Good Tuesday to you Steelers’ Fans.
As most of you know the owners of the NFL teams have fired the first salvo in what promises to be a very difficult labor negotiation with the players. They have suggested the league move to an eighteen game schedule but players would only be allowed to participate in 16. The only word that comes to mind here for me is “stupid.” Can you imagine being a Steelers’ fan in Arizona? The Steelers are playing there for the first time in eight years but D’oh!!! This is one of the games that Ben Roethlisberger is sitting. Let’s just cut the crap shall we? This is about the owners trying to gain an advantage as negotiations begin. If we are really going to add games then preseason games have to be reduced but that creates a problem as well as pointed out by Ramon Foster…
Our biggest issues is trying to extend guys. Those two weeks off still mean practice. And the biggest issue is taking away those 2 preseason games. Teams are made in those last 2 preseason game for young UDFAs https://t.co/VVk1o1zOQo
— Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) July 15, 2019
As much as I dislike preseason games Foster has a point. Many Undrafted Free Agents are fighting for their football lives. So too are some veteran players who may be on their last chance in the NFL. Perhaps what could be done is a reduction to two games and maybe a scrimmage with another team? Then the 18-game schedule doesn’t look quite as bad but is this really the Owners’ motivation? My guess is that this is an attempt to expand the postseason. More playoff games mean more money and what owner doesn’t want that? I think the current system is fine with six teams in each conference getting in. If you expand too much you become the NBA or NHL where some pretty bad teams can make the postseason. I do not think the 18-game schedule is coming anytime soon but the Players’ Association had better be prepared to negotiate.
Tweet of the Day… I. Don’t. Care.
Any changes to #Madden20's top 3 receivers? pic.twitter.com/ytQcF6nsT0
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) July 16, 2019
As I’ve said, Madden is a terrific video game. I played it for years but I’ll never understand the fascination with these ratings. I honestly think some fans and players take it personally when certain guys aren’t rated “appropriately.” Find Keenan Allen’s response on social media if you don’t believe me.
You know you’re close to Training Camp when you see folks at steelers.com like Bob Labriola and Teresa Varley on vacation. They know some long days are coming so they get their relaxation in now much like the players do!
Wasn’t it great yesterday to not be discussing the Franchise Tag? July 15th was the deadline for players to sign their tags and as Steelers’ fans we all know the pain and frustration of this. I really did actually feel some relief yesterday when I saw other fan bases having to deal with this issue.
If you’re heading to Training Camp, let us know! If you’re taking photos let us know that too and we’ll be happy to share them on our site!
Have a great Tuesday Steeler Nation!
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