Football Goodell wants NFL season to be 17 or 18 games - Page 2

Cornstock · 03-25-2009, 09:38 PM

Sorry if repost:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9...17-or-18-games

DANA POINT, Calif. (AP) - More games that count, perhaps as early as August 2011? That's exactly what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants.

There are several hurdles before the league can expand its regular season from 16 to 17 or 18 games. Among them is reaching a new collective bargaining agreement with the players' union.

Still, the commissioner hopes to present a proposal to the owners in May after the matter was discussed at length this week at the owners meetings.

"It's possible that we could vote in May, but we want to have core discussions on this," Goodell said Wednesday. "Anytime you have change, there is some reluctance. But it's clear we don't need four preseason games anymore."

Goodell said the league has not seriously discussed the subject with its broadcast partners. He couldn't imagine them not being interested in more meaningful games.

"I think the quality of NFL programming, that every one of our network partners would say, if they have the chance to have more regular-season programming, they'd be interested in it," Goodell said. "A key point is the fans also recognize players they want to see are not in those preseason games; that's why they are not attractive. They want to see those players play."

As for those players and their union, Goodell recognizes an expanded schedule will be part of CBA negotiations. Owners opted out of the current deal last year, and it expires after the 2010 schedule, which would be an uncapped season.

"Under the current agreement, additional regular-season games would not be covered," Goodell said. "I think our most important priority after we get done with our internal analysis is talking to our key partners, and that includes the players. I think we want to make sure that the right dialogue takes place before we make any final votes."

DeMaurice Smith, the NFLPA's incoming executive director, wants any decision that affects the players to happen collaboratively.

"His hope is that the concerns and interests of the players will be seriously considered," said George Atallah, a director at the public relations firm Qorvis Communications and a spokesman for Smith during his transition. "He was elected by the players to be their advocate on such issues and is more than ready to serve them."

Among the issues team owners must discuss is when the regular season would begin; how many bye weeks would be scheduled; how deep into February the playoffs and Super Bowl would go; and when the offseason programs — including the combine and the draft — would be held.

Plus, where would the extra games be played, particularly with 17 of them?

One possibility, an idea Goodell and senior vice president of sales and marketing Mark Waller first mentioned several years ago, would be 17 neutral-site games, including some aboard. That would enable the league to step up its efforts internationally, a particular goal of Goodell's.

"There's been some discussion about that," Goodell said. "That's been one of the appealing features of converting preseason games into regular-season games is it gives you more inventory, more games that you can take to neutral sites, either internationally or domestically. So that is a compelling feature."

Another option would be having one conference play nine home games during a season, and the other conference do so the next year.

An 18-game schedule, obviously, would eliminate such concerns. It also would mean dropping two preseason contests.

"Fans don't believe preseason games are up to our standards," Goodell said.

Clearly, neither does he.

I have no problem with dropping a preseason game or two. More chances to see the players. And promoting the league overseas can be nothing but a plus.

**pr_capone** · 03-25-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

CFL plays an 18 game schedule plus 2 exhibition games. I dont see them breaking down.

Yeah... but its the CFL.

A. No one cares about the CFL

and

B. No one cares about the CFL

kcxiv · 03-25-2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr_capone

Yeah but in 4 of those games certain players just mail it it and get pulled early.

I see preseason being more for the camp fodder to try and rise above their station.

If they want to kill 2 preseason games... I'm all for it. If they add 2 more regular season games I would not be heart broken but we will have to get used to new norms...

2k rushing yards in a single season will be something we will see almost every year.

QBs throwing for 5.5k yards in a single season.

25 sack season for defenders.

12 INT seasons for DB's.

It looks great on paper but as something of a stat geek.... I dun like it.

It will just be like what they did when they went from 14-16. You will still know who the good players are. Numbers will be up, but there will be more games. I dont see it as a big deal really.

Maybe it will be a bummer for stat geeks that arent like that, but i dont need stats to tell me who's good and who isnt.

tk13 · 03-25-2009, 10:09 PM

I think it would go back to unbalancing the schedules a little more, depending how they did it. It would really mess with the record book too. You'd have 2000 yard rushers, 5000 yard passers, etc.

