NFL Lockout Talks Take A Step Backwards

Just when it appeared that the NFL and NFL Players Association were getting closer to striking a deal, the talks took a wrong turn. The talks regressed to the point that the hearing was described as "close to blowing up" by those who attended.

Lawyers from both sides were brought in for these talks, which many interpreted as a sign that a deal could be close. However, after further failed negotiations, NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith instructed his lawyers to "stand down." Unfortunately for the public, the content of these discussions remains private, which means we are still left in the dark in regards to what really goes on in these meetings.

This latest development pretty much sums up the NFL lockout: just when NFL fans receive some good news, bad news immediately follows. The back and forth characteristics have grown increasingly frustrating with the regular season getting closer and closer. The lesson here? Don't get your hopes up until a deal has been reached and the ink is dry.

NFL Prepares for 8 Game Season

With the NFL lockout in full swing and no end in sight, the league's officials have begun planning an alternative eight game schedule for the 2011 regular season. The NFL has not had a shortened season since 1987 - the last time the league suffered a work stoppage.

The league's current plan for this new eight game format is to have games start in November; if a settlement occured in October, the league would still have time for a free agency period, training camp and eight games. The league took previous measures to prepare for a late start, designing a schedule that could drop bye weeks and the week before the superbowl and still play all 16 games.

It remains unknown how this shortened season would play out. It remains likely that teams will still play all six interdivision games, and the remaining two games would be decided later. This format obviously helps teams in a weak division tremendously.

The league remains adamant that its focus is on a full 16 game regular season, but it isn't a bad idea to start drawing up a plan B. After all, some football is better than no football.

NFL Schedule Allows Room to Make Up Missed Games

With the possibility of a lockout next season, the NFL has crafted a schedule in which there could be no games during the first three weeks of the season yet all 16 regular season games could be played. With a lockout looming as a strong possibility, this is a very smart move by the NFL to keep fans optimistic while negotiations continue.

Every game in week three features teams that share the same bye week later in the season. This allows teams to make up a missed week three during what would have been their bye week later on in the year. The league could also skip the week off between the conference championships and the superbowl, while also playing the superbowl a week later than normal. To be safe, the NFL has booked hotel rooms in Indianapolis (the site of next season's superbowl) for two weeks, in case the championship does get pushed back a week.

The regular season is scheduled to kick off September 8 with the Packers hosting the Saints. With the wrinkles in the schedule, the season's start could be delayed until October 2nd and still end February 12. Not bad at all. Kudos to the NFL for drafting an emergency plan and trying to give fans as much football as possible.