As I remain optimistic the NFL regular season will start on time and the Broncos will host Tennessee on Sept. 14, college football fans should have no such level of confidence.
The recent spikes of coronavirus in California, Texas and Florida, just to name three states, has prompted athletic directors and conference commissioners to float the idea of playing football in the spring 2021.
A fine goal because that will help schools — even if no fans are allowed to fill the football stadiums — keep their non-revenue sports afloat. But it could have a major impact on the quality of play.
If you’re Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell, LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase or Miami defensive end Greg Rousseau, there is no point in playing next spring.
Why play in May 2021 after the NFL Draft, which is traditionally held in late April?
Why play after you’ve been drafted?
Let’s take Lawrence. His body of work over two years (one national championship and one semifinal appearance) is enough. He doesn’t need to play another down of college football to be considered the top prospect. Instead of playing, he can get drafted and immediately join his new NFL team’s offseason program.
For players who are projected to be drafted in the first three rounds, it makes little sense to risk sustaining an injury that would keep them on the sideline when NFL camps open in July 2021.
The positive is players who are considered back-of-an-NFL-roster prospects will get more playing time and NFL scouts will be able to offer a more complete evaluation of said players.
Snyder gives up. The groundswell to remove the Redskins nickname went from figurative snowball to avalanche in a matter of days. Owner Dan Snyder basically raised the white flag Friday when the team said they are starting a “thorough review of the team’s name.”
Translation: The Redskins will be no more. How about the Washington Warriors? That would be my pick. And keep the burgundy and gold colors.
The Redskins put out their statement and it was pathetic to see some keyboard jockeys on Twitter counting the number of times “Redskins” was used and why coach Ron Rivera provided a quote instead of taking a victory lap. The reason for Rivera’s quote is he is the de factor voice of the organization since the team hasn’t replaced president Bruce Allen.
I covered the Redskins from 2004-11 and understood how much Snyder wanted to keep the name, but the final — and biggest — turning point came Thursday when FedEx asked for change. Its founder, Fred Smith, owns a stake of the team.
Packers’ plan. In a message to season ticket holders on Friday, the Green Bay Packers said Lambeau Field’s capacity will be “significantly reduced” this year and face coverings will be required.
The Broncos are still formulating their strategy. They have communicated with season ticket holders about their options and are expected to release their plan within the next few weeks.
Footnotes. It remains interesting that Broncos safety Justin Simmons hasn’t signed his franchise tag yet. At signing, his $11.441 million salary is guaranteed. The sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term contract agreement. Signing the tag doesn’t prevent contract talks. … On Tuesday, Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles declined my interview request through his agent. On Wednesday, he tweeted a video of himself training, including dunking a basketball. It was only his second tweet of 2020. … Some in the media took glee in the preseason schedule being reduced by two games ,although nothing is official yet. Boo to them. Yes, preseason games are sloughs to watch, but it does provide valuable insight into the depth chart and helps grinding beat writers develop new story ideas. Yes, I’ll miss a full preseason. … One idea being floated is having teams travel on game-day. Bad idea. That should be avoided in case of weather and aircraft delays. Plus, the Broncos have five trips to the Eastern Time zone (Pittsburgh, New York Jets, New England, Atlanta and Carolina) and those should be Saturday trips.
