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freddyg12 · 08-06-2009, 04:18 PM

The fan reaction to injuries has taken on an added dimension since espn et al are covering camps on a daily basis. I was watching nfl network recently about the 72 dolphins & Shula said that he wanted to see if M. Morris could handle the load of a starting rb in PRESEASON! Shula talked about how Morris was talented but needed to prove he could carry the ball all game. That is unheard of now. The only guys that play that much in preseason are those that are on the bubble, not your potential starting rb.

I think the public reaction to injuries has influenced some coaches decisions on how they play guys in preseason. The guys have to play in practice or preseason to be ready. In the end, what's the difference as long as they're in full pads & contact? The idea that the nfl can limit injuries by reducing preseason is window dressing, especially if the regular season is extended.

It does seem however that in today's game there are more hamstring pulls & other nagging injuries that players have. Maybe in the past they just weren't reported as much. Also, today's players are more explosive & speed is a big part of the game. Sprinters can pull muscles easier than slow twitch runners such as o linemen & there are more 'sprinters' on the field these days w/LBs & some D linemen running very fast.

08-06-2009, 04:18 PM	#23
freddyg12 Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,540	Re: TC/Preseason injuries The fan reaction to injuries has taken on an added dimension since espn et al are covering camps on a daily basis. I was watching nfl network recently about the 72 dolphins & Shula said that he wanted to see if M. Morris could handle the load of a starting rb in PRESEASON! Shula talked about how Morris was talented but needed to prove he could carry the ball all game. That is unheard of now. The only guys that play that much in preseason are those that are on the bubble, not your potential starting rb. I think the public reaction to injuries has influenced some coaches decisions on how they play guys in preseason. The guys have to play in practice or preseason to be ready. In the end, what's the difference as long as they're in full pads & contact? The idea that the nfl can limit injuries by reducing preseason is window dressing, especially if the regular season is extended. It does seem however that in today's game there are more hamstring pulls & other nagging injuries that players have. Maybe in the past they just weren't reported as much. Also, today's players are more explosive & speed is a big part of the game. Sprinters can pull muscles easier than slow twitch runners such as o linemen & there are more 'sprinters' on the field these days w/LBs & some D linemen running very fast.