Week 5: Bills at Titans on Tuesday Night Football

[YoloinOhio]

1 minute ago, Back the Blue said:

“Potential consequence” = never going to happen

That’s your opinion ... but you act as if this board is suggesting at as an option, not like the NFL is suggesting it as an option 

[oldmanfan]

14 minutes ago, ILBillsfan said:

The game in Tennessee I agree with but the statement the Raider DT was spreading the virus during the game I do not as the teams test  on game day and that is all just unnecessary commentary to state he was spreading the virus during the game

If he tested positive a couple days after the game he undoubtedly had some virus on Sunday.

[x-BillzeBubba]

 

[Mr Info]

2 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

If he tested positive a couple days after the game he undoubtedly had some virus on Sunday.

It is possible that he may not have been shedding virus or shedding enough during the game to infect anyone.

[LabattBlue]

4 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

That’s your opinion ... but you act as if this board is suggesting at as an option, not like the NFL is suggesting it as an option 

My point is, the same posters who are crying “forfeit” would be having a hissy fit if it was the Bills who broke protocol, and were staring at a forfeit per the rules.  
 

 

I’ll move on now. 

[Mrbojanglezs]

1 minute ago, Back the Blue said:

My point is, the same posters who are crying “forfeit” would be having a hissy fit if it was the Bills who broke protocol, and were staring at a forfeit per the rules.  
 

 

I’ll move on now. 

 

We know McDermott has things buttoned up. As an NFL coach should

[JimKellyTryouts]

I've read a lot of posts requesting to just push the Titans game to Monday or Tuesday this week and to further delay the Chiefs game but...as KC/NE showed us, a(n attempt at a) quick fix does nothing! 

 

If Gilmore had contracted covid from Cam before the game on Monday, who knows of the snowball effect that would result. That picture with Mahomes is pretty damning, and if the face of the NFL gets it, that's probably (and unfortunately) the swift kick in the rear the league will need to take things more seriously and completely re-assess things. 

 

TN being possibly subject to forfeit is fair, if the league can find blatant violations of protocols, but if they don't...that's honestly bs just for the sake of trudging along with the schedule as is (until more problems arise). 

 

I've gotten so exhausted with the discussions, politics, and overall ignorance that masses have shown to this situation. It sucks. I'm all for putting the season on pause for a couple weeks, but what exactly will prevent this from happening all over again in the future? 

[mjt328]

So let's put this all together.

 

The Titans have supposedly been quarantining since last Tuesday.  That is a period of 8 days without contact with their teammates.  Yet two players who tested negative for the last full week, are now suddenly testing positive.  Clearly, the incubation period here is a lot more than 4-5 days.

 

This tells me, that all of the NFL's testing protocols are pretty much worthless. 

-  The Vikings haven't gotten a positive test (yet) since their game with the Titans, and were cleared to play on Sunday against the Texans.  But how can we be sure none of the Vikings were actually infected for that game, if it only took place 7 days after their game with infected players?

-  The Patriots had a positive test on Saturday (Cam Newton) and then a positive test on Wednesday (Stephon Gilmore).  They quarantined Cam before the game against the Chiefs, but how many players could have tested negative and still had it?

-  The Bills now know they played against a guy who was positive with COVID 19 during the game.  Doesn't this mean our players could be infected and spreading it for the next two weeks, even if they continue to test negative?

 

 

Maybe I'm just skeptical at nature, but I just have a hard time believing these incidents are going to stay isolated.

I was always worried the NFL would have a ridiculously tough time keeping this from spreading, and always had a tough time believing this season was going to finish as planned.

 

 

 

[Richard Noggin]

38 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Just as long as you aren't sneaking any communicable diseases into Ithaca, or we'll have to sacrifice you into a gorge.

 

I'm healthy as a horse. Not a drip...

 

https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/685efa3e-6f0e-4b49-bd30-e550c214a06e

 

[Success]

I don't ask a lot.  Treat me fairly at my job, don't speed up when I'm trying to merge on the highway, don't overcook my burger.

 

And give me my Bills on Sunday.

