down the accomplishments of those players during their time on the field. At least it doesn't in my eyes. If so, then by your POV, we are already watching a watered down sport. If this is the case, then we're all fools because we're glued to the TV set each Sunday and Monday night cheering on (or in some cases booing on) our favorite team.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

It's funny how fans are saying they don't want 2 extra games, but I guarantee you once it happens that attendance, TV ratings, and league revenue will say otherwise.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;743808]And I'm not sure I'd call preseason irrelevant. Without it, we woukdnt have had Undrafted free agents Brandon Banks, Lorenzo Alexander, and Anthony Armstrong playing key roles in our win Sunday[/quote]

I'm not sure thats necessarily true. Armstrong, Banks, and Alexander were all very impressive in the offseason. In addition, while we'll have less preseason games to evaluate young players, we'll likely have larger overall roster sizes and larger gameday roster sizes.

If anything, the 18 game season will result in MORE young, unproven players making NFL teams and contributing to their teams during the regular season. Teams wont have to chose between keeping a Brandon Banks and a Terrance Austin - they'll have enough roster space to keep both. I'm personally hoping for a 58 man roster with all 58 players available to play on gameday

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;743863]I'm not sure thats necessarily true. Armstrong, Banks, and Alexander were all very impressive in the offseason. In addition, while we'll have less preseason games to evaluate young players, we'll likely have larger overall roster sizes and larger gameday roster sizes.

If anything, the 18 game season will result in MORE young, unproven players making NFL teams and contributing to their teams during the regular season. Teams wont have to chose between keeping a Brandon Banks and a Terrance Austin - they'll have enough roster space to keep both. I'm personally hoping for a 58 man roster with all 58 players available to play on gameday[/quote]

Right now the owners only want to add 1 spot. I suspect in the end it will be 3.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

The 18 game schedule definitely helps season ticket holders. We will only have one worthless preseason game to pay for. Also I will be excited to see the super bowl moved to Presidents Day weekend when many people have off the next day.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=celts32;743878]The 18 game schedule definitely helps season ticket holders. We will only have one worthless preseason game to pay for. Also I will be excited to see the super bowl moved to Presidents Day weekend when many people have off the next day.[/quote]


Since I have only gotten a chance to attend one game and those tickets were free, do season ticket holders pay as much for preseason games as they do regular season games or are those preseason games even included in the package?

Unfortunately, I don't have Presidents Day off so it wouldn't make a difference to me.

Re: 18 game schedule coming...What would you like to see the new format be?
 

[quote=skinsguy;743849]I never said you were stupid, I just have heard the same arguments before, and I am pretty sure the same arguments were presented back when the league went to 16 games.
[/quote]

You're probably right, I'm sure every time the league expanded the schedule the same issues were at hand.


[quote]
There are so many other factors, Mooby, that goes into a player's NFL career. For instance, consider a dominant player, say, Jerry Rice who played in the NFL for nearly twenty years (if not actually twenty.) Also, consider the fact that Jerry, barring injury, played in at least 18 games a season all through his career if you count playoff games. And keep in mind, I'm not even counting preseason games in this scenario. Your dominant players should already be conditioned to playing a lengthy season. I would argue that a dominant NFL player could have himself conditioned to play 25 games a season if need be. What would be wear and tear on their careers would be having to play a couple of those games overseas, something I don't agree with necessarily.
[/quote]

Well, if you are going to look at it from the aspect that at least 2 teams every year play 19-20 games, then that figure needs to be adjusted to 21-23 games a year, not including preseason. Granted it's only 2 teams, and sure, in the end a bigger roster will minimize the impact of injuries on a team, but all the same, it's something I don't necessarily agree with either, just like you don't agree with playing games overseas. And I would agree with you about the wear and tear aspect of playing overseas.

[quote]
Well, hasn't it already Mooby? You're talking about 2k rushing seasons and I remember when it was a huge accomplishment for a running back to rush for 1000 yards a season. Also, two games, I don't believe, is going to pad the stats THAT much. Honestly, what pads those stats are the ever changing rule changes that are making it easier for offenses to move the ball.
[/quote]
Even though I like things the way they are in regards about stats, records are made to be broken as you say. So if the league eventually does go to an 18 game schedule, I probably wouldn't like it at first, but there's no point in disagreeing with it as it will be the way things are and there's no changing that.

