[BFritz]

Yes it gives the rookies experience with a game TYPE atmosphere but are the fans really coming out like it is a regular season game? They don't really get the full effect until the season starts. Let them polish their skills in practice.
However, I agree with you that the preseason should be shortened to 2-3 games.

You can practice all you want, but you don't get the full effect and learning experience until you actually get in the game and play against the other best players of each team in the NFL.

But, yes, shorten it. Three games seams reasonable since not many starters play in the fourth anyways.