Every year we have this discussion about the necessity of preseason games. But just as many players get IR'd in the first 4 weeks of the season. The big difference here is perception (hurt in a meaningless game vs. real game), but how much does it really matter to the player? To some extent, football will always be a game of attrition.
I wonder ... if you ask Avery and Clayton right now would they prefer to change places? Would it matter to them?
For those of us who think a 2 game preseason is enough, look back at last year. After 2 games, Feeley was injured and Bradford looked so-so. But after that 3rd game, optimism returned. For a young team, the evaluation and reps of preseason games are gold. This year, more than any other, these games are important around the league.
But 18 games? Did I say game of attrition earlier? How about last team standing?