**pr_capone** · 03-25-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

I think it would go back to unbalancing the schedules a little more, depending how they did it. It would really mess with the record book too. You'd have 2000 yard rushers, 5000 yard passers, etc.

Brees hit 5k last season.

wild1 · 03-25-2009, 10:10 PM

no need to make the regular season longer. just remove 2 preseason games. 4 is way too many. the last one is worthless, for sure

**KcMizzou** · 03-25-2009, 10:10 PM

The more real NFL games I get to see, the better.

Make it 2 "pre-season"... 18 regular season.

ChiefsCountry · 03-25-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

How do you know that, do you actually follow the CFL?

Actually I do follow it. Not religiousally but I keep track of it and players throughout the year.

**Tribal Warfare** · 03-25-2009, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I think it will just add injuries.

It'll be proposed by the owners, but will be rejected by the Players Association.

**jAZ** · 03-25-2009, 11:15 PM

How can anyone complain about this idea? They are playing these games now, but no one gives a crap and season ticket holders bitch about having to buy these tickets anyway.

Ultra Peanut · 03-26-2009, 03:49 AM

I love the idea of one week -- say, Thanksgiving -- being full of neutral-site games. Not just in London or Mexico City or Berlin or Tokyo, but also in Los Angeles and other American cities without teams. Split the revenues evenly, and everyone wins.

Micjones · 03-26-2009, 05:07 AM

I love how the NFL keeps trying to fix what isn't broken.

Coach · 03-26-2009, 05:47 AM

While I like the idea of extending the regular season games, and removing two pre-season games, the disadvantage is that you don't get those two pre-season games to evaluate the 2nd and 3rd stringers for your team, to finish out the depth.

jidar · 03-26-2009, 06:39 AM

Players careers are already too god damned short, and we already have the tempo and pace of the game changing over a single season as the starting players break down. Do we want more games at the expense of the quality of the product? Do we want players who aren't giving 100% during every regular season game like the NBA players tend to do? They really need to just leave it how it is imo. I think these guys are being pushed to their limits as it is.

Demonpenz · 03-26-2009, 06:57 AM

more reasons to drink beer and eat hot wings and accidently get hot sauce on your balls

Crush · 03-26-2009, 07:17 AM

This is the worst idea ever. I fear change.

03-25-2009, 09:38 PM
Cornstock Veteran Join Date: Oct 2008 Casino cash: $9986835	Goodell wants NFL season to be 17 or 18 games Sorry if repost: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9...17-or-18-games DANA POINT, Calif. (AP) - More games that count, perhaps as early as August 2011? That's exactly what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants. There are several hurdles before the league can expand its regular season from 16 to 17 or 18 games. Among them is reaching a new collective bargaining agreement with the players' union. Still, the commissioner hopes to present a proposal to the owners in May after the matter was discussed at length this week at the owners meetings. "It's possible that we could vote in May, but we want to have core discussions on this," Goodell said Wednesday. "Anytime you have change, there is some reluctance. But it's clear we don't need four preseason games anymore." Goodell said the league has not seriously discussed the subject with its broadcast partners. He couldn't imagine them not being interested in more meaningful games. "I think the quality of NFL programming, that every one of our network partners would say, if they have the chance to have more regular-season programming, they'd be interested in it," Goodell said. "A key point is the fans also recognize players they want to see are not in those preseason games; that's why they are not attractive. They want to see those players play." As for those players and their union, Goodell recognizes an expanded schedule will be part of CBA negotiations. Owners opted out of the current deal last year, and it expires after the 2010 schedule, which would be an uncapped season. "Under the current agreement, additional regular-season games would not be covered," Goodell said. "I think our most important priority after we get done with our internal analysis is talking to our key partners, and that includes the players. I think we want to make sure that the right dialogue takes place before we make any final votes." DeMaurice Smith, the NFLPA's incoming executive director, wants any decision that affects the players to happen collaboratively. "His hope is that the concerns and interests of the players will be seriously considered," said George Atallah, a director at the public relations firm Qorvis Communications and a spokesman for Smith during his transition. "He was elected by the players to be their advocate on such issues and is more than ready to serve them." Among the issues team owners must discuss is when the regular season would begin; how many bye weeks would be scheduled; how deep into February the playoffs and Super Bowl would go; and when the offseason programs — including the combine and the draft — would be held. Plus, where would the extra games be played, particularly with 17 of them? One possibility, an idea Goodell and senior vice president of sales and marketing Mark Waller first mentioned several years ago, would be 17 neutral-site games, including some aboard. That would enable the league to step up its efforts internationally, a particular goal of Goodell's. "There's been some discussion about that," Goodell said. "That's been one of the appealing features of converting preseason games into regular-season games is it gives you more inventory, more games that you can take to neutral sites, either internationally or domestically. So that is a compelling feature." Another option would be having one conference play nine home games during a season, and the other conference do so the next year. An 18-game schedule, obviously, would eliminate such concerns. It also would mean dropping two preseason contests. "Fans don't believe preseason games are up to our standards," Goodell said. Clearly, neither does he. I have no problem with dropping a preseason game or two. More chances to see the players. And promoting the league overseas can be nothing but a plus.
Posts: 1,606

