PATRIOTSFANINPA

Agent: Limit players to 16 games in proposed 18-game schedule - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com

I wonder if Tom will adhere to his agent's advice should the NFL expand to 18 games in the regular season.

jmt57

I recall somebody bringing that idea (players only being able to play in 16 games if the league goes to an 18-game schedule) a year or two ago when Goodell and the NFL first started talking about an expanded schedule.

On one hand it would make for some very interesting coaching decisions. Does a coach opt to keep a couple of starters out of each game? Does he leave several starters out for one or two games? Leave as many starters out as possible against a tough opponent on the road?

On the other hand what about fans that bought tickets to a game, or maybe paid good money on travel and hotels to see a team play - and then they sit their best player(s)?

And then of course there is gambling angle. Right now teams don't have to announce who is inactive until 90 minutes before kickoff; does that stay intact or does a team have to announce it's "two-game off decisions" earlier in the week? Some inside knowledge on who a team is going to sit could have a huge effect in the betting world.


It's a very interesting consideration, but one I doubt we will see implemented.

PATRIOTSFANINPA

I think it would definitely affect betting lines...suppose on Monday the Pats are favored by 5 points over a team...then a few days later BB decides that will be the game Brady will sit..it will change odds significantly.

Also imagine how insulted a team would be if they knew that of the 2 weeks that Brady sits,one will be that game....you would expect that team to go out and do everything possible to beat the Pats...it would express to an opponent that they are inferior and having Brady sit won't make a difference in an easy win.

Big-T

So sit him against the Jets?

serifyn

its hardly the time to be making jets inferiority jokes.

AndyJohnson

You are joking right?

jmt57

It would make for all sorts of discussion and debate by fans and the media.

For example, remember how it appeared that Tony Dungy and Jeff Fisher had an agreement regarding their late season games a couple years ago? I realize they're both no longer coaching now, but imagine the uproar if the Colts rest all their starters at Tennessee, and then the Titans rest all their starters at Indianapolis.

Does a good team rest a lot of starters for a game against a team like Carolina and hope they can win anyways? After a tough, physical game leaves a team with a long list of banged up players do they give those guys the week off and rest as many as possible, or do they still dress their best available team? What about the coach that is going all out to catch up in a playoff race - and then is forced to rest his key players the last two weeks!

The whole concept would make for plenty of debate and second guessing, that's for sure.

DocHoliday

I think this is great. Makes backup QBs more important, and emphasizes depth over and quality drafting/personnel rather than stocking up on starting talent.

This would suit the Patriots.

IndianPat

Very refreshing idea. A sixteen game limit for players will elevate the game to a higher level.

Imagine the possibilities: When would you sit Brady out? After the home field advantage has been achieved ? Or would it be against a Buffalo or a Detriot?

There would suddenly be intrigue and mystery for every game in the NFL.

I would love to see Hoyer prepare for two full games in a season. From the little I have seen of him in preseason and regular games, it seems he has some attributes of Brady in him. Two full games will show us what he has got.

I dont think the other positions in the team will impact the game meaningfully by this proposal.

upstater1

Yeesh, and so the QB sits for a few weeks before the playoffs?

Does Goodell know how silly it sounds to point out that fans are complaining about full price for preseason games?

That's just beyond stupid.

It reminds me of an argument some people were making this fall about certain European countries that give their public servants Christmas bonuses (extra checks). Who cares? The main thing that matters is the total amount, not how it's divvied up. I always point out to them that people that work at McDonald's must be rich because they get paid 52 times a year.