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Though I agree that the 4 preseason games are worthless, I would also agree with Mike Reiss that the increased injury factor that a 20 game season (plus playoffs) would make a 20 game seaon unworkable, especially when you concider the amount of money that is tied up in those 53 man rosters. But here is how it COULD work with the following provisions.
1. No player could play more than 16 regular season games (if you wanted to make that 17 I wouldn't gripe)
2. Practise squads would increase from 8 to 10 (and if you wanted to make that 12, I wouldn't gripe) Practise squad guys would now earn 4 game checks (at the minimum I presume),
The bad new is that you'd have 4 games a season where your starting QB wouldn't play (though in Minnesota, they wouldn't notice )
On the other hand, it would be both interesting and challenging for both the fans and coaches to mix and match players and games that are missed.
I would extend the season 2 weeks. and perhaps add another mini camp during the off season. (start one week earlier, end one week later.)
I would replace the preseason games with 2 or 3 controlled scrimmages with other teams training nearby. That would give the coaches a chance to see bubble players in action against other competition, but limit injury factors.
For example teams could play 7 on 9 for running game drill with the DL and LBs vs the OL/TE and RBs . 7-7 passing drills with the LB - DBs vrs WRs - You could end the scrimage with 20 play 11-11 full scrimage controlled with quick whistles by the coaches.
All not as good as a real preseason game for the coaches (especially in the kicking game), but not bad either. In reality in these days the coaches already know who their top 45 players are by the end of mini camp. The rest of preseason is only to get those 45 players prepared for the regular season and find those last 8 guys, plus the practise squad.
As usual, your comments and refinements are welcome (as if I could stop them )
1. No player could play more than 16 regular season games (if you wanted to make that 17 I wouldn't gripe)
2. Practise squads would increase from 8 to 10 (and if you wanted to make that 12, I wouldn't gripe) Practise squad guys would now earn 4 game checks (at the minimum I presume),
The bad new is that you'd have 4 games a season where your starting QB wouldn't play (though in Minnesota, they wouldn't notice )
On the other hand, it would be both interesting and challenging for both the fans and coaches to mix and match players and games that are missed.
I would extend the season 2 weeks. and perhaps add another mini camp during the off season. (start one week earlier, end one week later.)
I would replace the preseason games with 2 or 3 controlled scrimmages with other teams training nearby. That would give the coaches a chance to see bubble players in action against other competition, but limit injury factors.
For example teams could play 7 on 9 for running game drill with the DL and LBs vs the OL/TE and RBs . 7-7 passing drills with the LB - DBs vrs WRs - You could end the scrimage with 20 play 11-11 full scrimage controlled with quick whistles by the coaches.
All not as good as a real preseason game for the coaches (especially in the kicking game), but not bad either. In reality in these days the coaches already know who their top 45 players are by the end of mini camp. The rest of preseason is only to get those 45 players prepared for the regular season and find those last 8 guys, plus the practise squad.
As usual, your comments and refinements are welcome (as if I could stop them )