NFL clubs have been discussing enhancing the structure of the NFL season, resulting in the replacement of two preseason games with two regular-season games. The 20-game structure would remain intact with 18 regular-season games and two preseason games being played annually.
The concept "has a lot of momentum among the clubs," says Green Bay Packers President MARK MURPHY (left), who also has been involved in discussions with the NFLPA about the enhanced season. "It addresses a real problem we have in our league, the quality of the preseason."
In addition to strengthening regular-season and preseason games, the enhanced season would provide more value to the fans and create opportunities to grow the game to benefit everyone.
"What it represents to us is a way to grow the game and grow the opportunities, not only for our fans and our business partners, but for the players as our partners," says NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. "We have to continually look at ways to improve what we're doing. It's been very clear to us from not only our fans but also from our players that the quality of the preseason and the desire to participate in the preseason is not at the level it should be."
The NFL is looking into how players train -- during both the season and offseason -- to reduce wear-and-tear on players. The size of the active roster and practice squads also could be increased, which would give coaches more flexibility and depth. In addition, injured reserve procedures could be altered, which would enable a player to return during a season after being placed on IR.
"Player safety and injuries are an issue, whether we play 16 regular-season games or 18," says Murphy.
Another possible outcome of the enhanced season could be the creation of a developmental league to give more opportunities to younger players. This would also give coaches an additional way to evaluate young players.
"If you look across most professional sports, we're the only league without some type of minor league or developmental system to develop players," says Murphy.
Though it wouldn't be finalized prior to 2012, the enhanced season could still start after Labor Day, pushing the Super Bowl back two weeks to President's Day weekend.
"In the current system, players are our partners," adds Murphy, a former NFL player who now serves on the NFL's CBA negotiating team. "If we can grow and improve the game, they benefit. Quite honestly, I think a lot of us look at it like this might be a way we can reach an agreement with the players by allowing us to work with the players to grow the game and grow revenues."
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