2020 NFL Season

[bigbuff33]

Well into August and still nothing...

I even read that the NFL is looking at a possible 8 game season.

Green Bay announces no fans at first two home games...

Sad state of affairs...

Nothing much we can do but stay safe and hope for some football

[Blue In BC]

Covid death rate in US is about 4.88% of the population, not .1%. Half of the players are from the US.
Covid death rate in Canada is about 2.43%, not .1%. (See: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104709/coronavirus-deaths-worldwide-per-million-inhabitants/)

It's not just the players, it's also the coaches, the doctors, the trainers and all other support staff who need to be taken into account, then it's everyone they contact. Even if no players die, they could pass it on to people who do die.

Next year we will have significantly more data regarding the pandemic. We may even have a vaccine. We will certainly know from other sports leagues that do start up this year, what works and what doesn't. The CFL can't afford an outbreak like the NFL can, because we're not made of money.

The CFL has handled the pandemic horribly so far. First they made a ridiculous ask of the federal government without even involving the PA. They've now made a realistic ask, but still haven't worked everything out with the PA. They want the government to ignore the 2 week isolation rule for players/coaches coming into Canada just so they don't have to pay the 2 week isolation. That makes financial sense, but doesn't make any pandemic sense. I for one wouldn't trust them to do everything right inside the bubble, because they obviously rank financial sense above safety.

That math is off. Population of the USA is 330,000,000 more or less. They haven't had nearly 5% of the population die.

Too many zero's not enough decimal points!!

[TBURGESS]

That math is off. Population of the USA is 330,000,000 more or less. They haven't had nearly 5% of the population die.

Too many zero's not enough decimal points!!

Oops. Stupid me. You're right.

[The Zipp]

not surprised but that doesn't make it any easier...we shall see how the NFL and NCAA makes it happen, missing football for sure.  NHL and NBA are just OK for me, much prefer football as a sport.

When live sports with fans do return full force (hopefully) what a party that is going to be...I have no idea anymore on when that will be - 2022? after a full vaccine maybe?  even next year for CFL could be reduced fans in the stands if a vaccine isn't proven and widely available.

[Pigskin]

I'll be looking at what happens in the NFL as somewhat of a test on all levels. Ditto I suppose for any college teams that attempt a partial or complete season.

Some teams will allow fans in the stadium while most will not.

About 65 players opted out of playing in 2020. How that impacts individual teams is a TBD but there are some big names sitting out.

Not many players have contacted Covid while in TC but once the season starts that bubble disappears. How easily can contract tracing be done if some players become infected.

Can outbreaks be traced back to any city where fans are allowed.

Lots of questions and the answers will never be entirely clear. If the infection rate goes up in Dallas after fans attend games that might indicate something, or not. It's not a direct line but contact tracing potentially 40K fans? Not likely.  Dallas is currently a hot spot which is not a good starting point.

EDIT: No guarantees but I expect Trump to push a vaccine release before the election. That may change the expectations of some. Whether it works and / or is safe will take time to evaluate.

Not sure what this has to do with the subject line, probably should be in the extra section under the NFL.

[TecnoGenius]

Well, we better have as much NFL as possible, because we ain't getting any CFL.  I never watch NFL regular season, but I have a feeling I'll be watching their 2020 season.  I can't go 450 full days without some football.  And at least this year I can look forward to watching some of my fave Bombers playing down south, assuming some of them stick.

Since I don't follow any NFL news whatsoever, I'll rely on this forum to tell me when they start back up!

[buckzumhoff]

I hope they play. They dont need alot  of attendance with tv contracts etc. . Airlines are still running.  If baseball can do it do i think the NFL will play full season..

[ModAdmin]

CFL News
@CFL_News
1h
Chicago Bears officially hire CFL legend Henry Burris as coach for 2020 NFL season https://3downnation.com/2020/09/03/chicago-bears-officially-hire-cfl-legend-henry-burris-as-coach-for-the-2020-nfl-season/
via @3DownNation
#NFL #CFL

[Pigskin]

Has Henry Ever coached before, like even pee wee football?

[Blue In BC]

I channel surfed most NFL games and college games on TC this past weekend. Mostly was curious about which teams had fans in the stands and how they approached racism issues.

What I did feel is that watching games was " less interesting " without fans, cheerleaders etc etc. Maybe it was due to the channel surfing aspect. However for me it became apparent that the enthusiasm of fans in the stands plays a significant role for me as a viewer.

Would also think it has an impact on players as well that have played in front of large audiences going back to their high school and college games.

