GRIDIRON GRUMBLINGS: VOL III

PRESEASON FOOTBALL
By Marc Jimenez, NFL Draft Bible

I think the preseason stinks. I wouldn’t go as far as saying it is meaningless, although at times I feel that way, but I just can’t get into it. I’m just tired of the fact that the preseason plays out like a daytime soap opera: Will Roger Goodell suspend Michael Vick for the entire season? When will the Raiders sign No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell? Can Randy Moss resurrect his career in New England? Is Michael Strahan seriously considering retirement?

Personally I think the NFL should cut the preseason down to three weeks and play two exhibition games, but what influence do I really have? The only thing I can do is gripe about the things I dislike about the preseason. So without further ado, here are my top three complaints.

1. The Preseason Doesn’t Evaluate Players Or Teams Accurately
It’s frustrating to watch a preseason game when starters typically don’t play more than a series or two. During Friday’s matchup between Atlanta and New York, Jets quarterback Chad Pennington didn’t even attempt a pass in his two series. I realize the Jets will rely heavily on new running back Thomas Jones, who injured his right leg in practice Sunday, this season, but would it have killed New York to have Pennington drop back and test his arm?

On the other hand, backup Kellen Clemens threw for 174 yards (16-for-22) with three TDs and no picks. He even completed nine straight passes at one point, but alas, it was against the Falcons backups…which leads me to question the validity of Clemens performance. Sure, his numbers were good, but I can’t take them seriously because it didn’t happen in a real game.

Basically the preseason is for players to work on their timing, master the playbook and get into game-shape. You cannot believe anything you see in preseason games because teams are reluctant to show their hand. Every year at least one team will look good/bad in the preseason then tank/excel in the regular season. For instance, the Raiders were 4-1 in the 2006 preseason while the Colts went 1-3.

2. There’s Always A Risk Of Players Getting Hurt
It’s unfortunate, but players are constantly getting hurt in preseason. Every time I reluctantly watch my favorite team play, I pray that none of the key starters get hurt, which can devastate a team. I think back to that 2003 preseason game when Michael Vick injured his leg. The Falcons went 5-11 that season.

A recent casualty this preseason is Cincinnati running back Kenny Irons, who was expected to ease the load from workhorse Rudi Johnson. Sadly, the second round draft pick from Auburn will be out for season after tearing a knee ligament during Thursday’s game against the Lions.

In addition to injuries, there’s always a chance that something worse can happen. I still can’t forget the tragic heat stroke death of Minnesota Vikings tackle Korey Stringer a few years back and wonder if the additional practices of preseason are detrimental to a player’s physical wellbeing.

It’s no secret that many veteran players detest the preseason. There’s
even a rumor that Michael Strahan is holding out of training camp, not because he is looking for more money or pondering retirement, but because he cannot fathom the thought of going through another training camp.

3. The Tickets Are Too Expensive
Part of my discontent with professional sports has been the way teams price gouge its fans. I understand that sports is big business nowadays, but it’s disturbing that tickets to preseason games cost as much as regular-season games. Somehow that doesn’t seem fair.

It would be like going to see your favorite band/singer/rapper perform in concert, but once you get to the arena you realize you will only hear a few songs, yet you paid top-dollar for the ticket.

Considering the majority of starters only play a few series, or maybe a half as the season nears, it seems only right that teams would charge fans 50% less for preseason games. Throughout this weekend’s preseason games there were many empty seats in the stands, yet once the season starts nearly every NFL stadium will be packed with adoring fans. Taking this into account, you’d think teams would have the decency to give fans a break. But no, we’re still charged full admission.

I suppose the preseason does have meaning for young or old players trying to catch on with a team. But it’s hard to ignore that most players would rather skip camp, where the preseason is just too long and merely a cheap imitation of the real thing.

Watching a preseason game on TV is like seeing your favorite ‘R’ ratedmovie on basic television and having the understudies take over the leading roles midway through the performance. Although it is essentially the same thing for all intents and purposes, the lack of graphic images and star power leaves you feeling unfulfilled. That’s why Week 1 in the NFL is so important because nothing can compare to it. Not even the preseason.


Never one to hold back, Marc Jimenez will be unleashing mayhem all season long right here at 4th & Goal.

Email Marc Jimenez: marc@nfldraftbible.com