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THREAD: With what's happening in MLB, wouldn't it be wise for the NFL to delay the season & do regional bubbles?
Might seem tough to execute given the number of players, staff, etc. However, the NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, etc. have shown that money & resources can pull it off.
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Might seem tough to execute given the number of players, staff, etc. However, the NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, etc. have shown that money & resources can pull it off.
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The NFL could have players report to their respective bubbles in early October, allowing for adequate testing and quarantining. There could be intersquad scrimmages later in the month. The season could kick off on Nov. 5, with the first Sunday slate on Nov. 8.
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Here is an example of four eight-team regions:
North Region: CHI, GB, MN, DET, IND, CLE, CIN, TEN
South Region: DAL, HOU, NO, ATL, TB, JAX, MIA, CAR
East Region: NYG, NYJ, PHI, WAS, BAL, PIT, BUF, NE
West Region: LAC, LAR, OAK, SF, SEA, AZ, DEN, KC
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North Region: CHI, GB, MN, DET, IND, CLE, CIN, TEN
South Region: DAL, HOU, NO, ATL, TB, JAX, MIA, CAR
East Region: NYG, NYJ, PHI, WAS, BAL, PIT, BUF, NE
West Region: LAC, LAR, OAK, SF, SEA, AZ, DEN, KC
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So how do the regional bubbles work? Each region would have a host city w/ multiple hotels to lodge players/staff. Each city would have to be located w/in a 50-mile radius of at least two fields to bus teams adequately. The fields don't have to be massive. Remember: No fans.
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With eight teams in a region, having two fields works. Kick-off times would have to be adjusted. Maybe 1 ET slate moves to 11:30 ET and 3 ET slate moves to 3:45 ET so crews have time sanitize areas between games. Also, OT can be replaced w/ ties to avoid potential overlap.
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If the NFL uses similar protocols as the NBA & NHL bubbles, you could host in large cities like Chicago (north), Dallas (south), Philly (east), LA (west).
Again, strict measures for leaving and reenter the bubble are crucial, especially if a city is in or near a hotbed.
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Again, strict measures for leaving and reenter the bubble are crucial, especially if a city is in or near a hotbed.
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What about season length? While playing a full season is doable, asking everyone to be in a bubble that long seems too draining.
Instead, reduce the season to eight games in nine weeks. Each regional team plays each other once. Season ends on Jan. 3 as originally planned.
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Instead, reduce the season to eight games in nine weeks. Each regional team plays each other once. Season ends on Jan. 3 as originally planned.
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Now, what about the playoffs? You'd have to get creative. Maybe the North/West and South/East share a conference for the post-season. Rounds one and two could be a regional playoff where each regions top four teams play each other.
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The round-one winners advance to round two to crown a regional champs. Each regional champ then advances to a conference championship to decide who squares off in the Super Bowl.
In this scenario, air travel won't come into play until the conference championship and SB.
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In this scenario, air travel won't come into play until the conference championship and SB.
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Yes. It's unconventional & not finite. A lot will need to be collectively bargained (schedule, playoffs, etc.). However, we're in unprecedented times. Having a season potentially halted or seeing players and staffs be put at risk would be worse than changing the format.
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Since I took the time to think and write all this, might as well tag some folks who could be interested. They could expand on the idea. @AdamHoge @adamjahns @thekapman @WaddleandSilvy @TWaddle87 @AdamAAbdalla @CEmma670 @chrisbleck @RapSheet @AdamSchefter @AaronLemingNFL @NFL
