NFL
Biggest Takeaways of the NFL Canceling the Preseason
Breaking down the top takeaways that will come with the NFL not having any preseason games in 2020
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The NFL has decided that participating in the preseason is not worth the risk as they try to prioritize starting the season on time. Although it’s the right decision with the circumstances the league and society is currently dealing with, this is a major hit to multiple parties across the NFL as players undergo a new process no one is accustomed to. With each team now dealing with less time and opportunities to evaluate their potential NFL roster for the season, fans could see a plethora of ripple effects that could change the game in 2020.
UPDATE: The 2020 NFL preseason has officially been canceled as teams will strictly have training camps before the regular season begins, currently scheduled for September 10 pic.twitter.com/Tjf4vpn17l
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 22, 2020
I mentioned three areas that will be most affected.
— John Williams (@john9williams) July 21, 2020
Coaching Communication.
Reps against players that aren’t your own.
Roster/position battles favoring veterans. https://t.co/1ANALuQYL9
Rookies are at a major disadvantage as they lose a pivotal offseason to not only learn the playbook hands-on but to get accompanied with the NFL lifestyle. With the loss of OTA’s, the preseason, and many more offseason activities, rookies have to catch up to speed quick and can’t afford to have mental mistakes. There’s a high chance there will be a lot more busts from the 2020 NFL draft due to these players potentially losing traction if they can’t crack a role as a rookie.
I’d never have made the practice squad as a rookie if the current plan for NFL training camps is approved. It destroys any chance young players will be ready to play. It’s brutal on late round picks and UDFA… https://t.co/ZtR4twrCxv
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) July 21, 2020
The NFL has decided to go with 80 players instead of 90 for training camps, eliminating 320 chances for UDFAs to show their talent. Undrafted free agents have a short leash and a steep hill to climb to make an NFL roster. With all 32 franchises deeming these players as ‘not worthy of being drafted’ to the NFL’s standards, these players typically have one shot to prove their worth and that all begins in their rookie year preseason. The preseason and fall camp is used to evaluate potential fits and to evaluate how players can thrive in certain situations, which could possibly be enough to earn them a spot on the 53-man roster. Without this key time to showcase their abilities, plenty of NFL teams are going to roll with seasoned NFL players compared to unheralded rookies.
Why the lack of preseason games could cause some unique problems for the Browns
— The Athletic Cleveland / Columbus (@TheAthleticCLE) July 22, 2020
With a young roster and a number of new coaches in the mix, Cleveland's decision-makers will have a lot on their plates this summer.@AkronJackson explains: https://t.co/7sPcFU3OlP pic.twitter.com/SASQVhzyBd
Every time a new coach or coordinator is hired, there’s going to be nuances implemented on that associated side of the ball. Sometimes, new coaches want to implement complete scheme changes, whereas now these coaches have a clear disadvantage as they attempt to teach and install packages through nothing but technological devices. There’s a massive difference between seeing something on a board compared to physically going out and experiencing in-person repetitions. New coaches and players will need a close-knit type of bond already to catch up to the continuity and chemistry other established teams have as they could be light-years ahead.
I think we’d see way more season-ending injuries without a preseason IMO
— Cameron Magruder (@ScooterMagruder) July 20, 2020
There is no substitute for live football
Let’s see how it plays out though
Without a preseason or even joint practices, NFL teams will have no choice but to face off amongst each other to get prepared for the season. Although coaches hate making players scrimmage often, it’s almost a necessity for athletes to get their juices going as they can’t go into the season without getting any live reps. While this should help limit injuries before the season starts, but those first four weeks could be riddled with players going down as their bodies try to adapt to a whole new level of game speed, cuts, and taking hits.
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