NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is considering lengthening the NFL season to either 17 or 18 games by the 2011 season. More than likely this will mean that the Pre-Season will be shortened and the additional weeks will be added in their stead.
Finally, Goodell has the brains and the "cajones" to do what Paul Tagliabue could never do since he had become Commissioner in 1989. Pete Rozelle saw the benefit of upping the ante in 1977, so why not do it 30 years later? Tagliabue missed the bus, but Goodell is right on track.
So was Rozelle to an extent, but revenue from advertising, ticket sales, and merchandising were no where close to what they are today. Need I mention licensing fees?!?!?! Who knows why Rozelle did it...that was before I was born, but this...this move makes sense...or should I say "CENTS."
EVERYONE gets into NFL football. Whether it is the die hard fan or the occasional celebrator who simply gets into the fever and likes the players' butts; the NFL has become America's favorite past-time...much to the chagrin and steroid-ish wailing about and desperate attempt for attention of Major League Baseball.
More than anything, Goodell is showing his business savvy with this move. Now, fans will have a reason to go to two more games a year versus not really caring about a couple of meaningless Pre-Season games where Johnny Nobody's cousin finally got to take a snap in a real NFL game. Tickets will be bought, money will be spent and most importantly...TV contracts will be sold.
Revenue, revenue, revenue.
I sound negative, but it certainly isn't a bad thing. I guarantee that I will be sitting on my couch in my Steve Slaton jersey with a bowl of popcorn for any and every game that I don't get to grace section 6something at Reliant. Let the NFL and the teams make money. To be the pride, joy and avarice of so many people all over this great nation, they deserve it.
On the bright side, more games means more tickets which means the prices may go down on single game tickets. It also means that August won't be such a boring month for sports fans in cities without a playoff contending baseball team. BUT...it also means more of a chance for players to break the incredible records set by the forefathers of the NFL as well as a greater chance for injury.
BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO.
Let's pretend Goodell decides to go with an 18 game season. Cut out the nonsense showcase Pre-Season games and add two more REAL games. One would think that suddenly the superstars have two more games to break all the records and injury prone players like our Texans' Matt Schaub would have a greater chance of getting hurt...but what if you threw in a twist?
Goodell should require each player on every team to take two games off. Starter, back-up, Pro-Bowler or chump...they HAVE to take two games off or the team faces some sort of penalty like losing their 1st Round draft pick the next year.
This would not only solve the record breaking and injury problems by keeping the games each player could play consistent to what it has been for the past 32 years, but it would also stir up a lot more that could make the game interesting.
Coaching and activity by every team's Top Brass would get more intense. Strategy and planning would become the key. Do you start all your starters at the beginning of the season and figure someone gets hurt during the season for their out games or do you let your stars sit for the early games and save them for the playoff run?
Players who normally don't get a chance to start would finally have a chance to prove their worth to more than just the coaches who know why a "Special Teamer" or a "Practice Squad Guy" has suited up. A longer season where the stars have to sit down for a couple of games is exactly what the low-round draft picks (besides Tom Brady) need. Nobody cares about these guys in the Pre-Season, but we know who Darren Sproles is, don't we? Would it have been the same if he didn't get a chance to start?
Then, there is the intrigue and drama of calling out a player that never "sat out" his games and a team facing whatever penalty they'll have to face...It could be bitter sweet...or just damn bitter. Either way...it sells tickets, makes Press, and could be really, really awesome!
So...Commissioner Goodell, I know there is more than likely a 1 in 27 billion chance you'll read my blog, but if you do......consider extending your season, but requiring each player to ride the pine for two games. Strategy, intrigue, and increased revenue...it's PERFECT!!!
0 comments:
Post a Comment