What that means going forward is anyone's guess. Just saying I missed the fans cheering on their teams.

Not having a vested interest in any particular NFL team also came into play I suppose. I found it difficult to get excited about any good play or game result.

[blue_or_die]

I channel surfed most NFL games and college games on TC this past weekend. Mostly was curious about which teams had fans in the stands and how they approached racism issues.

What I did feel is that watching games was " less interesting " without fans, cheerleaders etc etc. Maybe it was due to the channel surfing aspect. However for me it became apparent that the enthusiasm of fans in the stands plays a significant role for me as a viewer.

Would also think it has an impact on players as well that have played in front of large audiences going back to their high school and college games.

What that means going forward is anyone's guess. Just saying I missed the fans cheering on their teams.

Not having a vested interest in any particular NFL team also came into play I suppose. I found it difficult to get excited about any good play or game result.

I agree. I've watched a bit of hockey in addition the NFL this weekend and without fans it kind of feels like no one cares, like it's a practice scrimmage. I still enjoyed the games but there was a noticeable difference for me.

[Blue In BC]

I agree. I've watched a bit of hockey in addition the NFL this weekend and without fans it kind of feels like no one cares, like it's a practice scrimmage. I still enjoyed the games but there was a noticeable difference for me.

Practice scrimmage was a good comment.  We'll see how things change over the next few weeks. The NFL can afford no fans but it is an odd situation.

A bigger concern is what happens now as teams are outside any TC type bubble. What happens to ANY team when even 1 player tests positive? It's reasonable to think there will be some blips as they move forward.

Was it Green that made a comment about a preventative drug ( not a cure ) that his company manufactures and teams are using? That was new to me and interesting.

[TecnoGenius]

Not having a vested interest in any particular NFL team also came into play I suppose. I found it difficult to get excited about any good play or game result.

This.  I watched every game I could get with my Shaw package and it's all like "meh".  Maybe a handful of plays made me go "wow", but that's no more than the same number of CFL games would.  I thought NFL was supposed to be so much better?    And I still don't like 4 downs, it makes the drives/plays too samey 

And what's with most of the commentator guys being so blase?  They rarely got excited about anything.  Our TSN guys may have their problems (Rod Black...) but at least they get excited about the plays/game, all game!  Well, unless it's CGY vs TOR, hard to get excited about that.

[Pigskin]

Give the teams 2 more games, then we will see the really NFL. Let's not forget some players are sitting out, and there was no pre-season games.

[Blue In BC]

Give the teams 2 more games, then we will see the really NFL. Let's not forget some players are sitting out, and there was no pre-season games.

My comments had nothing to do with the perceived quality of the 1st games. It was more due to the " lack " of part of the game day experience, even on TV.

[Pigskin]

My comments had nothing to do with the perceived quality of the 1st games. It was more due to the " lack " of part of the game day experience, even on TV.

I wasn't responding to your comments.

[Blue In BC]

Adjusting to some of the team and player movements is taking some time to get used to. Tom Brady moving after 20 years as a Patriot. Las Vegas Raiders.

Changes happen every season but this season has some doozies.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Great Ohio game special last night. Very entertaining. The crap Bengal D and OL sprung the winner. Mayfield Hunt and Chubb were awesome.
Burrow is gonna be real good if he manages to stay alive this season.

[TecnoGenius]

How about the Titans game where their kicker missed 3 FG and an extra point!  Hey, was that Harralajuh??    But they won it with a final FG... gets me thinking, did we still win that game (vs TOR?) when Harra missed 5?

Missing that many has got to be embarrassing.  Bet that kicker loses his job as fast as we fired Harra.

[Pigskin]

He's one of the best kickers in the NFL, he had off season hip surgery. Let's see how things go this week.

It's better to have played and failed then to have never played at all.

[Pigskin]

Gostkowski was much better today. A 49 and 51 yard FG. I think we should keep him another week.

[Pigskin]

What a come back by Dallas. The on side kick was pretty wild.

The Vikings have no D, and there OL sucks.

[Blue In BC]

Las Vegas stadium. 2 Billion $$$$$. Yikes. It was beautiful to see.

Saints and Raiders coaches will be fined for poor mask wearing etiquette. C'mon guys it's not that hard. Wear visors which will make it easier to comply.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Las Vegas stadium. 2 Billion $$$$$. Yikes. It was beautiful to see.

Saints and Raiders coaches will be fined for poor mask wearing etiquette. C'mon guys it's not that hard. Wear visors which will make it easier to comply.

