No one is real fond of the NFL’s preseason. Not players, not fans, not Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy.
The Packers are being forced to play a fifth preseason game this year because of Brett Favre’s Hall of Fame induction. That fifth game will be the Hall of Fame game on August 7.
We all know that’s overkill, but Murphy says even four preseason games is too many.
“I think one thing we can all agree on is the quality of play in the preseason is not good. And players don’t need game time, they don’t need preseason games to get ready for the season. Certainly not four,” Murphy said.
“We’ve talked about this: It’s the one part of the NFL that really stands out that’s not a first-class [thing]. It’s just not good. Especially that fourth game. It’s kind of a throw-away. I’m sure [Packers coach Mike McCarthy] has looked at [how to approach] it. I think you’ll see a lot of young players playing in those first couple preseason games.”
It seems like the preseason has long been a point of discussion, with the general consensus being that it should be shortened in some way.
This is ultimately a question about money, though. Nothing will likely be done to add or subtract games until the next collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and players association comes up for negotiation. The current agreement runs through the 2020 season.
One potentially intriguing option involves extending the regular season by one game and shortening the preseason equally. That 17th game would allow every team to play an international game — something the league is keen on — without losing a home game.
“As you look ahead, if we’re going to have more and more international games, something’s got to give at some point. One thought that’s been discussed is to go to 17 and three, and then everybody would have an international game. So nobody would have to give up a home game,” Murphy said. “That’s [one thing] people in the league office [have been] thinking. It’s never been voted on or anything like that.”
More football that counts?
I think that’s something we could all get behind.
I LOVE the last preseason game. Guys on the bubble playing for their careers. Different drama than a playoff game, but still high drama.
6 preseason games, only guys with 4 years or less experience, cheaper tickets (because you don’t have to pay the stars). Summer development league.
Teams still need real live football to evaluate the talent. . Else they need a bigger roster
Your stupid our roster is fine. Yes Thompson is great idiot. Are u high or somethin? Are u a Los Angeles Clippers fan or something? Pack Attack you should cheer for the Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Vikings.
Since you said Aaron Rodgers suck, that is why you should also cheer for the Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Vikings.
Your so fucking stupid okay. Remember that PackAttack. REPLY BEFORE I KICK YOU IN THE NUTS BITCH ASS.
Where the fuck did you come from? Don’t come around here talking your band-wagon basketball.
Do I need to kick you in the nuts too? Mind your own business fake ass fan.
You are right, I am an owner. Not some fan boy. Go clean your room
I guess player safety means nothing? So you take away one preseason game that very few veterans will play in, unless they are on the bubble of being in the NFL. Then you add a regular season game that is going to be more physical. But that is O.K because that extra game has the added benefit of travel overseas? I think the players if they want, can travel overseas in the off season. The beating these guys take during the regular season and playoffs is enough. The players will require a bigger payout to make this happen.
I guess if the quality of play is not up to par in the preseason that means the NFL is going to get rid of the pro Bowl? The pro bowl game makes any preseason game look like a playoff game.
Lets ask the players if they want an “International Game”. It’s just another way for these big wigs to get bigger.