Ever since the NFL betting lines season for 2011 opened a couple of weeks ago, players both first string and backup have been dropping like flies due to injuries sustained during preseason games. As a result of a shorter training camp, players have had less time to prepare both physically and mentally for preseason sports betting games. With an increase in injury this preseason, fans and experts alike are wondering, should the NFL get rid of the preseason all together?
From the beginning of March to roughly the middle of July, the NFL and the NFLPA were entrenched in a heated labor dispute and consequential lockout. Since the dispute took four months to resolve, players were unable to properly train this offseason, for the upcoming season. For the reason that offseason training may be just as if not more important than regular season conditioning, more players reported to training camp out of shape then in years past.
What’s worse? In order to make the most money possible, the NFL was not willing to adjust the preseason schedule or cancel it all together, so that training camps could be extended. This being the case, not only were players more vulnerable, but teams were also less prepared for games.
There are many arguments both good and bad for keeping or getting rid of the preseason. On the one hand, most casual fans want the preseason to remain so that they can have an early glimpse at their favorite players. Players and coaches want preseason to remain because they can practice what they learned in training camp against real opponents.
On the other hand, people against preseason have a few arguments to get rid of it as well. For instance, by getting rid of preseason and extending training camp, teams from around the league, especially the bad ones, can practice every play both on offense and defense until it is fully engrained in their brains. Another argument against preseason is that the preseason schedule is too long. Meaning to say, a shorter preseason could also allow the regular season to start sooner.
Ultimately, there is no worse feeling for a team and its fan base, then to know that your favorite star was given the smack down by another team’s fourth stringer in a game that didn’t count for anything. By getting rid of preseason and extending training camps, the players and coaches will have enough time to fully educate themselves on any new systems, and training programs.
The only people that have a vested interest in preseason, is the NFL administration and the 32 owners, who want the extra revenue. As we mentioned earlier, fans can wait for football as long as their favorite players are healthy for week one of the regular season.
