New state guidelines keep school sports on hold

Call it an early holiday gift for some high school sports athletes, coaches and families.

After a long wait, updated guidelines were issued Monday, Dec.14 by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), which said it will use the state’s color-coded tiered system for COVID-19 monitoring as part of the map for what sports will be permitted for competition.

While cautioning that counties need to first exit the state’s current regional stay-at home orders, the guidelines state that competition could begin as early as Jan. 25.

The release Monday ended a wait since Aug. 3 for an update from the CDPH, which in helping the state navigate the coronavirus pandemic has limited high school and youth sports to physical conditioning and skill training.

“Everyone, for a long time now, has said, ‘We just want to see the updated guidance,’ “CIF State executive director Ron Nocetti said. “I think this is a step in the right direction, and now we need the opportunity to review this guidance with our sections so we can communicate with our member schools.”

As expected, sports will be divided into low-, moderate- and high-contact categories, with consideration given to if they are played indoors or outdoors. Football, for example, was slotted as a high-contact sports that needs to be played in the orange tier (moderate risk for COVID-19 spread).

Soccer, water polo and volleyball also were placed in the orange tier.

Not only was Crosby not able to shed the block, he got cut down and completely spun around; his back is turned to the ball carrier as he sprints by for an 18-yard gain:

Crosby was lined up in the same spot on Taylor's 62-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and once again he was unable to get off a one-on-one block. Crosby tried to contain the outside edge, but the Indianapolis right tackle pushed him way wide and Crosby was once again turned away from the play as the running back burst through the hole:

Crosby is by far the team's best pass rusher and needs to be on the field for passing downs, but Marinelli could consider subbing him out in early-down run situations. The Raiders are allowing 128.1 rushing yards per game (25th in the NFL) and it's putting the defense in bad situations on just about every series.

There are no obvious solutions. Defensive end Carl Nassib, one of the team's premier FA signings, has been a healthy inactive the last two weeks. Would he be a better option on early downs? Or perhaps newly signed DE Vic Beasley could get a look in that role, despite his reputation as a pass-rushing specialist. Whatever he decides, Marinelli has to try to stop the run first and foremost.

Define a role for Littleton Cory Littleton was the crown jewel of the Raiders' free-agent crop, as the veteran linebacker was expected to bring ace coverage ability to the middle of the defense. He played nearly every snap over the first eight weeks, but since missing time due to COVID-19 he has played fewer than 60% of defensive snaps the last three weeks.

The defensive coordinator, whoever he is, can't allow Littleton to become a parttime player. Was Littleton an instant hit this year in Guenther's system? No, but an adjustment period was to be expected. He's still got solid coverage skills and enough experience to thrive in a welldefined role.

It's up to Marinelli to do what Guenther couldn't and figure out the best way to deploy a player of Littleton's talent. Bench Abram Second-year safety Johnathan Abram brings a lot of energy to the defense, but he is too mistake-prone to be relied upon when the playoffs are on the line. Marinelli could probably improve the defense today by sitting Abram in favor of a steadier hand.

Against the Colts, Abram was victimized both on the ground and in the air. Scroll back and look at Taylor's 62yard touchdown run; Abram appeared to be blitzing on the play, but his angle of pursuit (after recognizing the handoff) was so severe and overly aggressive that he took himself completely out of the play. Had he flattened out along the line of scrimmage, he could have filled the hole and perhaps tackled Taylor for a modest 6or -7 yard gain; instead it went for a long TD. That's been an issue all year long, as Abram has hunted for big downhill hits instead and left himself open to big whiffs.

In the passing game, Abram does not have the skills to be trusted in coverage. On this play, Las Vegas appeared to be in a three-deep zone coverage, and Abram was tasked with playing the deep middle of the field. He came up aggressively to meet speedy wide receiver T.Y. Hilton on a vertical route and Hilton simply blew past him for an easy 41-yard touchdown.

Don't blink or you'll miss Abram's coverage of Hilton:

For good measure Abram also committed a personal foul after the whistle that indirectly led to an Indianapolis touchdown in the first quarter.

The Raiders have a lot invested in the former firstround pick and they want Abram to become a linchpin of the defense, but when he's on the field there are too many big plays, too many undisciplined angles and too many harmful penalties. Marinelli has to prioritize winning over player development for the next three weeks. Sitting Abram in favor of Jeff Heath (or maybe moving slot corner Lamarcus Joyner to safety) would make the Raiders a better defense.