JC Tretter: There is no reason for us to ever return to the previous offseason program

[Ann]

 

 

How 2020 Will Shape Future NFL Seasons
 

</snip>
 

The 2020 CBA made additional changes to our work rules, but no sooner was it ratified than the pandemic immediately forced us to redesign many aspects of professional football. The COVID CBA forced significant changes, and it has shown us another way players and teams can successfully prepare for and play in the NFL.This year has brought less time at practice than ever before. We had no offseason practices, fewer training camp practices and no preseason games. While some feared that those changes would lead to a sloppy 2020 NFL season, our collective level of play across the league has actually never been higher.
 

</snip>
 

Another change that COVID-19 dictated was the elimination of offseason practices. After experiencing that change, there is no reason for us to ever return to the previous offseason program.
 

</snip>
 

We do not need to be brought in during April-June to practice against each other - it’s simply unnecessary.
 

</snip>

[Ann]

Related: 2021 Schedule Expansion: Vote Delayed on 17 Games   which is going to happen.

 

[IDBillzFan]

I think one of the interesting side effects of limited preseason practice and games is how certain teams -- the Bills being one of them -- got visibly MUCH better as the season went along. Maintaining consistent staff and players, especially line play, is suddenly more important than ever, which is interesting because I didn't think it could get more important.

 

That said, I will miss preseason games. As I've said before, preseason games are the Cinemax of porn. It's not really porn, but I'll still watch it.

[Ann]

34 minutes ago, IDBillzFan said:

I think one of the interesting side effects of limited preseason practice and games is how certain teams -- the Bills being one of them -- got visibly MUCH better as the season went along. Maintaining consistent staff and players, especially line play, is suddenly more important than ever, which is interesting because I didn't think it could get more important.

 

That said, I will miss preseason games. As I've said before, preseason games are the Cinemax of porn. It's not really porn, but I'll still watch it.

I thought the same. Teams need time to gel. And, I recall Josh and Diggs wishing they had more time together before the season started.

[Nanker]

They need two preseason games if they want to have a quality product on the field. 
 

That’s my 2cents. 
 

Edit: If they have zero preseason games, then the owners should push an 18 game schedule and shortened playoffs. 
 

That’s my hapenny. 

Edited December 31, 2020 by Nanker

[Boyst]

A union employee complaining of working hours? No way!

 

Ok, sure. Pay them less and shorten the off-season. 

 

[IDBillzFan]

2 hours ago, Ann said:

I thought the same. Teams need time to gel. And, I recall Josh and Diggs wishing they had more time together before the season started.

 

The other issue that plagued the games this year were all the muscle pulls in the early part of the season. Not a great example, but imagine if Milano's injury happened in the first preseason game, and he had three weeks to rest it before the games start to count.

 

I just remember there were an inordinate number of hammies, etc., as the season started. Stuff you see in preseason as guys get into shape. 

[Buffalo Timmy]

I am curious if they could make voluntary minicamp and pay them for it? Rookies need the training camp for sure, so I see some downside but the overall point is valid.

[KD in CA]

2 pre-season games seems logical.  Don't like zero, four is ridiculous.

 

The 3 week IR system should definitely stay.

[Alaska Darin]

As long as the BILLS have a stable front office, great coaching, and rich owners this a huge advantage for us. 

[You Dirty Rat]

The Dolphins can use the cardboard fans ??

 

 

[Big Blitz]

I'm sure the Seahawks historically bad defense from weeks 1 thru 7 disagree with this.  

 

I thought the lack of off season would impact the offenses.  Instead we had some horrific defensive play and you can't convince me it wasn't due to lack of pre season activity AND games.  

 

 

The Bills D is proof.  Terrible weeks 1 thru 7.  Got better as season went on. 

 

 

Edited January 1, 2021 by Big Blitz

[Ann]

3 hours ago, KD in CA said:

 

The 3 week IR system should definitely stay.

The best thing to come out of Covid-2020 was the 3 week IR in the NFL.

[IDBillzFan]

2 hours ago, Big Blitz said:

I'm sure the Seahawks historically bad defense from weeks 1 thru 7 disagree with this.  

 

I thought the lack of off season would impact the offenses.  Instead we had some horrific defensive play and you can't convince me it wasn't due to lack of pre season activity AND games.  

 

 

The Bills D is proof.  Terrible weeks 1 thru 7.  Got better as season went on. 

 

 

 

As evidenced by the way suddenly all QBs can have a 300-yard game this year. I listened to Bills fans cry their eyes out because Josh didn't have a 300-yard game. Suddenly, he has them all the time, and a couple of 400 yard games for the real whiners, but even Herbert had a string of 300-yard games while losing every week.