 

These are simple requests.  

 

 

[Bray Wyatt]

3 minutes ago, mjt328 said:

So let's put this all together.

 

The Titans have supposedly been quarantining since last Tuesday.  That is a period of 8 days without contact with their teammates.  Yet two players who tested negative for the last full week, are now suddenly testing positive.  Clearly, the incubation period here is a lot more than 4-5 days.

 

This tells me, that all of the NFL's testing protocols are pretty much worthless. 

-  The Vikings haven't gotten a positive test (yet) since their game with the Titans, and were cleared to play on Sunday against the Texans.  But how can we be sure none of the Vikings were actually infected for that game, if it only took place 7 days after their game with infected players?

-  The Patriots had a positive test on Saturday (Cam Newton) and then a positive test on Wednesday (Stephon Gilmore).  They quarantined Cam before the game against the Chiefs, but how many players could have tested negative and still had it?

-  The Bills now know they played against a guy who was positive with COVID 19 during the game.  Doesn't this mean our players could be infected and spreading it for the next two weeks, even if they continue to test negative?

 

 

Maybe I'm just skeptical at nature, but I just have a hard time believing these incidents are going to stay isolated.

I was always worried the NFL would have a ridiculously tough time keeping this from spreading, and always had a tough time believing this season was going to finish as planned.

 

 

 

 

Thats assuming they didnt violate protocols

[Royale with Cheese]

Stephen A Smith actually has a good idea.

 

Have a bubble in each NFL city where all the players live in....sort of like an extended training camp.  But each family member is allowed to enter the bubble as long as they test negative.

This way the players still get to see family's.  

[PaattMaann]

3 minutes ago, mjt328 said:

So let's put this all together.

 

The Titans have supposedly been quarantining since last Tuesday.  That is a period of 8 days without contact with their teammates.  Yet two players who tested negative for the last full week, are now suddenly testing positive.  Clearly, the incubation period here is a lot more than 4-5 days.

 

This tells me, that all of the NFL's testing protocols are pretty much worthless. 

-  The Vikings haven't gotten a positive test (yet) since their game with the Titans, and were cleared to play on Sunday against the Texans.  But how can we be sure none of the Vikings were actually infected for that game, if it only took place 7 days after their game with infected players?

-  The Patriots had a positive test on Saturday (Cam Newton) and then a positive test on Wednesday (Stephon Gilmore).  They quarantined Cam before the game against the Chiefs, but how many players could have tested negative and still had it?

-  The Bills now know they played against a guy who was positive with COVID 19 during the game.  Doesn't this mean our players could be infected and spreading it for the next two weeks, even if they continue to test negative?

 

 

Maybe I'm just skeptical at nature, but I just have a hard time believing these incidents are going to stay isolated.

I was always worried the NFL would have a ridiculously tough time keeping this from spreading, and always had a tough time believing this season was going to finish as planned.

 

 

 

 

So, it sounds like you are painting a picture that supports your preconceived beliefs about the NFL not being able to contain this and finish the season. So far, we are still at one team that has an outbreak because it looks like they didnt follow protocols...the rest are isolated incidents with no further team-to-team spread. Ill wait until that isnt the case before I start becoming a chicken little, personally. 

[LabattBlue]

6 minutes ago, Mrbojanglezs said:

 

We know McDermott has things buttoned up. As an NFL coach should

No, you don’t know that. 

[oldmanfan]

9 minutes ago, Mr Info said:

It is possible that he may not have been shedding virus or shedding enough during the game to infect anyone.

Possible yes.  Possible the other way as well. 

[PaattMaann]

1 minute ago, Royale with Cheese said:

Stephen A Smith actually has a good idea.

 

Have a bubble in each NFL city where all the players live in....sort of like an extended training camp.  But each family member is allowed to enter the bubble as long as they test negative.

This way the players still get to see family's.  

 

what about the fact many many players have kids....their kids are supposed to go to school. Im sure they can arrange virtual learning through their school, but many parents dont want that. It is a good idea I just dont know if it can be forced upon players/families. 

