Commissioner Roger Goodell was at the league’s annual meeting on Monday, where he was asked about the progression of talks regarding an increase in playoff-eligible teams. According to Commish, the talks are ongoing but still need to be looked at by the players' union. (NYC Marines, Flickr)
“We presented an alternative calendar for the offseason,” Goodell said. “We think that it makes a lot of sense. I think the players saw the benefits of doing that and they wanted to talk to their membership, which they were doing last week at their meeting.
“I have not heard or gotten a report back from them about what their reaction is, but as soon as I speak to DeMaurice (Smith), I'll have a better understanding.”
On an elementary level, more games obviously mean more money. Playoff ratings were strong this season, and the Super Bowl ratings came just shy of a third-straight record for viewership. It only makes sense that another game or two would increase revenues, right?
As many have pointed out, however, more teams qualifying for the postseason could kill the overall excitement of the atmosphere that currently exists under a 12-team system.
Out of the four major sports, the NFL has the least teams in the playoffs on average, and adding more may create a situation where games no longer become as alluring. Not to mention the increased risk of further injury with another game on the schedule.
Goodell said Monday that the plan is still on the table, just not for the upcoming season.
“I think the information when I met with the Competition Committee yesterday was helpful for us in our consideration," he said. "Now, we have a little bit of work to do before we can advance it. It clearly won't be happening for this year if there was any doubt about that.”
Follow Dan @DanBegnoche
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