2 Billion? Chump change if you ask LA.

[Blue In BC]

I see the NFL is fining 5 teams for coaches not adhering to wearing masks consistently. Didn't get all the details but heard something about $1M in fines. I took that to be the total amount or about $200K per team.

Whether that was done equally or whether some teams took more of the fine wasn't clear. I didn't get the impression it was $1M per team but I suppose it could have been?

Harsh but also chump change in NFL. Will watch to see whether we see more coaches following the rules this weekend.

[Stretch]

Whether that was done equally or whether some teams took more of the fine wasn't clear. I didn't get the impression it was $1M per team but I suppose it could have been?

Each coach fined $100k, and their team is fined $250k.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/22/nfl-fines-jon-gruden-sean-payton-for-not-wearing-masks-monday-night/

[Blue In BC]

Each coach fined $100k, and their team is fined $250k.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/22/nfl-fines-jon-gruden-sean-payton-for-not-wearing-masks-monday-night/

Thanks for that info. Saw lots of HC's and assistants not wearing masks consistently during many games.  Also saw many wearing bandanas instead of masks or shields. Even refs had no continuity of what to wear. Refs have to drop covering to announce penalties. Seems like a shield with mike under would be better.

I guess teams are put on more notice so we'll see if that improves this weekend.

[Stretch]

Also saw many wearing bandanas instead of masks or shields.

Those are the gaiter style of mask. They're one of the available options for them.

[blue_gold_84]

Those are the gaiter style of mask. They're one of the available options for them.

I think it falls under the face covering category, which is still acceptable in most, if not all, instances. Gaiters are very comfortable.

[Blue In BC]

I think it falls under the face covering category, which is still acceptable in most, if not all, instances. Gaiters are very comfortable.

The issue is not one of comfort. What I've heard most often that those types of face coverings are less effective than an N95 for example by 40% or 50%.

Obviously there may be some brands which are better than some face mask brands. I do not know which any given team is wearing of either. If the NFL has set some criteria for what is acceptable and what isn't then that's fine.

EDIT: There seem to be more games in NFL and college that we're seeing some number of live fans in attendance. Many masks and effort to social distance.

It's a little like an on going test to see what works.  Generally we're hearing cases going up across the US. While I'm not suggesting this is due to game attendance only, I wonder if it at least part of the reason?

Crowds even outside are still proving facilitate create spread of virus: Sturgis rally and political rallies, protest rallies are not without risks.

[Blue In BC]

Rookie 1st round pick for Atlanta Falcons goes on Covid IR for this week. No other players have tested posted so far.

I see SEC colleges are mostly allowing fans to attend games. In some cases very sparse and in others up to 25K. Saw many with no masks or social distancing.

Not sure which college has in class studies but would think stadiums with larger number of fans probably have in class students.

Fingers crossed it doesn't have major cases develop as a result.

[blue_or_die]

A US college campus sounds like an ideal spot to get the ?rona

[Pigskin]

Well Gostkowski who is the Titans kicker, kicked 6 FG's today 54/55/51/30/31/39 and 2 extra points. Do you still think he should be fired?

[Blue In BC]

Tennessee Titans: 5 players and 7 other personnel have tested positive. Game postponed until later in the season. Date TBD.

IIRC this is the 1st team to have this happen. I wonder how serious the infections are and how long the people will be in quarantine, etc??

This is probably just the beginning IMO of on going issues coming up.

EDIT: 8 Titans have tested positive as of 10/3. Flu like symptoms.

Get well soon.

EDIT: 2nd one today ( 10/3 ). Cam Newton tests positive. Patriots / Chiefs game postponed.

[Pigskin]

Covid is running wild in the NFL right now. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

[Pigskin]

Chase Claypool (Mapletron). 6'-4", 240lbs. This guy is the real deal. I am glad to see a Canadian kid playing this well.

[Pigskin]

Mapleron had another good day.

TB12 looked pretty good against the Packers.

Minni's D is terrible.

Gostkowski is still licking well for the Titan's, glad they didn't cut him after the first week.

The Bears, win another.

[Pigskin]

AB17 back in the NFL. Sounds like the Seahawks mite have the upper hand as Brown and Wilson worked out together in the off season.

[Pigskin]

AB signs a one years deal with Tampa.

[Pigskin]

Wow, the Bears are in trouble. WR playing RB. Foles out with back injury, Trubisky still nursing a shoulder injury. They must be happy this is there bye week.

[Pigskin]

Tony Romo's salary as a color color commentator for CBS is $17M. Not bad for 16 games.

