The plan to start the 2020 NFL season: (Update - NFL and NFLPA agree on all issues)

[Hapless Bills Fan]

14 hours ago, MJS said:

Yeah and it makes it so much better for people to state every other post that there won't be a season.

Like anyone actually knows what will happen.

 

I don’t know what will happen.  

I want, with all my heart, for there to be football.

 

In SW MO, the delay time for test results is running 5-7 days.  Contact tracing and even a “box in” strategy is impossible in those circumstances.  Across S. Mo, hospital bed capacity is quite limited.  Let the virus get into a bunch of care homes and it won’t be pretty, and how can it be kept out if it’s widespread in the community and the aides can’t get tested promptly and repeatedly?

 

I want, with all my heart, for there to be football.  But the thought of healthy football players being tested every day or every 3-4 days and getting prompt turn around while testing capacity is so limited that parts of the country can’t box in, contact trace, or test nursing home workers and residents - Epidemiology 101 for this - well, as a guy who worked for me used to say “That Ain’t Right”.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

7 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I don’t know what will happen.  

I want, with all my heart, for there to be football.

 

In SW MO, the delay time for test results is running 5-7 days.  Contact tracing and even a “box in” strategy is impossible in those circumstances.  Across S. Mo, hospital bed capacity is quite limited.  Let the virus get into a bunch of care homes and it won’t be pretty, and how can it be kept out if it’s widespread in the community and the aides can’t get tested promptly and repeatedly?

 

I want, with all my heart, for there to be football.  But the thought of healthy football players being tested every day or every 3-4 days and getting prompt turn around while testing capacity is so limited that parts of the country can’t box in, contact trace, or test nursing home workers and residents - Epidemiology 101 for this - well, as a guy who worked for me used to say “That Ain’t Right”.

 

The league doesn't want a PR nightmare, was reading yesterday that the amount of tests the NFL would need is much higher compared to the NBA due to number of players and coaches and length of season still ahead. 

 

The NBA reported to the "bubble" last week about three weeks prior to NFL training camp opening day, they will be down to 8 teams max left by Sept 15th,  two days after the season opener so close to the same time frame as NFL training camp and preseason schedule.  Eight NBA teams is about the equivalent of two NFL rosters and coaches. Read yesterday tier-1 personal, i.e. people allowed inside all facilites will be limited to 60 per team plus all players.  So 90 players in training camp + 60 is about 150 per team.

[JoshAllenHasBigHands]

22 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Power, no.  But historically, when the Federal Government has issued public health guidance, it has been hugely influential - polio vaccination campaigns, for example.

The states that are currently doing best at containing the virus (NYS, knock on wood) are actually following the federal CDC guidance for reopening.  

 

The problem we’re seeing today is not lack of states “listening to Trump”, it’s a persistent mixed message from the Federal Government - on the one hand, CDC guidelines about not reopening until certain benchmarks for testing, contact tracing, declining tests, and hospital capacity are met - and “dialing it back” if things start to go in the wrong direction.  On the other hand, Trump tweets of support for “very good people who just want their lives back” protesting lockdowns and pushing for reopening, “99% harmless” (CDC data: hospitalization rate is at least 6% overall, not counting people who may have died without being tested who had COVID-like symptoms but negative RT-PCR test)

 

Like dogs, kids, or anyone really, when there’s a mixed message, people are gonna choose what they want to hear

 

This is the first time in my life that the country couldn't face a national emergency because every step we took was drenched in partisanship. From the moment Trump started limiting travel, the response has been to obfuscate and critique.  It has been the same way ever since. 

[billsfan89]

On 7/12/2020 at 5:15 AM, LabattBlue said:

So they haven’t figured out how to overcome the long delays between testing and results?  That is all you need to know.  
 

I’m guessing 80% chance there is no season. 

 

They will try to have a season without fans at the very least.

