NFL faces new challenges as teams start training
LOS ANGELES: From players geting COVID-19 vaccinations to relaxed coronavirus protocols to line-up issues, particularly at quarterback, the NFL faces a multitude of questions as training camps open.
At least in 2021 there is the knowledge - and lessons learned - from completing last season during a pandemic.
The league, whose most valuable person in 2020 probably was medical director Dr. Allen Sills, recognizes that while tremendous progress has been made in batling the virus, caution remains crucial.
“We’re seeing a lot of positive movements,” Sills said when seven teams were at 85 per cent or more of vaccinated players, and approximately 70 per cent of all players were vaccinated. “We’re pleased with that progress, but there’s still work to be done. And we’re going to work with our clubs and their medical staffs in partnership to get those numbers higher, but we’re off to a solid start and we’re optimistic we’ll see continued progress there.”
Players who haven’t been vaccinated must continue to get daily testing, wear masks and practice physical distancing. They won’t be allowed to eat meals with teammates; can’t participate in media or marketing activities while traveling; aren’t permited to use the sauna or steam room; and may not leave the team hotel or interact with people outside the team while traveling.
Vaccinated players will not have any of those restrictions. And any coronavirus outbreak caused by nonvaccinated players could result in that team forfeiting a regular-season game.
“We feel like we know that in our country and around the league where and how things are improving, and to me there’s a direct correlation to people geting vaccinated,” Bills coach Sean Mcdermot said last month.
The preseason will include only three games for each team except for Dallas and Pitsburgh, who play four because they meet in the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 5. The regular season, of course, has been expanded by one match to 17.
There are seven new coaches Robert Saleh (Jets), David Culley (Texans), Urban Meyer (Jaguars), Brandon Staley (Chargers), Nick Sirianni (Eagles), Dan Campbell (Lions) and Arthur Smith (Falcons).
Meyer is the most intriguing, a winner everywhere in college, but seemingly plagued by wanderlust at all of those schools.
History tells us that other than Jimmy Johnson, very few college-trained coaches have had even remote success in the pros. Remember that Nick Saban flopped in Miami.
Meyer starts out with an improved roster over what Jacksonville used to go 1-15 and “earn” the top overall drat pick, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence.