When Is the First Preseason NFL Game?
Contents
The first preseason NFL game is typically in early August. However, the date can vary depending on the year.
Introduction
The first preseason NFL game is typically played in early August. However, the exact date of the game can vary from year to year. For example, the first preseason game in 2018 was played on August 2nd, while the first preseason game in 2019 was played on August 1st.
The first preseason game is usually a matchup between two teams that are not expected to be contenders for the Super Bowl. The game is used as a chance for players to get back into football shape and to try out new plays and strategies.
History of the Preseason
The National Football League (NFL) preseason is the period each year during which NFL teams play several not-for-the-record exhibition games before the regular season. Beginning with the Pro Football Hall of Fame game in early August, five weekends of exhibition games are currently played in the NFL preseason. The start of the preseason is intrinsically tied to the end of the previous season — there is no fixed date. The length of the preseason has varied through NFL history, but in recent years four weeks has been the norm.
Why the Preseason Is Important
The preseason is important for a number of reasons. first and foremost, it allows coaches to see how their team stacks up against other NFL squads. Secondly, the preseason is an opportunity for young players to get live game experience against legitimate NFL competition. Lastly, the preseason gives coaches a chance to tinker with their game plans and fine-tune their strategies ahead of the regular season.
How the Preseason Works
The National Football League preseason is the period each year during which Nike NFL teams play several not-for-the-record exhibition games before the regular season. Beginning with the Pro Football Hall of Fame game in early August, five weekends of preseason games are currently played in the NFL.
The first weekend of the preseason is traditionally reserved for teams with either new head coaches, or newly relocated teams playing their first game in their new city. This ensures that fans of these teams get a prime opportunity to see their favorite players and coaches on the field before the rigors of the regular season begin.
The second weekend is generally considered to be the most important of the preseason, as it is when starters see their most action before the regular season begins. This is also when many key position battles are decided, as coaches use this time to evaluate which players will be best suited for starting roles come Week 1 of the regular season.
The third week is typically when most starters see their last action of the preseason, as they are rested for the fourth and final exhibition game, which is typically considered to be little more than a glorified scrimmage featuring backups and fringe roster players battling for a spot on either the53-man roster or practice squad.
Preseason NFL Schedule
The NFL preseason typically kicks off the last week of August with a handful of games on Thursday night. The following week all 32 teams will play at least one game, with most playing two.
The first full slate of games is usually the third week of August, when all teams will be in action. This year, the NFL preseason begins on Thursday, August 1 and ends on Thursday, August 29.
Conclusion
The answer to the question “when is the first preseason NFL game?” is that it depends on a number of factors, including the teams involved and the television schedule. In general, the first preseason game is usually played in early August, but it can sometimes be as late as mid-August.
