NFL inches closer to 18-game schedule

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The NFL inched closer to an 18-game schedule Wednesday.

Commissioner Roger Goodell, speaking after an owners meeting at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead, said the league will prepare a comprehensive plan to present to the NFLPA as part of the ongoing collective-bargaining negotiations.

"There was overwhelming support for the concept, but we want to continue to address a variety of issues," said Goodell, who has targeted 2012 for the earliest possible start of the 18-game schedule.

The NFL currently plays four exhibition games and 16 regular-season games. Under the new schedule, they would play two exhibition games and 18 regular-season games.

"We are not rushing into it, but there is tremendous support for it," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said.

The league is looking for ways to increase revenues.

"I really think that going to the 18-game season is critical to us getting a labor deal," said New England owner Bob Kraft. "There are not a lot of ways in this economic environment to generate incremental revenue."

Rich McKay, Falcons president and co-chair of the league's powerful competition committee, said the Falcons support the move to 18 games.

"It's an idea whose time is coming," McKay said. "But there are a lot of issues that have to be worked out on the labor front."

NFL players are skeptical of the 18-game plan. Their concerns center around additional bodily harm, compensation, roster size and reduced time to prepare for the season.

"We just have some questions," said Falcons safety Erik Coleman, who is the team's union representative. "Our major concern right now, is the player's health."

The NFLPA also is conducting research of the viability of playing the two additional games.

"We are trying to see how this benefits the players," Coleman said.

Falcons center Todd McClure, who is set to enter his 12th season, has a veteran's perspective on the matter.

"It could be a good thing if they are going to give us more money," McClure said. "If they are going to compensate us for it and maybe give us some more health benefits, I think that it would be good for both sides."

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who's headed into his third season, is taking a middle-of-the-road stance.

"I can understand where the owners are coming from, to try to give the fans more of the great experience that is the NFL," Ryan said. "But, I think you can also understand the concern of the players, with the health issues, especially concussions and bodily injuries. I can kind of see both sides of it."

New England coach Bill Belichick and Falcons coach Mike Smith both cited their joint practices held Aug. 17 in Flowery Branch as solutions to speeding the preseason preparation process. The Falcons also held joint practices with Jacksonville on Aug. 9-10.

"If they do cut down the preseason to two games, you'll see more teams combine practices against each other," Smith said.

Goodell was optimistic about the new schedule becoming a reality and noted that under the current collective bargaining agreement, the league had the option to expand to a 22-game schedule, with 18 regular-season games and four exhibition games.

"We think we've moved this concept along," Goodell said. "There is a tremendous amount of momentum. We think it's the right step to take, but we want to do that with our partners, including the players."

Staff writer Jeff Haws contributed to this report.