 

Simple solution would be IF the NFLPA agrees to a bubble with a family invite they would get the one time option of having your family join the bubble. Does a player assume the responsibility/fine if their family member violates the bubble agreement and then infects others? 

[JimKellyTryouts]

2 minutes ago, SCBills said:

 

Pats tested day of the game, no?  So he tested negative earlier that day..  Hopefully, as Titans/Vikings show, while easily transmissible, COVID may not be the type of virus that transfers easily during a game..  More along the lines of spending prolonged time, in close quarters, with someone.  

 

Gilmore being on the plane is more worrisome to me than him playing in a open air stadium and hugging Mahomes.  

 

It's also wild that these players, from what we know, aren't even sick..  If COVID wasn't a "thing", these players would be playing and nobody would even bat an eyelash.

 

Yeah, the Vikings results (thus far) have been a pleasant surprise. But in regards to Gilmore testing negative, he was until he currently isn't - because the virus can have an incubation period of more than a few days. If he got it post game or off the field, that's one thing; but if it was merely delayed in relation to Cam... 😕

 

Valid point about the airplane and other close contact being more or a concern - I was referring to the pic with Pat as a worst case scenario (and the one that'll draw the most headlines for obvious reasons). 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

2 minutes ago, Bray Wyatt said:

Thats assuming they didnt violate protocols

 

Correct.  If they did, after being told not to, Welp Then.  I think they should forfeit.

[Royale with Cheese]

Just now, PaattMaann said:

 

what about the fact many many players have kids....their kids are supposed to go to school. Im sure they can arrange virtual learning through their school, but many parents dont want that. It is a good idea I just dont know if it can be forced upon players/families. 

 

Simple solution would be IF the NFLPA agrees to a bubble with a family invite they would get the one time option of having your family join the bubble. Does a player assume the responsibility/fine if their family member violates the bubble agreement and then infects others? 

 

I would assume that they could see their kids after school.  I don't know how reliable the rapid tests are but I guess that could be an option.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 minute ago, Back the Blue said:

No, you don’t know that. 

 

Correct.  He can ask the players to follow guidelines away from the facility and to hold each other accountable, but that's all he can do.

[IgotBILLStopay]

2 minutes ago, mjt328 said:

So let's put this all together.

 

The Titans have supposedly been quarantining since last Tuesday.  That is a period of 8 days without contact with their teammates.  Yet two players who tested negative for the last full week, are now suddenly testing positive.  Clearly, the incubation period here is a lot more than 4-5 days.

 

This tells me, that all of the NFL's testing protocols are pretty much worthless. 

-  The Vikings haven't gotten a positive test (yet) since their game with the Titans, and were cleared to play on Sunday against the Texans.  But how can we be sure none of the Vikings were actually infected for that game, if it only took place 7 days after their game with infected players?

-  The Patriots had a positive test on Saturday (Cam Newton) and then a positive test on Wednesday (Stephon Gilmore).  They quarantined Cam before the game against the Chiefs, but how many players could have tested negative and still had it?

-  The Bills now know they played against a guy who was positive with COVID 19 during the game.  Doesn't this mean our players could be infected and spreading it for the next two weeks, even if they continue to test negative?

 

 

Maybe I'm just skeptical at nature, but I just have a hard time believing these incidents are going to stay isolated.

I was always worried the NFL would have a ridiculously tough time keeping this from spreading, and always had a tough time believing this season was going to finish as planned.

 

 

 

I have an important question that has not been asked / answered here or elsewhere.
 

Is it possible the new Titans positive  tests are not because of infection by teammates? I am asking because these guys have not been around the team for 8 plus days. 
 

I am asking because if these are infections from the community and other players / practice facility are safe - then a Monday night game can still happen ( of course the TNF game will be pushed back to Saturday night or something).

 

[PaattMaann]

1 minute ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

I would assume that they could see their kids after school.  I don't know how reliable the rapid tests are but I guess that could be an option.

 

the NFL isnt using rapid test (meaning 15 minutes). They are using 12-24 hour test because they believe its more reliable. 

