18 Game Schedule

This looks to be a reality sooner rather than later for the NFL.

I'm surprised by all the opposition.

The smartest thing the NFL could do is cut down the preseason games. Face it, in the first preseason game the starters play one or two series. In the final game, they don't play at all. Cut them out and get to two preseason games.

And don't give me that garbage about watching some undrafted rookie play his way on to the team in four preseason games. When I used to work for the county high way department before the internet, I poured over the Sporting News and Trib's sports section. For July and August that's all I read about was some low draft choice or unheralded free agent playing well enough to earn a spot. And he usually would. Then he'd never play a down in the regular season. The team would put their best players on the field and that's that.

I'd never hear about the kid until the next preseason.

What a crock.

Another issue seems to be the increased possibility of injuries. No question - football is a violent game. But how much are these athletes getting paid again? Enough said there.

Plus, if you take great teams - the Patriots or Colts, for example - since 2001, they have both played an entire season worth of postseason games, yet you don't hear them complaining about any injuries that they suffered in the playoff games, do you?

I know certain records or feats will become mundane (a 1,000 yards rushing or receiving), but that's the evolution of the game. Look at all the records that changed because the league went from 14 to 16 games 30 years ago. It doesn't diminish the past records at all. What Simpson did in 14 games or what Dickerson did in 16 is still amazing. Just because two more games have been added, doesn't mean all those past accomplishments will be shattered or forgotten.

I just see so much potential to continue rivalries. Look at the Colts and Pats. They aren't in the same divisions but they often play during the regular season. And it's often a classic game (just look at last year's big fourth down call). An 18 game regular season could ensure that such rivalries continue.

How can anyone not like the idea of two more meaningful football games? Even if a team clinches their division with 16 games left and wants to sit their starters for those final two weeks, fine. I'd still rather watch that brand of football (for the fates of a number of teams will lie in whether that team wins or loses) than some meaningless preseason game where no one's fate is in the balance.

Another complaint raised was the weather. This is bogus.

How many NFL teams really face harsh winter conditions? Plus, do you really think the folks in Green Bay or New England wouldn't turn out to support their teams? I watched that laugher of a preseason game last night where the Pack put up 50 plus points on the Colts. With five minutes in the game, the stands were still packed! Don't you think those people would turn out - regardless of the weather - to support their team during the final two weeks of the season?

More football is always better.