mgteich

I think this year's preseason games are producing the least interest ever. When I posted how useless these "games" are compared to controlled scrimmages with NFL refs, I was duly flamed. After all, there were so many important roster decisions to make, and the games were sooooo important to understand what we had for the season.

So, where are the dozens of threads on tonight's "game"?

TB146

I don't know how useless these games are. Practices are good for evaluating talent, working new players and new plays into the system, etc., but they can't do that at game speed, or with real game pressure. Preseason games also allow them to do these things against real opponents - ones with different schemes and who aren't as familiar with the schemes that they run. Also, having a series of games helps them get into the rhythm of preparing weekly to face a new team.

So regardless of how interested we may or may not seem to be, I think preseason games are pretty important.

E Belichick Unum

Pre season games are interesting to watch and then forget. This season, more than many others, may produce 6 new rookies making the squad. Pretty impressive considering the team we had before the exhibition season started.

I will watch the whole thing and wonder why after it is over. The answer is always the same, IT"S FOOTBALL!

JSn

I'm super excited about the game. I thought to start a thread and then figured I'd wait for Ian's. So count me excited.

That said, I would never buy a ticket to one if it meant NOT buying a ticket for a reg. season game.

These games may be more fun for those of us who like to to do roster breakdowns and watch for more than the air show.

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mgteich

Yes, this is patriot football and I will watch and DVR the game. That being said, I think it would be as useful for the team to have controlled scrimmages with the giants, using NFL refs.

Patspsycho

In unrelated news, kicker Jeff Reed of the Steelers has a sprained ankle.

I was not aware he kicked a towel dispenser.

upstater1

Less and less interest, I have to say, although if you were a fan of a team with a new coach, younger players, a roster in upheaval, there'd probably be more interest.

patfanken

I somewhat agree with you as far as the player evaluations go, but the real value of the preseason game is for the staff, practicing communication between coaches and players, substitution packages, etc. Having a couple of games doing that would be fine.

As a HS coach we always had 3 controlled scrimmages before every season. One to cap the one week camp, one mid week one, and a game scrimmage the week before the opener. The one thing THEY lacked was going live in the kicking game. I always held my breath at the start of they year, not knowing what to expect and having nothing on film to show the players what I wanted

I think 4 or 5 scrimmages followed by 2 preseason games would be fine during a 6 week camp.

...and there will be several threads....AFTER the game tonight....mine included

PatsDeb

My sentiments exactly! In fact, I have to miss tonight's game. Anyone know when it will be reshown on NFLN?

BradyManny

Brady's playing, enough said.