'Controlled Settings': Stefanski Prefers Joint Practice To Preseason

Over the past few years, joint practices between teams have become commonplace.

How much of a "good thing'' is it?

Following joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski detailed why he prefers them over actual preseason games.

“I do, and I like that you can have controlled settings," Stefanski said this week. "I like that both sides can feel confident that their quarterbacks are going to stay upright.

“And I like that you can script practice and get a bunch of different situations, whether it be third down, two-minute, what have you. For us, sometimes you go through a game, and you don’t get a two minute, per se, or the third and three doesn’t show up for you, those type of things.

“So, it allows us to really get intentional work, if you will.”

Stefanski makes some really great points. How many times have we watched a star player go down with a season-ending injury in a meaningless exhibition game?

Sure, injuries happen in the regular season, that risk is real all season long. But having a controlled environment where you can try new things in a competitive game-like situation is far more beneficial to players and coaches.

Related: Browns Reveal Roster Plans For Minnesota Game

Preseason attendance has gone down over the past few years and owners are looking to add real games to the schedule. While many players aren’t interested in expanding their regular-season schedule, it certainly looks like its heading that way.

Fewer preseason games. More regular-season games. More joint practices to get real work in.

Sounds like a winner to us. And maybe to Stefanski as well.