Shortening NFL preseason to two games would be for the best
The NFL is discussing the possibility of a two-game preseason in 2020.
Many people have said that the NFL preseason lasting four games is too long. And with the league instituting a 17-game regular season starting in 2021, the thought has been that the preseason may be shortened. For different reasons entirely, however, the 2020 NFL preseason may be condensed to just two games.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the league and NFL Players’ Association are discussing the possibility of a two-game preseason. They remember the inordinate amount of injuries that resulted from a shortened offseason back in 2011 and, with this new idea, they would give the players a longer time to get into physical condition to play after the COVID-19 outbreak has caused the offseason workouts schedule to get thrown out of wack.
Pelisserro notes that this is far from final and just being discussed. However, that it’s being discussed means that it’s worth talking about on our end.
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There’s no escaping it; shortening the 2020 NFL preseason is the best option.
The simple truth is that the 2020 NFL preseason amidst the circumstances created by the global pandemic we’re in the midst of should be the least of our worries. At this point, most teams aren’t giving many starters reps after a normal offseason over four preseason games. That’s why there are so many proponents for shortening the preseason when the coronavirus isn’t a concern.
But given the situation created by COVID-19, it’s hard to think of a reason why they wouldn’t shorten the preseason. As mentioned, it could help with the health of the players, which should be at the forefront. More than that, however, it would also give the players more rest in general as they enter a grueling regular season and would make the preseason contests that much more important.
If there is a downside to a shortened NFL preseason, it’s the fact that players who are on the fringe of making the final roster will have fewer opportunities to prove themselves. At the same time, the opportunities will still be there as there’s no way starters are playing eight quarters of football in the preseason. What’s more, additional practice time in lieu of two preseason games may be more valuable to those fringe players.
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It remains to be seen if a two-game preseason will become a reality. However, there should be little dissent. These are unprecedented times in football but, as the NFL is determined to have the season go off with as much normalcy as possible, this adjustment would be a great way to ensure that happens, even if it is inherently a big change in itself.