03-25-2009, 10:09 PM	#18
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $-1997500	I think it would go back to unbalancing the schedules a little more, depending how they did it. It would really mess with the record book too. You'd have 2000 yard rushers, 5000 yard passers, etc.
Posts: 56,750

03-25-2009, 10:10 PM	#20
wild1 MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 31040 Casino cash: $10004900	no need to make the regular season longer. just remove 2 preseason games. 4 is way too many. the last one is worthless, for sure
Posts: 6,935

03-25-2009, 10:10 PM	#21
KcMizzou Supporter Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Parkville MO Casino cash: $10005170	The more real NFL games I get to see, the better. Make it 2 "pre-season"... 18 regular season.
Posts: 54,695

03-25-2009, 11:15 PM	#24
jAZ Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Casino cash: $9817493	How can anyone complain about this idea? They are playing these games now, but no one gives a crap and season ticket holders bitch about having to buy these tickets anyway.
Posts: 24,800

03-26-2009, 03:49 AM	#25
Ultra Peanut v^V^v^V^v^V^ Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Holland* Casino cash: $10005177	I love the idea of one week -- say, Thanksgiving -- being full of neutral-site games. Not just in London or Mexico City or Berlin or Tokyo, but also in Los Angeles and other American cities without teams. Split the revenues evenly, and everyone wins. __________________
Posts: 39,518

03-26-2009, 05:07 AM	#26
Micjones Whose house? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $10005180	I love how the NFL keeps trying to fix what isn't broken. __________________ It's like when I'm right I'm right, when I'm wrong I could been right, so I'm still right cause I coulda been wrong.
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03-26-2009, 05:47 AM	#27
Coach Champs! Join Date: Mar 2004 Casino cash: $3668476	While I like the idea of extending the regular season games, and removing two pre-season games, the disadvantage is that you don't get those two pre-season games to evaluate the 2nd and 3rd stringers for your team, to finish out the depth. __________________ Super Bowl IV, LIV, LVII & LVIII Champions 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, & 2025 AFC Champions 1985 & 2015 Major League Baseball World Series Champions 1980, 1985, 2014, & 2015 Major League Baseball American League Champions 2015 American League Central Division Champs
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03-26-2009, 06:39 AM	#28
jidar MVP Join Date: May 2005 Location: a Casino cash: $10004900	Players careers are already too god damned short, and we already have the tempo and pace of the game changing over a single season as the starting players break down. Do we want more games at the expense of the quality of the product? Do we want players who aren't giving 100% during every regular season game like the NBA players tend to do? They really need to just leave it how it is imo. I think these guys are being pushed to their limits as it is.
Posts: 5,502

03-26-2009, 06:57 AM	#29
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $-483864	more reasons to drink beer and eat hot wings and accidently get hot sauce on your balls __________________
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03-26-2009, 07:17 AM	#30
Crush Amateur Poster Join Date: Mar 2004 Casino cash: $2197091	This is the worst idea ever. I fear change.
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