I’ve quit watching the NFL preseason. As an NFL junkie, I recognize that might be considered blasphemous. I don’t care. I can’t take it any longer.
What have I been doing? I’ve been suckered into watching Bravo’s Project Runway and Work Out. I’ve been taking advantage of my Blockbuster Online membership. I’ve been working on my stuff that, unlike the NFL preseason, might actually matter in the long run. I’ve even been doing the dishes. I’ve been doing anything, and I mean anything, that I possibly can to avoid being bored to death by three-plus-quarters-of-scrubs football. Why? This is why:
Point blank—preseason football is worthless.
Household names like T.O., Tom Brady, Ray Lewis, and L.T. barely even lace up their cleats during the preseason these days, and when they do it’s usually for one scoring drive or one 3-and-out. Out of harms way for most of four quarters, that is. And nobody misses the few highlights star players make during the nanoseconds that they actually do strap on their chinstraps, at least halfway, and play. All of those plays and some serious filler are shown over, and over, and over on Sportscenter. And even if the magnificent moves of the NFL preseason do make you “ewwwwww” and “ahhhhhh,” should they?
During the NFL preseason, T.O. stands for “Time Off.”
Do big preseason plays, hell, even preseason wins amount to anything more substantial once the exhibition games are over? Not really.
I’m no statmonger, but I can’t recall the last time an undefeated preseason team ripped through the NFL regular season like a Hulk Hogan T-shirt on their way to winning the Superbowl. In fact, sometimes it seems like the exact opposite happens with higher frequency. Teams that are established contenders and don’t have anything to really prove during the preseason tend to take it easy during the throwaway exhibition games.
Don’t believe me? The Oakland Raiders’ first string has looked absolutely pathetic thus far. Still, the Raiders are somehow 3-0 in preseason play. Meanwhile, the defending Superbowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-2. Who actually thinks the Shell-shocked Raiders are better than the Cowher-powered Steelers? I’m definitely not raising my hand.
I’m a die-harder-than-Bruce-Willis Kansas City Chiefs fan and I’m more excited about watching Greg Kinnear play #### Vermeil and Mark Wahlberg play special teams in Invincible than I am watching Herm Edwards play #### Vermeil and a bunch of no-namers play special teams for my Chiefs this August. For now I’ll just watch Sportscenter, check the injury reports, cram for my fantasy football leagues (we do it right—no preseason), and count down the days until the real NFL action begins. Hey, at least I’ll have Heidi Klum to keep me occupied.
I'm not a preseason fan either. The injuries are useless, and with player contracts not being guaranteed it's an even more worthless exercise.
What's more, unless the NFL finds a way to bring their games in at or around three hours or less, I don't have the stamina for the regular season either. It's a shame too, as I love the game, but my free time is far too precious to donate to penalty-laden games that span four-plus hours, say nothing for the nauseous celebratory antics after every big play.
I'm old skool when it comes to football -- smash mouth all the way!
I totally agree with you about the preseason and non-guaranteed injuries. It is bad for the fans as well. Look at the LeCharles Bentley situation over in Cleveland. He could be the difference between having a 10-6 season, or a 6-10 one. Just sad. Extend camp if you must, but more than two full-go exhibition games is excessive.
As for the duration of NFL games, I'm fine with that. I live for my NFL Sundays and need every minute I can get to make sure that my fantasy squad, the Hollywood A-Trains, lines up properly. I hear you about the penalties, celebrations, commercial breaks, etc... the NFL should look into making their presentations more succinct. By halftime of Sunday Night Football on ESPN I'm usually pretty dead.
Adam, just walk away from the TV...and don't look back.
Preseason football is dreadful, but fans are so hungry for something that they watch anyway. But once opening day rolls around, it's a whole new ball game.
The records don't mean anything. I think it's just a way to determine the final rosters, much more important for the 3rd stringers than it is for the starters. Week 1 can't get here fast enough.
I could not agree with you more. What a bore! I will not even watch anything to do with preseason. Once the first week is kicked off, I can't get enough of it.
