The Pandemic Effect: 5 teams that are affected the most by COVID-19
With the 2020 NFL season getting closer and closer, there is no question that this season is going to be different from the norm, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The preseason will be shortened, practices are going to be different, and there probably will not be fans in most stadiums, at least to start. Let’s dive into the five teams that will be affected the most by the pandemic-plagued season.
Chicago Bears
After a 12-4 finish and a division title in 2018, the Chicago Bears regressed in 2019, going 8-8 and missing the playoffs. This offseason, the Bears traded for QB Nick Foles to join QB Mitch Trubisky in the quarterback room. This will create a competition, with a massive unknown on who is going to win the job. With the pandemic hovering over our heads, the NFL has decided to move the preseason to only two games rather than four. There are some rumors that this may get bumped down to zero depending on the NFL and the NFLPA’s agreement. If there are no preseason games, Matt Nagy is going to have an extremely tough time penciling in a starting quarterback for the 2020 season. Can it work out? Of course it could, but a wrong decision could result in an awful season for the Bears.
Minnesota Vikings
Staying in the NFC North, we have the Minnesota Vikings. Unlike Chicago, the Vikings have a clear-cut starting QB in Kirk Cousins. The biggest hurdle to clear will be the fact that their offensive coordinator in 2019, Kevin Stefanski, is now the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Gary Kubiak is going to replace him in 2020. What is going to make this so difficult is that Kubiak must install his system in a very minimal amount of time. Add to this the trade of WR Stefon Diggs and the holdout of RB Dalvin Cook, and the Vikings will have to be quick learners if they want to be successful in 2020.
Denver Broncos
Going into 2020, there are a lot of people that have big expectations for the Denver Broncos. QB Drew Lock showed a lot of promise in 2019 and Denver did not fail to add pieces on the offensive side of the ball, drafting receivers K.J. Hamler and Jerry Jeudy to line up alongside Courtland Sutton while also signing RB Melvin Gordon to team up with fellow running mate Phillip Lindsay. The defense also got stronger and healthier, adding CB A.J. Buoye and DT Jurrell Casey. Despite all of this, there are a lot of new pieces, and a lot of people that need to learn the schemes of the Denver Broncos. There is also a lot being put on a relatively untested quarterback in Lock. The potential and expectations for the Broncos are deserved, but there are a few obstacles to clear to succeed in 2020.
New England Patriots
It is crazy to think that the New England Patriots could ever have any sort of issues getting a team ready, but without Tom Brady, New England is in a bit of a QB limbo. They have the young Jarrett Stidham, who was pegged as the starter… until the Patriots made a splash and signed Cam Newton to a one-year deal. While Newton will likely be the starter, there is no guarantee, and the preseason could have proven to be particularly important for Newton’s case. New England is known for finding no-name guys that can make an impact, but without a full preseason and limited practice time, it is going to be tough to find a diamond in the rough. I expect Belichick to figure this out, but the effect will be noticeable in 2020 for the New England Patriots.
Seattle Seahawks
Year in and year out, the Seattle Seahawks are one of the more consistent teams in the NFC, but 2020 may show some problems for them. The way the team is constructed is mediocre at best outside of Russell Wilson. Another reason for their success is the “12th man,” which is the crowd in Seattle. They are one of the loudest crowds in the NFL, and have a big impact on Seattle’s success. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are probably not going to be fans in the stands, eliminating Seattle’s advantage. Pete Carroll’s crew is going to have to adjust in 2020, and it may be a little tougher than usual.
Writer