[DCbillsfan]

On 7/12/2020 at 9:07 AM, machine gun kelly said:

I must be in the minority, but I still contend there will be in this order a delayed training camp, no pre season games, a 16 game season with an expanded practice squad.  They will have the sidelines expanded as Dr. David Chow (the old San Diego team doctor who is always interviewed by various sources) suggested from the 40 to 40 yard line to the 20 to the 20 to practice social distancing.  
 

Why, quite simple, $.  The owners and the players have too much to lose.  They will put (most) of their health at some risk to keep making from hundreds of thousands to millions in a year. As it is most young people think they are invincible so they’ll take the risk.  Some NFL players will have great careers post football, but many believe in their hearts will not so they worked their whole life to make these $.

 

Just one man’s cynical view, and I could be wrong at everything I just said, but I may not.  Just like everyone on this board.  We are just speculating.

I hope you're right about a full season but I'm having more doubt as we get closer to training camp.  I believe you're right about why they are trying to play.  Simply so much $ at stake. My biggest concern is the players willingness to adhere to safety protocols.  Can they really be counted on to do everything possible to avoid getting the virus.  Even if they do, we know guys are going to test positive.  It's a matter of how many.  Fingers crossed.

[Augie]

On 7/12/2020 at 8:04 AM, TroutDog said:

This, quite frankly, makes no sense to me. It’s football...many people are going to be in that proximity and teams will quickly be out of players should someone be positive. I’m also not sure the 6’ rule should apply outdoors. 

 

I really don’t see how this happens...particularly with fans. 

 

I seriously hope I’m wrong, but I see very little chance that they pull off a complete season this year. Create a plan and hope for a great 2021. It’s all I got.....

[machine gun kelly]

9 hours ago, DCbillsfan said:

I hope you're right about a full season but I'm having more doubt as we get closer to training camp.  I believe you're right about why they are trying to play.  Simply so much $ at stake. My biggest concern is the players willingness to adhere to safety protocols.  Can they really be counted on to do everything possible to avoid getting the virus.  Even if they do, we know guys are going to test positive.  It's a matter of how many.  Fingers crossed.

DC, thanks and no, I don’t see them employing social distancing unless forced.  It’s just a reflection of society as I never see young people employing basic CDC standards.  I constantly have to take several steps back when people get way too close to me.  I try not to confront, but sometimes it’s impossible not to say something.  I was in the grocery store the other day (masks required indoors, but he didn’t have one on) and a young guy came right up next to me.  Now we have like you guys the stickers on the ground, and I was paying the cashier so couldn’t move away.  I had to say to him “hey bud, six feet”.  I tried to say it with a nice tone of voice, but this knucklehead said, “well you have a mask on”. I told him it doesn’t matter.

 

My point simply is my expectation for players to respect six feet, etc.wont happen.

[CSBill]

Well, the NCAA has scientifically proven that COVID-19 only spreads in non-conference games. Applied to the NFL, that may mean the Bills will only play AFC teams. But because the NFL is smarter than the NCAA, in an effort to really outsmart the virus, the NFL will set up a schedule where teams bubble up with the other teams in their division and only play each other like 3 or 4 times. .... Sounds like a good plan to me.

[ProcessTruster]

11 hours ago, DCbillsfan said:

I hope you're right about a full season but I'm having more doubt as we get closer to training camp.  I believe you're right about why they are trying to play.  Simply so much $ at stake. My biggest concern is the players willingness to adhere to safety protocols.  Can they really be counted on to do everything possible to avoid getting the virus.  Even if they do, we know guys are going to test positive.  It's a matter of how many.  Fingers crossed.

these are the fittest people on the planet.   If they test positive, the vast, vast majority won't be effected.  Look at other sports.. big headlines when someone tests positive, then, crickets.  

 

The coaches, however, should be masked at all times.   and hide the parents and grandma.

And, Come on Pegs, give these away at the stadium gates to everyone.  

Would be cool to see 60,000 people with the 80's zubaz masks on. 

