As the NFL and the NFL Players Union work toward avoiding a lockout in 2011, it seems like the list of issues is endless. One of the most highly debated topics has been whether or not to add two games to the regular season schedule. The league is obviously in favor of the move because it would result in more revenue, but the players are concerned for their health and therefore strongly opposed to the idea.
Don Yee, the agent for Tom Brady and Saints coach Sean Payton, has proposed a compromise. According to the USA Today, Yee has suggested the league move to an 18-game schedule but allow every player to participate in a maximum of 16 games. Coaches would decide which players to sit as the season progresses. Here is an e-mail Yee sent to the Associated Press discussing his idea:
This compromise will create even more interest from fans. What two games will the head coach sit the starting QB? That’s a discussion that will set sports talk radio airwaves afire.
“This compromise will also be popular with coaches and general managers who want a greater opportunity to develop younger players. The NFL doesn’t have a minor league, and this compromise will force meaningful participation by younger players on the roster.
“Players also would endorse this because each would effectively get two bye weeks during the year. Bye weeks afford important healing time and personal time away from the game.”
Of course, he is also proposing that the roster be increased from 53 to 58 men. I can’t see something like this coming to fruition, but it’s actually not a bad idea. Yee certainly has a point with the buzz factor. Radio hosts would debate what players to play and sit until they were blue in the face. The problem is it opens coaches up for a ton of criticism and makes their jobs a lot tougher.
From a physical standpoint, 18 games is a lot of football. However, that doesn’t mean it would create meaningless games. Every game in the NFL affects the playoff hunt, unlike the MLB, NBA, or NHL where players can miss an occasional game and not jeopardize their teams. When would be an appropriate time for Bill Belichick, Jim Caldwell, and Sean Payton to sit Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees? I wouldn’t want to be the guy making that decision, and I’m certain they won’t, either.
