What modifications could in fact take place.
As I wrote last week, the league and NFLPA could ultimately settle on placing players in hotels for as long as theyre in the postseason. That would be after the holidays, would last for at many 6 weeks and would remove most (however not all) danger of contracting the virus through neighborhood spread.
Whether the playoffs start the weekend of Jan. 10 and end on Feb. 7 is unclear. Roger Goodell stressed that versatility will be important, and Vincent provided the greatest on-the-record remarks yet from a league executive about the possibility of a Week 18.
” We lose that flexibility as you see as the weeks go on as we need to change, whichs what we have to prevent,” Vincent stated. “As the season progresses we lose the byes. The 18-week window, the commissioner did recommendation that in his opening remarks, the focus is playing the 256 games in the 17-week window knowing that possibly if the season continues to progress and things happen, the 18th week possibly might be a choice there for him.”.
The league will not rule out the potential for a bubble in the postseason, but I dont think specific groups (or the league itself) would favor moving groups out of their home stadiums for the postseason.
For one, it would make the NFL postseason completely neutral, which goes against the concept of the routine season mattering for much. Additionally, were seeing cities across the nation warm to the concept of permitting more fans at arenas. If that continues, its not that unlikely to believe an NFL hosting a championship game could see the stands at anywhere in between 25-50% capability depending upon location and kind of stadium (outdoors versus domed versus retractable roofing.).
Whatever sort of financial impact a city might get out of its NFL team hosting a championship game would be virtually erased if the league took the postseason to southern California or Texas.
If a COVID-related concern requires a group that has currently had their bye to miss out on a scheduled video game, it would seem that the Week 18 plan would finally be deployed by the league.
Whether you concur or not, the NFL thinks it has enough contingencies at its disposal to make this season occur without bubbling all or a few of its groups for the routine season. Thats the clear message NFL executives sent out Tuesday afternoon following the very first day of virtual owner meetings.
Allen Sills, the NFLs primary medical doctor, pointed to two factors why a routine season bubble would not be in the leagues best interest. Sills pointed to the psychological and mental toll of being in a bubble for months.
” First of all the bubble is not sure-fire with infections,” Sills said Tuesday. “It doesnt take away the need for all of our other mitigation methods. Infection can spread out more quickly inside a bubble if it does get presented since everyone is together in close quarters. And after that youve got to consider the mental, behavioral and psychological and just human element of that.
” So for all of those reasons right now today we dont feel thats the safest strategy for us. Weve regularly stated that well re-eval all of these choices along the way and make what we think is the best decision and all alternatives remain on the table but thats our idea on it today.”
To Sills first point, one might quickly argue that the NBA and NHL held their seasons and postseasons in bubbles for months without one positive COVID-19 case. Obviously, NFL groups are much larger, so the danger would be higher here. The NBA evaluated about 350 gamers everyday whereas the league is checking roughly 2,800 gamers daily. There are another 5,000 approximately workers staffers related to all 32 NFL teams who get checked daily, too.
Nevertheless, this used the clearest proof yet the league is against the idea of a bubble.
Why the bubble concept never made good sense
One, two, four, or 8 bubbles never made good sense from the start, by the method. The infrastructure needed for a single NFL group to function is so excellent that there arent enough centers on this continent that might house even 4 groups together for a prolonged time period.
Allen Sills, the NFLs chief medical physician, pointed to 2 factors why a regular season bubble wouldnt be in the leagues best interest. Of course, NFL groups are much larger, so the threat would be greater here. There are another 5,000 or so workers staffers related to all 32 NFL teams who get evaluated daily, too.
For one, it would make the NFL postseason entirely neutral, which goes versus the idea of the regular season mattering for much. If that continues, its not that unlikely to think an NFL hosting a playoff video game could see the stands at anywhere in between 25-50% capability depending upon area and type of stadium (open air versus domed versus retractable roofing system.).