 

If the players see their kids who are going to school all day that is NOT a bubble. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Just now, IgotBILLStopay said:

I have an important question that has not been asked / answered here or elsewhere.
Is it possible the new Titans positive  tests are not because of infection by teammates? I am asking because these guys have not been around the team for 8 plus days. 
 

I am asking because if these are infections from the community and other players / practice facility are safe - then a Monday night game can still happen ( of course the TNF game will be pushed back to Saturday night or something).

 

It's possible that the newly infected players are due to community spread, yes.  Upthread, it's also reported that the Titans players may have gotten together outside the facility to practice, against what they were told, so that's another possibility.  If one looks up the known incubation period for covid-19 from a reputable source, there's also that.

[NoHuddleKelly12]

Sorry if this has already been mentioned upthread or elsewhere, but on WGR Howard & Jeremy during Sal's spot in the 8AM hour, Jeremy had a pretty insightful suggestion imho--why doesn't the NFL go the route of matching up "clean" tested teams during the weeks where that week's opponent has too many positives to play the game--for example, the Bills could play the Broncos this week instead of TN, as both teams tested clean, and were supposed to play each other anyway, and so on. The motto being, get the games in where you can, and sort it out later. What's the sense in having 2 healthy teams sitting out a week that could be playing otherwise if their regularly scheduled opponent drops off? I get there would be issues with prep time etc., but the NFL is going to have to be flexible with this if we're going to get a full or almost full slate of games in. MLB did this to some degree when the Marlins stuff hit the fan, flipping series around and the like, without much of a hitch.   

[wjag]

Oh to be a fly on the wall at NFL headquarters.  Must be fascinating to watch/listen to what has to be a 24/7 what if conversation(s).

[Hapless Bills Fan]

3 minutes ago, PaattMaann said:

the NFL isnt using rapid test (meaning 15 minutes). They are using 12-24 hour test because they believe its more reliable.

If the players see their kids who are going to school all day that is NOT a bubble. 

 

This link explains NFL testing.  The "POC" test referenced is a "point of contact" test, meaning equipment that returns a rapid result in 15 min-1 hr.

 

https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/01/nfl-covid-protocols-enhanced-outbreak

 

Following a COVID-19 outbreak within the Tennessee Titans organization, the NFL implemented a series of enhanced protocols on Thursday for teams to follow after exposure to COVID-19. 

According to the memo that was distributed to clubs, as obtained by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, in addition to daily PCR testing, all players and tier one and tier two individuals must also receive a daily POC test and test negative before entering the facility and taking part in daily activities. The testing includes PCR and POC tests on game days. 

[TBBills]

They are talking about now forcing teams to stay in hotels for the rest of the season

 

[Just Joshin']

Just now, Gene1973 said:

I don't agree with the forfiet mentality. I'd much rather see a pause to the season, then restart when all teams are negative.

In an earlier reply you were worried about the same teams needing multiple end of season games.  Which do you prefer?

[Johnnycage46]

2 minutes ago, NoHuddleKelly12 said:

Sorry if this has already been mentioned upthread or elsewhere, but on WGR Howard & Jeremy during Sal's spot in the 8AM hour, Jeremy had a pretty insightful suggestion imho--why doesn't the NFL go the route of matching up "clean" tested teams during the weeks where that week's opponent has too many positives to play the game--for example, the Bills could play the Broncos this week instead of TN, as both teams tested clean, and were supposed to play each other anyway, and so on. The motto being, get the games in where you can, and sort it out later. What's the sense in having 2 healthy teams sitting out a week that could be playing otherwise if their regularly scheduled opponent drops off? I get there would be issues with prep time etc., but the NFL is going to have to be flexible with this if we're going to get a full or almost full slate of games in. MLB did this to some degree when the Marlins stuff hit the fan, flipping series around and the like, without much of a hitch.   

 

My big concern would be on the prep side as preparation in the NFL has to be more detailed and extensive than preparation in the MLB (I can't know that for sure but it's just a guess).  For instance, I believe today is game plan install day for NFL teams playing on Sunday.  If they Bills suddenly were told, let's say tomorrow, they are playing the Broncos on Sunday, that would be tough on both teams to prepare for.

