Five ways to fix NFL preseason games

Young isn’t alone. Too many players look rusty in early regular-season games. Three quarters of play across the preseason games wouldn’t hurt and would be greatly appreciated by fans of the team, especially by those in attendance.

2. Fewer punts

Preseason games should limit each team to one punt per quarter. In 2022, NFL injury data showed that punts and kickoffs were disproportionately dangerous to players, which led to new kickoff rules in 2024. 

On the other hand, rules for punts have remained unchanged for the most part, which means the team's most vulnerable players assume more risk in games that don’t count. Four punts per preseason game should be enough for any team to judge a player and offer more opportunities on fourth down.  

3. More trick plays

Almost half of an NFL team’s preseason roster will be gone when the regular season begins. Starting camp with 90 players, all teams end up with a 53-man roster. If 37 players cannot make the team, why not let them run plays the fans rarely see?

Undrafted free agents and late-round draft picks would relish the opportunity to run unique, highlight-worthy plays that fans would actually enjoy. By nature, NFL coaches worry about revealing too much in preseason games, but an off-the-wall play or two could keep the opposition guessing and fans engaged.

4. Exclusive merchandise

Unfortunately, preseason games are the only games that some fans will ever attend. Tickets to see the Dallas Cowboys will cost an average of $593 on SeatGeek this year, and the Philadelphia Eagles waiting list has more than 40,000 accounts, according to the team’s website.

With that in mind, would it kill NFL owners to do something special for those who brave the summer heat to cheer for a collection of backup players? 

Exclusive hats, bobbleheads and T-shirts would go a long way with most fan bases, especially as giveaway items. Surely, NFL cities have plenty of businesses that would love to sponsor high-quality items for those in attendance. 

5. Better broadcasts

Unlike the regular season, NFL teams are responsible for broadcasting their own preseason games. Some do it better than others, but few use the opportunity to try something truly different for viewers. 

Rather than emulate productions of major networks like Fox and ESPN, why not go further by integrating social media or fantasy football data throughout an entire broadcast? 

Teams could also mic-up players during on-field action, not just the sidelines. They could also feature color commentary from popular figures not associated with football. Anything new would be appreciated by the audience, who tend to lose focus as preseason games progress.