Shooter, just walk away from the tube is right. As a Chiefs fan, I won't watch Ty Law and Larry Johnson halfspeed it through these meaningless games. I wonn't watch Herm's vanilla gameplan. And most of all I won't watch Tony G or Will Shields go down for the year. Just get me to the games already. Fans of other teams, or just NFL fans in general, have to feel the same way.
Shooter, the Eagles just have bad luck period. Sucks. Sure gave my Chiefs a helluva loss last year. I was actually at that game. And, yes, L.J. is a beast. I can't wait to see him unleash his "rage" on the NFL.
Preseason is not only a tune up for the players but the announcers....that is why I have not a watched a game and when the ball is sent flying on the Lions first kick or fumble of the reqular I will be there watching loyally,,,,wishing that the Lions would field a winner one day before I go senile,
I totally agree with you about the preseason and non-guaranteed injuries. It is bad for the fans as well. Look at the LeCharles Bentley situation over in Cleveland. He could be the difference between having a 10-6 season, or a 6-10 one. Just sad. Extend camp if you must, but more than two full-go exhibition games is excessive.
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i agree wholeheartedly that 2 pre-season games is plenty. bentley was hurt in camp though, not during a game. still sucks, just bad luck........
Clinch, I don't know Heidi. I just watch her show. My fiancé has a friend still in the running, so...
As for the Pacers, my favorites are J.O., Granger, and Tinsley, even though he's been letting us all down of late. Reggie is my all-time favorite and I am a huge Harrington fan. It actually looks like we may get him back now, too. Go Pacers! Go Clinch!
LGRW, fantastic point. The announcers are often very raw during the preseason. Can you blame them? As someone who has done a fair share of acting I know it's not easy simulating emotion and manufacturing stakes. Preseason football just isn't exciting. For me, it just makes me even more anxious for the real NFL season. Always good to have you stop by.
xrooster, he was, wasn't he. Still, I think training camps and the preseason should be much lighter. These guys putting themselves in harm's way 16-plus (playoffs? playoffs? PLAYOFFS?) times per season is enough. Good to have you stop by. This is like old school Tuesday. Nice.
One of few things that never, ever gets old. Ever. That clip will be how we remember Jim Mora. However, his son's legacy right now is smelling salt and misusing Michael Vick. Not much better.
If you ever have gone to a NFL preseason game then it might be worth it to save a few dimes but I have never been as I am not cheap. The reason for going to a game is to spend money. I know two people who are extraordinarily cheap, that is the reputation they have. If I wanted to sit in the cheap seats I would have a better view of the sport from home. That is another reason why preseason football must go.
Last edited by letsgoredwings on August 22nd at 2:18 PM.
Adam - I think perhaps the perception of exhibition needs to be changed.
Viewers need to accept that predominantly backup players are participating in these games. No dangling stars out there for one drive just to irritate the viewers. For really hardcore fans (especially followers of the draft) it is interesting to see a lot of these guys in game action. For the general public, it's like paying for a membership to Pebble Beach & after the first hole being redirected to the local miniature golf course.
There are definitely things for the teams to work on, but in 3 games the same goals can be accomplished very easily. Stars are somewhat forced to play because they charge season ticket holders full price for these games. They also want 4 so every team can have 2 at home, which is another $$$ decision.
No preseason, less injuries. Less injuries, more competition. More competition, better December. Better December, Better January. Better January, better Super Bowl. Catch my drift?
Anyways, writing contest. Wrote a post about it. Wanna join? Comment me after I post this, or comment me on my post. Rules and other is explained in my blog.
The most ridiculous thing about preseason football....The fact that the ticket prices are the same as the regular season, at least in Denver. I however, will watch, as anything beats baseball.
Clinch... haven't seen in it and try not to get in the middle of feuds anyway. I'm down with both of you guys.
Everybody else, go check out the new site AbsoluteBestNews.com, its up and running close to 100% (still working on several things and filling out the staff). There should be a post on it in a few days and we are officially launching on September 7th!! The same day as the NFL!
Adam Best is a filmmaker and sportswriter who resides in Miami. He and his brother Zach have their own Kansas City Chiefs blogsite -- Arrowhead Addict.com. Best also covers the Miami Dolphins and NFL for Real Football 365.com. He was one of 16 finalists on Fox Sports.com's Next Great Sportswriter II contest.