[YoloinOhio]

20 minutes ago, Back the Blue said:

My point is, the same posters who are crying “forfeit” would be having a hissy fit if it was the Bills who broke protocol, and were staring at a forfeit per the rules.  
 

 

I’ll move on now. 

I think if the Bills violated protocols and forfeiture was on the table, the same posters would be pissed at the Bills for being in that position 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Just now, TBBills said:

They are talking about now forcing teams to stay in hotels for the rest of the season

 

Who is "They"?  Link?

 

The players opted in/opted out after approving a collectively bargained agreement.  I would think the NFLPA would have to agree to any substantive change.

[PaattMaann]

1 minute ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

This link explains NFL testing.  The "POC" test referenced is a "point of contact" test, meaning equipment that returns a rapid result in 15 min-1 hr.

 

https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/01/nfl-covid-protocols-enhanced-outbreak

 

Following a COVID-19 outbreak within the Tennessee Titans organization, the NFL implemented a series of enhanced protocols on Thursday for teams to follow after exposure to COVID-19. 

According to the memo that was distributed to clubs, as obtained by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, in addition to daily PCR testing, all players and tier one and tier two individuals must also receive a daily POC test and test negative before entering the facility and taking part in daily activities. The testing includes PCR and POC tests on game days. 

 

Correct. They dont rely on POC test, thats why they are doing the PCR tests and thats the results they rely on (and the ones that Titans players are currently hitting positive on)

[YoloinOhio]

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

22 minutes ago, Back the Blue said:

My point is, the same posters who are crying “forfeit” would be having a hissy fit if it was the Bills who broke protocol, and were staring at a forfeit per the rules.  
I’ll move on now. 

 

I would be pissed at the Bills, myself.  Do Your Job.  Other people have crappy restrictions and they deal with them for way lower $$$

[Bigvinny]

 

Part of the investigation by NFL and NFLPA into Titans' compliance with protocols concerns whether or not some Tennessee players gathered away from the facility for unauthorized workouts over the past week after the Titans had been told to have no such gatherings, source says.

 

 

[TBBills]

2 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Who is "They"?  Link?

 

The players opted in/opted out after approving a collectively bargained agreement.  I would think the NFLPA would have to agree to any substantive change.

Sorry watching Chris Simms and whoever the other guy is talking about it. They should have never of allowed to let the NFLPA to get involved.

Edited October 7, 2020 by TBBills

[416BillsFan]

I think a fair solution if Tennessee was found in violation of the rules is to give them an L, but not give us a W. The Bills getting an extra week off is reward enough, and playoff seeding will be decided by win percentage.

Edited October 7, 2020 by 416BillsFan

[buffalo2218]

Just now, 416BillsFan said:

I think a fair solution if Tennessee was found in violation of the rules to give them an L, but not give us a W. The Bills getting an extra week off is reward enough, and playoff seeding will be decided by win percentage.

That would throw everything into chaos come playoff time

[Chandemonium]

Just move the game to the Bills bye week. The titans are scheduled to play in Baltimore that week. They can play the Ravens at 1:00 and the Bills at 4:30 on a neutral field. I’d think given the choice the Titans would take losing a home game and being forced into a doubleheader over an outright forfeit. 

Edited October 7, 2020 by Chandemonium

[Hapless Bills Fan]

2 minutes ago, PaattMaann said:

 

Correct. They dont rely on POC test, thats why they are doing the PCR tests and thats the results they rely on (and the ones that Titans players are currently hitting positive on)

 

You stated "the NFL isnt using rapid test (meaning 15 minutes). They are using 12-24 hour test because they believe its more reliable.  "

 

That is not correct.  Per the link given, the NFL is using the POC test and are relying upon it to gatekeep daily entry to the facility for teams that have been in contact with outbreak teams: "all players and tier one and tier two individuals must also receive a daily POC test and test negative before entering the facility and taking part in daily activities"

They are also using the POC test on game day for these teams.