[Pigskin]

Another great game tonight. Just when you think LV is in control, Mahomes works his magic.

[Jockitch]

Romo, for me, is outstanding

Really a terrific game with a Kansas magic finish

[Pigskin]

It appeared to me that TB12 was pushing to hard last night to complete the long ball. The Rams only had about 35 yards rushing last night, but Goff did throw 51 passes last night. Pretty good game.

[Jockitch]

Can't believe they said Brady's arm was already extending forward ........ fumble all the way in my eyes

Amazing amount of interference on receivers last night & Sunday night, as examples ...... CFL refs would be treated for throwing the flag strains

[Pigskin]

The NFL is a much more physical games. Receive and DB's get to fight a little more for the ball.

[DCM]

Cowboys? strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul, a part of five Super Bowl champions as a safety for the Bears and a coach for the Patriots, Jets and Giants, has passed away. He was 54.

Markus suffered a medical emergency at the facility yesterday.

[Pigskin]

Wow, he was only 54.

[Pigskin]

Raven/Steelers move to Sunday due to a Covid breakout with the Ravens.

[Pigskin]

Ravens up to 22 players out with Covid. The NFL has them scheduled to play the Steelers on Tuesday and Cowboy on Thursday. The Steeler and Ravens have been postponed once for a week. When is it time for a team to default? How fair is this to the other teams?

[GOLDMEMBER]

Ravens up to 22 players out with Covid. The NFL has them scheduled to play the Steelers on Tuesday and Cowboy on Thursday. The Steeler and Ravens have been postponed once for a week. When is it time for a team to default? How fair is this to the other teams?

Just ask the Denver Broncos. No QBs on roster? nah you still play as scheduled Denver. Saints smash Broncos. NFL is turning into a complete joke. My interest is waining. More interested in wokeness and questionable money/scheduling tactics. I find myself just not caring as much anymore.

You?

[Pigskin]

I wasn't impressed that Bronco's had to play, and the Ravens have been able to postpone, not once but twice.

I think it shows that without a bubble it's hard to keep the players healthy and games on schedule. This is the second time this year that the Steelers have got jerked around.

[blue_or_die]

I bet if the NFL tried they could have done a better bubble than any other league. Could have picked a city with lots of accommodations, facilities, good weather and spaces to sprawl out (somewhere like Houston, maybe?). I mean, I get the players' perspective of wanting to not be locked down, but it's not like the fans can be getting anything out of this. They have to be losing money at the facilities to even let in any fans. Imagine what they'd save if they played out of one or a few facilities, not to mention not having to reschedule games, etc.

If we find ourselves in a similar situation next year (god forbid), maybe they might consider that instead.

[Pigskin]

CFL in a Bubble?

[blue_or_die]

CFL in a Bubble?

That would be fine if no other alternative. They will have to find a way to get sufficient revenue, then, though.

[Pigskin]

I can't see the CFL in a bubble. Far more money then they have, and I can't see the Fed's kicking in much if any. Sad, but the Federal Government just doesn't get it. I wonder if it was hockey if it would be different.

[blue_or_die]

I can't see the CFL in a bubble. Far more money then they have, and I can't see the Fed's kicking in much if any. Sad, but the Federal Government just doesn't get it. I wonder if it was hockey if it would be different.

Oh, sorry, at the end of my post you were responding to, I meant bubble might be an option for the NFL next year if that's where we find ourselves. I agree a CFL bubble would be harder based on financial model.

[Blue In BC]

Oh, sorry, at the end of my post you were responding to, I meant bubble might be an option for the NFL next year if that's where we find ourselves. I agree a CFL bubble would be harder based on financial model.

I can't imagine an NFL bubble. Probably about 80 players per team. Coaching / training staff etc adds another 15?  So they'd be looking at 3000 people for a very extended time in 1 or 2 bubbles.

Financially is one issue but keeping people apart from families for that long is inconceivable IMO.

[Pigskin]

The Ravens are turning into a joke and really screwing up the NFL. If the Ravens can't put a team on the field by Wednesday they should have to default. At this point there just screwing up other teams schedule. 

[Pigskin]

Fuller and Roby for the Texans suspended for 6 games for PED's.

[blue_or_die]

I can't imagine an NFL bubble. Probably about 80 players per team. Coaching / training staff etc adds another 15?  So they'd be looking at 3000 people for a very extended time in 1 or 2 bubbles.

Financially is one issue but keeping people apart from families for that long is inconceivable IMO.

