Why an 18 Game NFL Schedule Is a Bad Idea

In the past I have been viewed as somewhat of a traditionalist. Tradition is something I have a great amount of respect for. We are who we are because of who we've been and what we've been through, which are all a part of where we're going. Now, I am done waxing philosophical, but I will take this opportunity to say that traditionalism has nothing to do with my opinion on this.

Indianapolis Colts GM Bill Polian recently stated an 18 game schedule was a done deal. This would go into effect the 2012 season if passed. There are quite a few reasons why this is just plain not a good idea.

First of all, player safety is paramount here. The NFL's concussion problem is starting to get more publicity and it is definitely a concern. Especially as it becomes more well known and documented the mental issues suffered by retired NFL players. The NFL is starting to take moves to lessen the amount of concussions sustained by players; however, every step they make would all be erased by the giant step back of adding two more games. What is the concussions best friend? More opportunities to get hit in the head, and two more non-preseason, full tilt games would make only make concussions more prevalent

Beyond concussions, general player health is being put at risk. A few years ago quarterback Chris Simms ruptured his spleen while playing. While that may have been a freak occurrence it prompted a friend of mine to comment that "somebody is gonna get killed out there one of these days." With players getting bigger, faster, and stronger the risk of injury, specifically serious injury, is increasingly much more of a concern. Adding two more games just means that the opportunity for some of these serious injuries to occur will be greater. Will it take someone dying on the field before the NFL realizes this is a bad idea and they need to keep increasing their emphasis on player safety? Hopefully, it won't come to that and the NFL will rise up sooner than later.

Truth be told, The Jeff Report thinks this is a negotiating tactic by the owners. They are pushing for an extra two games and acting like it's a "done deal" because this will give them more leverage for the upcoming CBA negotiations that will take place after this season. The players don't want the extra games for the aforementioned reasons above so if they don't want to play an extra two games then they will have to concede something. What exactly, I'm not sure, but hopefully they figure soothing out cause I just don't like this idea.