Preseason is a waste of time for players and a ripoff for fans
The NFL needs to eliminate two preseason games.
By
Pete Prisco
•
2 min read
I love the open of training camps around the NFL.
I hate the preseason. So when the preseason schedule was announced Thursday, I yawned. Sure, I will travel around to see the teams and I will sit and watch several live games, but it's really an unnecessary evil for the players -- and, especially, for you the fans.
After the first kickoff of the opening week, it just becomes monotonous. A bunch of nobodies, guys who will be working the door at your local pub shortly, are trying to play football the NFL way -- and we're supposed to believe that it's the same thing?
The only half of the preseason that comes close to looking like real football is the first half of the third game. That's when the starters play and there is some actual action that matters.
Other than that, you fans are getting ripped off.
You are charged full price to watch that crap. The NFL hates when they are called exhibition games. They prefer preseason games.
I can think of 1,000 other words they wouldn't like to describe them.
Play one preseason game. Other than that, have scrimmages with other teams. Bring the second-string players and go scrimmage another team. The starters can stay behind and work on their own.
With so many days on the field, and players staying in shape year round, save for a JaMarcus Russell here and there, the preseason is just another way for the NFL to take the fans' money.
It's a shame, too.
Doesn't it get enough of the fans' money already?
The NFL should do one of two things: Either greatly discount the preseason tickets, giving plenty away to underprivileged kids, or do away with two games.
I am a big believer in adding two more regular-season games and having just two preseason games, but if the health police don't think that's a good idea then eliminate two preseason games anyway.
It's just so damn hard getting excited about seeing William Powell (2012 leading preseason rusher) and Travaris Cadet (2012 leading preseason pass catcher) do their thing in the preseason when half the time you know those types of players will be non-factors come the regular season.
I, like you, love the NFL season. But let's not get crazy here. The preseason is nothing like NFL football -- and the league knows it.