Who knows, maybe they can do a bubble that includes part of a city where their families can stay with them, with shopping and nightlife? Haha, I dunno, I'm just making stuff up but they NFL has massive amounts of money and this could pay for itself if you eliminate all travel costs throughout a season.

[Pigskin]

Bubble City. Where only NFL players and there families live for 6 months of the year and then move in MLB for the other 6 months.

[Blue In BC]

Who knows, maybe they can do a bubble that includes part of a city where their families can stay with them, with shopping and nightlife? Haha, I dunno, I'm just making stuff up but they NFL has massive amounts of money and this could pay for itself if you eliminate all travel costs throughout a season.

Lol. These are young kids with a giant pile of money they want to spend. Look at the issues they are having in the 2020 season. You can't control what that many players might do outside of football. They aren't going to sit in dorms for any length of time.

San Fran won't even allow 49er games to be played at home. Not sure if they previously allowed fans to attend. Wouldn't surprise me if other cities end up doing the same thing by December. Not all but some that won't allow gatherings of more than 10 people.

Another NFL game postponed ( 3rd time ) for this game now moved to tomorrow. Chaos.

[blue_or_die]

Lol. These are young kids with a giant pile of money they want to spend. Look at the issues they are having in the 2020 season. You can't control what that many players might do outside of football. They aren't going to sit in dorms for any length of time.

San Fran won't even allow 49er games to be played at home. Not sure if they previously allowed fans to attend. Wouldn't surprise me if other cities end up doing the same thing by December. Not all but some that won't allow gatherings of more than 10 people.

Another NFL game postponed ( 3rd time ) for this game now moved to tomorrow. Chaos.

I was suggesting something far more creative and elaborate than a "dorm" as a potential solution to having games moved to wednesday afternoons because covid has run amok.

[Blue In BC]

I was suggesting something far more creative and elaborate than a "dorm" as a potential solution to having games moved to wednesday afternoons because covid has run amok.

I get that. I'm just saying I doubt you can control a significant number of very young players with money to burn. They will want to go out and do stuff. Like the general population some will be anti maskers and will feel the rules don't apply.

Money and attempted isolation are not the fix all for a complete long season for any sport.

[Pigskin]

2:30 on TSN Finally Steelers/Ravens. Should be a blowout.

[Blue In BC]

Something like 6 starters between both teams gone on Covid list including L. Jackson and Pouncey.

Optimism with vaccines getting closer. Possibility of many people being vaccinated by end of February. Won't directly help NFL season.  Should make the view of 2021 for spring and summer leagues in all sports more likely.

Obviously the bigger picture is beyond sports but signs are the beginning of a recovery period in spring.

[Pigskin]

The game is under way , RG3 playing QB for the Ravens.

[Pigskin]

Raven D played great, there O, not so much.

[Pigskin]

Alex Singleton had himself a pretty nice day with 8 tackles.

[Pigskin]

Tayson Hill had a good day. 27/37 for 232 yards, and 2TD's. also 83 yards rushing.

[Pigskin]

Very good game last night. Two young QB's put on a show.

[blue_or_die]

Not a bad game last night considering I don't care about either team. Went to OT.

Definitely some watch-worthy superstars on both teams though.

Not Badgley...

[Blue In BC]

Washington release QB Dwayne Haskins after he attended a strip joint and didn't wear a mask. He was benched on Sunday and fined $40K as well. Essentially he broke team protocol rules.

That's an inherent problem with young rich athletes in all sports. They have money and want to party so to speak.

[DCM]

Kyler Murray may miss the Rams game.. which would put Streveler watch on full duty.

[Pigskin]

Washington release QB Dwayne Haskins after he attended a strip joint and didn't wear a mask. He was benched on Sunday and fined $40K as well. Essentially he broke team protocol rules.

That's an inherent problem with young rich athletes in all sports. They have money and want to party so to speak.

True but not in that order. Haskins was seen maskless at a strip club. He was fined $40,000 and stripped on his captain status. He started on Sunday but threw two very bad interceptions, and fumbled once. He was replaced by Taylor Heiniske who went 12-19 for 137yards and 1 TD.  This morning the Washington Football Club decided to release.

[blue_or_die]

Should be a fun weekend where I'm not 100% sad to be under lockdown. This will be the first for 6 wild card weekend games (3 sat, 3 sun). I've followed the league closer this year than usual (and I'm already a pretty big fan) so I will be interested in watching as much of every game as possible. It will help bridge the gap between WJHC and NHL starting up next week(!)

[Pigskin]

Covid has really taken a toll on the NFL. To bad Washington's rookie QB got injuries, he was having a very good game.