The 2020-2021 NFL Season (COVID Edition)
Scheduling Changes:
With the outbreak of Covid-19, the NFL was forced to make numerous tweaks in its season. To begin with, the annual Hall of Fame Game and all pre-season games were canceled. This was a tough blow for all rookies whose first time in an NFL game was one that actually counted. Along with those games, the London series along with the Mexico City games were canceled. This a newer tradition that the NFL has been tryin to implement. This was a shame because it was a chance for the NFL to expand its own brand globally.
Attendance:
In week one of the NFL season the Kansas City Chiefs, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Denver Broncos were all limited capacities in their stadiums. In week two the Dallas Cowboys, the Cleveland Browns, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Miami Dolphins allowed limited fans at their stadiums. Other than those teams, all other NFL stadiums have been without fans, but still using crowd noise to mask the silence that flows throughout the stadium. The noise is clearly heard when watching the games on television. It seems like each network is almost overdoing the crowd noises trying to mimic what a normal game would be like. As time goes on and the virus gets better, other NFL teams would love the opportunity to host fans in their stadiums. It is really unfortunate for the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers who play at brand new So-Fi Stadium this year worth $5 billion in construction. The Las Vegas Raiders are in the same boat with the newly constructed Allegiant Stidum which costs around $2 billion to make.
The national anthem here in the only NFL stadium with fans today. Colts on the field. Jags in the locker room. F-15s from the Florida Air National Guard overhead. pic.twitter.com/qFADbRiazu
— Eric Adelson (@eric_adelson) September 13, 2020
Testing
Each NFL player is given a COVID test every day, except for on gamedays. With not having a bubble like the NBA and NHL, the NFL has seen little to no positive cases throughout the season so far. This is a shock to most people because teams have to travel and are expected to quarantine strictly outside of football. The problem in week two has been strictly due to an unfortunately large number of injuries to superstar players that shocked the nation. Many fans now are saying that COVID will not be the reason the NFL does not make it through the season, but the injuries that the NFL is experiencing will cause it to cancel. The NFL has been on top of its game with the virus thus far with no major outbreaks. The vast majority of tests throughout the league allow it to stay open.
It's Week 2, but it's still worth pointing out the most significant stat from week 1: Zero players or coaches tested positive for COVID, per league sources. Week 1 now officially has come and gone without any incident. On to week 2.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
Other Important News
If players are found not following social distance guidelines they can be fined. Masks are required throughout team facilities and at all times when teams are traveling. During games, coaches and other personnel are required to wear masks. Fines will be given to those who do not follow masks rules. A total of 66 players opted out of the NFL season due to fear of the COVID-19 virus. The national anthem is not sung live, it is pre-recorded before each game begins. The NFL has done its job through the first two weeks with no major problems relating to the virus. With the aid of everyone involved in the NFL, they hope to continue on with their season in good health to bring fans across the country national football.
By: Corrigan Korab