Edited July 14, 2020 by ProcessTruster

[Gugny]

10 minutes ago, ProcessTruster said:

these are the fittest people on the planet.   If they test positive, the vast, vast majority won't be effected.  Look at other sports.. big headlines when someone tests positive, then, crickets.  

 

The coaches, however, should be masked at all times.   and hide the parents and grandma.

And, Come on Pegs, give these away at the stadium gates to everyone.  

Would be cool to see 60,000 people with the 80's zubaz masks on. 

 

Right now, I don't think it would be cool to see 60,000 people anywhere.

[Greg S]

31 minutes ago, ProcessTruster said:

these are the fittest people on the planet.   If they test positive, the vast, vast majority won't be effected.  Look at other sports.. big headlines when someone tests positive, then, crickets.  

 

The coaches, however, should be masked at all times.   and hide the parents and grandma.

And, Come on Pegs, give these away at the stadium gates to everyone.  

Would be cool to see 60,000 people with the 80's zubaz masks on. 

 

I think OL could be at risk. Those guys are around 300 lbs. I do think the NFL will try and play. I think CFB is toast for this year.

[TroutDog]

11 hours ago, Augie said:

 

I seriously hope I’m wrong, but I see very little chance that they pull off a complete season this year. Create a plan and hope for a great 2021. It’s all I got.....

Agreed. This country has to get this under control before getting to our new normal. While we all want some form of escape, contact sports make very little sense as has been proven already. 

[nucci]

1 hour ago, ProcessTruster said:

these are the fittest people on the planet.   If they test positive, the vast, vast majority won't be effected.  Look at other sports.. big headlines when someone tests positive, then, crickets.  

 

The coaches, however, should be masked at all times.   and hide the parents and grandma.

And, Come on Pegs, give these away at the stadium gates to everyone.  

Would be cool to see 60,000 people with the 80's zubaz masks on. 

even the 350 lb linemen with big guts.....are you saying they may not have high blood pressure or cholesterol issues?

[par73]

Without a vaccine, this all feels forced (and at what expense?). Hope for some return to "normal" in 2021.

[YoloinOhio]

 

[YoloinOhio]

 

[Warcodered]

8 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

That is the most logical move.

[17islongenough]

11 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

Not sure I like it automatically being 3 weeks.  

[nucci]

6 minutes ago, 17islongenough said:

Not sure I like it automatically being 3 weeks.  

so as not to spread it to others

[17islongenough]

1 minute ago, nucci said:

so as not to spread it to others

I know that but other leagues make you test negative for 2 days in a row.  That could be 1 week from the date or 3 weeks. 

[WEATHER DOT COM]

3 minutes ago, 17islongenough said:

I know that but other leagues make you test negative for 2 days in a row.  That could be 1 week from the date or 3 weeks. 

 

Yep.

 

Will any players try to get Covid before the season starts so they don't miss three weeks? I sure hope not, but we're living in the stupidest timeline. 

[nucci]

5 minutes ago, wAcKy ZeBrA said:

 

Yep.

 

Will any players try to get Covid before the season starts so they don't miss three weeks? I sure hope not, but we're living in the stupidest timeline. 

why would anyone want this virus? Good point

[YoloinOhio]

 

[YoloinOhio]

 

[NoSaint]

On 7/12/2020 at 7:04 AM, TroutDog said:

This, quite frankly, makes no sense to me. It’s football...many people are going to be in that proximity and teams will quickly be out of players should someone be positive. I’m also not sure the 6’ rule should apply outdoors. 

 

I really don’t see how this happens...particularly with fans. 

yea think of a linebacker or running back? They’d be heavy contact with front 7 on both teams as well as pass catchers/secondary. 
 

 

[LabattBlue]

I was reading earlier about NBA players caught sneaking out of the bubble at WDW.  

 

Just forget sports for 2020. 

[Doc]

There needs to be some skin in the game for players, like if you test positive and it was because you deviated from the guidelines, you don't get paid.  And then further penalties if you infect others because of your behavior.

