This one goes to 16

The NFL owners have had a busy off-season so far. First they changed the rules for overtime games in the playoffs. (Yesterday they decided not to change the rules in the regular season as well). They decided to play a Super Bowl in New Jersey in 2014. They continued to move towards labor talks with the players to see what they can do about this "Final League Year" thing. And they spent a lot of time talking about expanding the regular season from 16 games to 18.

A Super Bowl next to Manhattan, a fairer OT system, a plan for labor peace. They all seem like very sound decisions by the league that leads pro sports in very sound decisions. But when they starting talking about playing two more regular season games, as a nearly 20-year season ticket holder I have to say, simply, DON"T DO IT!!

The dreaded 18-game regular season continues to gain momentum. Funny thing is I have yet to meet a fan who thinks it's a good idea. The players seem to be against. So do the coaches. Even Roger Goodell, when he's promoting the concept, has a hard time coming up with positives. I've yet to read a story that explains why it would be good and the few I have read, well let's just say the writers didn't sound like they have done much tailgating.

So why is an idea that seems to be largely unpopular not only breathing but getting stronger? It all started because the media began complaining -- on behalf of the fans they said -- that charging season-ticket holders full-price for two preseason home games was an outrage. That's certainly an easy complaint to make. But as someone who's been paying for preseason games for many years it's not that big a deal. Ideally I think preseason games should not be force fed to season-ticket holders but made available to the rest of the fan base for between $35 and $65. That would be a great deal for people who don't usually get to go to the stadium and see a game. I think people would snap those tickets up. I know I would.

Yes, yes. That would be a loss of income for NFL teams so it won't happen. But it would be a worthwhile cost. A great PR move that would solve a perceived problem.

Why would people want to go to a preseason game if Tom Brady was going to only be in for four or seven or ten plays? Because it's fun. Different than a regular season game of course. But still fun. You get the spectacle of the stadium. The weather is usual very warm. (Football in shorts: the best). All the players are there whether they are playing or not so at least you can watch Tom and Randy hanging out with their helmets off. You get to check out rookies and free agents to see how they fit in. You get to watch players compete for key spots. You get to see the team try new formations and plays. If you enjoy pro football you can find lots of things to like about preseason games. I won't even get into fantasy football lovers getting a chance to do some scouting in person.

I've always thought four preseason games was a perfect number. For years it was. Now it seems it is two too many. "It's clear the fans don't want four preseason games," the commissioner said the other day. It is? Here's one fan that doesn't feel that way. Seems to me that four preseason games -- two at home, two on the road -- is just right.

Everyone knows how the preseason plays out. The first game is the warm-up game to get the rust off. Is that exciting to watch? Not usually. But whether you have four preseason games or two or eight the first one will always be the warm-up game. The second game is when players take what is happening in training camp and sharpening it at game speed. This is the game when a rookie or role player has a chance to step forward and stake a claim for a starting role. The third game is the simulated real game. The starters get most of the snaps. The action is close to regular season level. The teams want a victory to build some momentum for the season. The fourth game -- the one season-ticket holders have the hardest time moving -- is the extra game. Starters almost never play. The key is to get through it healthy. The fourth game is also the game in which the ten or so players battling for the last five or six spots on the team get a last chance to make an impression. For that reason it's actually one of the key moments in the preseason for the team. Depth is almost as important as talent in the NFL.

If you look at the first week of the NFL you will see some great games. Many players are already in regular season form. The pace is high right out of the gate. Why? Four preseason games. It gets the teams ready. Would I rather watch four preseason games and 16 very good regular season games or two preseason games, two mediocre regular season games, and then 16 very good games? What the heck's the difference? Just because you call a game in the middle of August a regular season game doesn't mean it is one.

The players worry about increased injury risk. They should be. The coaches worry about the longer season grinding their teams down. Another legitimate concern. I worry that what is currently a near-perfect sporting experience will begin to get watered down. Sixteen games works best for a 32-team league. It has created great division battles and rivalries. To dredge up one of the oldest cliches around: More is not always better.