NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell broke the news Wednesday that the NFL was considering expanding the playoffs to 14 or 16 teams.
I immediately expressed my displeasure. A lot of Around the League's Twitter followers agreed. Jared Allen has our back.
"It's stupid," the Minnesota Vikings defensive end said Thursday, via the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I think that's a dumb idea. The reason our league is so much better than other leagues, I think, is because of that competition. Every game means something.
"There's 162 games in baseball. You're like, 'Eh.' No one really watches until the end, right? Basketball's the same way. There's no real significance in every game. I think you damage the sport. ... Our games become less significant every week if you know, 'Oh, I can still lose half my games and sneak into the playoffs.' "
Allen said it better than I could. Hopefully, the NFL will consider the fans' response before watering down the playoffs. I'm writing what I can now before someone from the league office takes my security card and carries me out of the building.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