[YoloinOhio]

46 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

I was reading earlier about NBA players caught sneaking out of the bubble at WDW.  

 

Just forget sports for 2020. 

I know one guy crossed the line to grab his food from door dash. Were there others? 

[LabattBlue]

1 minute ago, YoloinOhio said:

I know one guy crossed the line to grab his food from door dash. Were there others? 

They were speculating how many have snuck out and didn’t get caught. 

[Doc]

15 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

I know one guy crossed the line to grab his food from door dash. Were there others? 

 

13 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

They were speculating how many have snuck out and didn’t get caught. 

 

Which is why I proposed the above.

[TroutDog]

2 hours ago, NoSaint said:

yea think of a linebacker or running back? They’d be heavy contact with front 7 on both teams as well as pass catchers/secondary. 
 

 

Yeah, that’s my point. ? 

[Punching Bag]

3 hours ago, wAcKy ZeBrA said:

 

Yep.

 

Will any players try to get Covid before the season starts so they don't miss three weeks? I sure hope not, but we're living in the stupidest timeline. 

 

Probably not.  During the year they will be paid unless NFL can show criminal negligence like attending a COVID-19 party or have injury settlement.

[PromoTheRobot]

On 7/12/2020 at 8:33 AM, snafu said:

I’m not sure if it would make much of a difference, but they could play every ten days or two weeks to deal with testing/tracing. They could probably get a 12 game season that way. 

 

Letting fans in the stadium should be decided by State/local health departments — which is how they’re handling that so far. 

 

Playing every other week is not a bad idea. Gives you time to test and know.

[Punching Bag]

5 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

Playing every other week is not a bad idea. Gives you time to test and know.

 

Sure. You willing to pay players for week they do not play?

[PromoTheRobot]

4 minutes ago, Limeaid said:

 

Sure. You willing to pay players for week they do not play?

 

Let's say the season is cut to 10-12 games. You can justify the full TV payment by stretching the season. You still pay players what their contact says. Doesn't matter over how many weeks. Plus an extra week makes it more likely you'll catch a player developing symptoms before they play another game. That'll reduce the spread.

[NewEra]

On 7/12/2020 at 5:19 AM, Beast said:

There will be an 8 to 10 game season starting in November and ending in late February.

That’s kinda how I see it.  I feel that if we start as it’s scheduled, things will get shut down and might not restart for awhile, if at all.  If we give it some time, maybe aloe can find a vaccine and we can salvage something.  

[YoloinOhio]

 

[SCBills]

30 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

Read through a couple of the comments and I was wondering when people would start to get annoyed at athletes complaining about “pandemic football issues” when so many that root for them are currently/have been working through a pandemic in construction, roofing, retail, restaurants etc..  Not everyone has a WFH option and are usually making way less than NFL minimum salaries.

 

Edited July 17, 2020 by SCBills

[WEATHER DOT COM]

2 hours ago, Limeaid said:

 

Probably not.  During the year they will be paid unless NFL can show criminal negligence like attending a COVID-19 party or have injury settlement.

 

Maybe but I can think of two situations -

 

1. Players with incentive based contracts

2. Players on the bubble who are only going to be rostered because of the Covid 19 cases

[Hapless Bills Fan]

5 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

 

The article:

https://www.outkick.com/nfl-players-coaches-need-to-better-understand-viral-load/

 

@Mr. WEO what do you think of this?  I don't have a high opinion of Chao.  He's got some good analogies in here.

I agree with him that banning jersey swaps is silly, asking players to mask before meeting up after the game makes sense.

 

Where I don't understand his assessment is in talking about the contacts during game play as "tackling a player and coming into direct contact for a brief period of time".

Sometimes same DB is assigned to cover the same WR all game.  The OL is going against the same DL and LB all game, and often those are the same players facing off.

 

So each contact may be brief, but the sum of the contacts adds up.  Or so it seems to me.