[quote]
Mooby, the same argument will be used 30 years down the road and 30 years past that. My only question to you is, how do you know what these guys can take and what they can't? [B]Have you played in the NFL?[/B] Have you went through their off season conditioning? [/quote]
:lol: Fair point. If I had played in the NFL I damn sure wouldn't be hanging out on a message board debating the finer points of an 18 game season.
[quote]
My assumption is no. All I'm saying is, I would find it hard pressed to argue how much an NFL player can withstand without going through it myself. Saying that these guys can't get into better shape? Well, I disagree with that until I actually see evidence that supports that theory with my own eyes. I would find it much more believable that some NFL players probably do just enough to land a roster spot, but then again, I don't know that for sure either. Like I said, keep in mind, the players that consistently play for playoff teams are going to already be conditioned into playing more than just 16 games a season.
[/quote]

Your assumption would be right. My reasoning is based on everything I hear in the media. And I would venture to assume that while most guys take their 1-2 month vacation at the end of the season, they still spend time on the regular working out and staying in shape. Not everybody is like Haynesworth. Like I said most of these guys are in peak physical condition, and we see that through pictures and stories, like the one about how Landry lifts practically daily even in the offseason. Most NFL players know that if they don't stay in shape, they stand a good chance of being cut and possibly not ever playing in the NFL.

[quote]
Well duh....of course it's all about money. I agree with you 100%! It's always been about money. The NFL, like it or not, is a business. The Washington Redskins, like it or not, is a business. While I do have concern (I really do I'm just playing devil's advocate) for the players, at the same time, these guys are getting paid millions of dollars to play a game. I wished people had the same concerns for factory workers having to work in unsavory conditions all year long to earn $10/hour. I wished people had the same concern for school teachers or police officers having to risk their lives every day to earn not even a fraction of what these players earn playing a sport for a few months out of the year. Don't get me wrong, I do realize these players risk their health for our entertainment...but let's get real....they get paid A LOT of money. Sure, I'd like to see the retired players have better health benefits, but that's a whole different can of worms.
[/quote]

I'm not going to argue with you about the NFL being a business, because everybody and their mothers know that's exactly what it is. And in the end that's the only thing that will ever matter to the NFL. And I totally agree with you about wishing that people who have jobs that matter tremendously more than being an NFL player were treated on the same level, but we all know that will never happen. I'm only acting as an advocate for the players because I completely understand when they say if they don't get paid now, they'll only end up getting their backs turned on them by the NFL when they're 60 years old and suffer major health problems. I know most of the public will end up saying, well you get paid millions of dollars to play a child's game, and that will probably be why nobody takes pity on them, but I do believe in treating people right, and the players are right when they talk about sacrificing their bodies and minds for their sport. It's not their fault the NFL makes billions of dollars a year right?
[quote]
Honestly, I don't care either way. I am not hardcore for a longer regular season, and I won't be disappointed if they decide to keep it at 16 games a season. But, I just don't buy into the arguments of wear and tear on players (at least not so dramatically more than the wear and tear they already experience in the current season) nor do I believe it will affect the historical data and stats that past players have achieved. Records are made to be broken and that doesn't water down the accomplishments of those players during their time on the field. At least it doesn't in my eyes. If so, then by your POV, we are already watching a watered down sport. If this is the case, then we're all fools because we're glued to the TV set each Sunday and Monday night cheering on (or in some cases booing on) our favorite team.[/quote]

Honestly I will second you there. I may be sticking up for the people who don't want 16 games now, but in time I will get used to it. I could sit here and say when the NFL switches to an 18 game schedule that I will no longer be interested on the grounds that I don't agree with it, but at the end of the day I still like football and love the Redskins so I know I'll still be watching and arguing about ultimately meaningless things (like 18 games instead of 16) at the end of the day.