Ed_Formerly_of_Roch

Read an article the other day from some group of infectious disease experts who were talking about college. Predicted due to many players with pre-existing condition, obese, something like 7 players would be seriously hospitalized and 2 would die. While thye are obese, in other ways in very good shape so maybe those numbers are low. On the other hand, seems like for guys in such good shape, there are a fair number of heart issues, maybe as the heart isn't made to work with a body that large.

His comments in his weekly mailbag reacting to a question. Was kind of a surprise to hear that from him being more of an NFC guy with Fox, they often show the highlights of bad plays, fumbles, etc than the good ones. Josh Allen is one of the top rising stars at that position. The dude has an absolute cannon. He can move. He’s gotten better and better. He is a stud. If you’re a Bills fan, I need you to make a decision right now, and that decision is to change your mind on Allen and start appreciating him.

Did you also catch the name in the article, one of the architectural firms involved with a number of these new buildings, didn't he play for Buffalo “What we find is that we’re constantly in a re-adaptation of these venues. Constantly,” said Scott Radecic, a former NFL linebacker and founder and senior principal at architectural design firm Populous.

Realistically it's no different than any other business as to what they say and how they act. The difference here is if it were say Joe's Belt Manufacturing, it likely wouldn't even make the news unless the numbers were large and very few would care unless you knew someone here personally affected. But with fans, we feel like we're a part of it, but we're not.

Exactly and the players would win in court, so to avoid that, they need/get their agreement upfront. And if they don't agree, they work something out.

Oh and BTW, just read this: The schedule also remains in flux as the number of preseason games is expected to be cut from four to two, pending an agreement with the players association. Sort of sounds like they do need approval!

You want to move the game to another state sure, but the post I was quoting stated move practices too which implies the players are saying bye bye to their families for 4 months. That's not happening without the players agreeing to it which likely results in them getting something in return. The NBA didn't just decide on their own to play all their games in Orlando, they players agreed to it. And to your first part, yes the players and owners can vote on many things, but as soon as it affects anything that the CBA dictates, you need player approval. Does the owners reducing from 4 games to 2 games require CBA approval, I have no idea, but am reasonably certain with all the other changes either already being discussed or future changes that are made, something (if not many items) will require player approval and they can easily hold the 2 game pre season as "hostage" and say no to something else. I'm certain rosters can't be reduced without CBA approval, but can they be expanded without approval, no idea, but if I were to bet, I'd take the approval required side of things.

I said it somewhat in jest, but IF and that's a big IF there is collage football this fall, having 37 players already positive (and that's week old numbers) could likely give them a big edge during the season if they lose very few others while their opponents are forced to sit out 5 to 10 players each week.

Clemson may have the right idea, 37 of their players are already positive. Get it now and be ready for September.

Yes but again the players would need to agree to that. Would be somewhat surprised to see them agree if a state is so bad they shut down sports to agree to leave, unless the league also agrees to move the players entire family with them. But then you're kind of giving up the "Bubble" atmosphere. Would be interesting to see how the payers would react to that, would they be willing to give up a years pay or agree to play elsewhere. Likely they'd vote no, and force the NFL to give them something back to play. Kind of like what may happen here with the pre-season games.

NFL should follow Clemson's plan, already 37 players have tested positive. Get it all out of the way now by the time training camp starts!

Actually the article stated it was suggested by someone in the front office, think on the scouting side?? Didn't sound like she listened all that long either, maybe a couple series or so.

First domino to fall. Maybe they'll move the ceremony to Super Bowl week, assuming there is a SB.

Can't see how training camp would suffice as JA for example would be intermingling with others who stayed in WNY, McD for example, plus exposing himself to all the staff, ball boys, etc. Maybe they'll give a few days credit for training camp, if kept out of main stream? I'd think the simple answer is, get here now.

Just read the article on how Moss never fumbles and all I could think of is this kind will be a fumbling machine this year. Same here it worries me how he'll hold up. Seems like often rookie kickers struggle for a year or two, then calm down and can become very good and steady. My dream is that the NFL will announce special rules this year due to Covid so that anyone designated to the PS can't be grabbed by another team. Place Bass there for the season, then next year he easily wins the job.

The other big difference is the length of time involved. The NBA is just trying to finish up the season, think I read after 7 weeks, there will just be 8 teams left. 7 weeks is about the same length as NFL training camp and 8 teams isn't much larger than one NFL roster. During training camp 8 teams isn't even as big as one NFL roster. Think the only way this is going to work is they are just going to say players are going to miss games, the best team in the league might be hit the hardest and barely finish at .500, but the league will make TV money so likely take that risk. Players too will take the risk as sitting out a year, two years worth of rookies means many of these marginal players may never play again, i.e. Darrell Johnson, Duke Williams, etc. They may stil lbe out of the league by next year, but at least playing means they get that last big pay check.

Don't talk about me like that!

But the one big difference here is if one player gets injured, another can't catch it from him. Here they can. I realize it's the same for all teams, but still would suck if you're the team that gets hit the hardest. Belichick is probably scouring hospital records to find positive people that he can send an "advance team" out each week to the Pat's next opponent! He'll fly them in on Kraft's jet with promises that Kraft will supply the in-flight entertainment!

One of the things they've talked about is increasing the size of PS. I don't see that being all that helpful if its the normal rules where everyone is exposed to waivers. Teams typically lose some of the players they cut to other teams and then sign other teams players to PS. This year with no spring mini camps, can't see that expanding the PS with players unfamiliar with the playbook and teammates is going to be all that helpful. They need some new category where you can send half dozen players to PS without waiver exposure and no chance of losing them. In exchange, this group gets a higher base salary or something.

Other day on ESPN they were talking that in any sport, any champion this year will be a very questionable champion as may win due to being last man standing more than anything.

I agree that with you in that if Sweeney does a half way decent job at blocking, he takes Smiths spot, but unless the drops get worse would be very surprised if Knox isn't clearly the #1 guy. As has been mentioned Knox has the physical skills very few have at TE position. He made some plays very few others could have. Admittedly drops were a concern, but lets give it another year first.

I'd think every team will be required to show proof that everyone was tested and their results. In today's day and age if a team ever tried to cheat, it will come out, and likely the team would be punished pretty bad. If players are asked to test themselves, then would agree, but can't believe that's how things would work, if for no other reason, he can then infect players. Utah Jazz players weren't too happy when they found out Rudy K was positive.

I wonder if teams will adjust roommates for road trips? Like Kelly and Reich use to room together. I could see a team now wanting their two QB's together so less likely of both getting sick. While all teams have the same chances of happening, would hate if before a playoff game, 5 or 6 players test positive. You can argue it's no different than injuries, but injuries can't be passed on from one player to the next.

Think you should have removed the words "High profile" from your survey as Duke Williams, Darryl Johnson, and EJ Gaines are far from high profile (though I did almost voted for Gaines)

Every year there's at least one team expected to do real well and falls apart. Last year the Rams and Chargers both were well below expectations (must be something about playing in LA) Could it be Buffalo, who knows, but likely there will be some team dropping off.