Why Are NFL Games Postponed?
Contents
The NFL has had to postpone several games this season due to Covid-19. Here’s a look at why that is and what it means for the league.
Reasons for Postponement
There can be many reasons why an NFL game would be postponed. For example, if there is a major weather event like a hurricane, the game will be rescheduled. Other reasons can include player safety concerns, stadium damage, or even a global pandemic. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why NFL games are postponed.
Weather Conditions
One of the most common reasons for postponing or cancelling an NFL game is due to severe weather conditions. In order for a game to be played, the field must be able to support the weight of the players and the equipment, as well as provide a safe playing surface. If the field is too wet, it can cause players to slip and fall, which can lead to serious injuries. If the field is covered in snow or ice, it can also make it difficult for players to move around and stay balanced. In extreme cases, high winds can even cause damage to the stadium itself.
Field Conditions
Heavy rain, snow, and ice are the most common reasons for NFL games to be postponed. If the field is deemed unplayable or unsafe for the players, then the game will be rescheduled. Sometimes, games are postponed due to severe weather conditions that are forecasted to occur during or after the game. In these cases, rescheduling the game provides a better and safer experience for both the fans and the players.
Other reasons for postponement include power outages and fire damage. If a stadium loses power, it can impact the game day experience for both the fans and players. Fire damage can also make a stadium unsafe for use. In these cases, it is necessary to postpone the game until repairs can be made.
COVID-19
The NFL has postponed several games in the 2020 season due to positive coronavirus tests among players and team personnel. The most recent postponement came on Sunday, when the league announced that the New England Patriots-Denver Broncos game scheduled for Monday night would be moved to Tuesday afternoon.
The postponements are a result of the league’s COVID-19 protocols, which mandate that a game be postponed if either team has had a player or staff member test positive for the virus within the past five days.
The NFL has been relatively successful in preventing widespread outbreaks of the virus among teams, but a number of players and personnel have tested positive in recent weeks. The league has also been forced to make other schedule changes due to positive tests, including rescheduling two games that were originally supposed to be played in Week 4.
The postponements come as the NFL is facing increased scrutiny over its handling of the pandemic, including its decision to allow players to opt out of the season if they did not feel comfortable playing. Several high-profile players have chosen to sit out the season, including New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald.
Impact of Postponement
Games are postponed for a variety of reasons, the main one being player and staff safety. Other reasons can include weather conditions or venue availability. When a game is postponed, it is rescheduled for a later date. This can have a major impact on the NFL schedule.
On the Teams
The postponement of an NFL game due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances can have a significant impact on the team’s preparation and game-planning for the following week. The most obvious impact is that the team must change its practice schedule to accommodate the new game date. This can be a challenge for the coaching staff, as they must adapt their game plan to account for any changes in the opponent’s personnel or scheme that may have occurred in the intervening time period. Additionally, the team may be forced to play on short rest if the postponed game is rescheduled for midweek, which can further complicate preparation. In some cases, teams have been known to “simulate” a postponement by cancelling practices and meetings leading up to a bye week or other extended break in order to gain an extra week of rest and preparation.
On the Fans
Fans of the game can be greatly disappointed when their teams game is postponed. This can occur for a variety of reasons including weather, field conditions, power outages, or player safety. Some fans may not be able to attend the rescheduled game, while others may not be able to afford it. There can also be a lot of inconvenience involved in trying to rearrange schedules.
On the League
The NFL is America’s most popular sport, and postponing games due to Covid-19 has had a major impact on the league. The 2020 season has been plagued by postponements, with several games being moved or rescheduled due to positive tests within team organizations. This has caused a domino effect, with other games being impacted as a result. The situation has been fluid, and the league has had to be flexible in order to keep the season going.
The postponements have also had an impact on the league’s TV schedule. networks have had to adjust their programming on short notice, and some games have been moved to different days or time slots. This has led to lower TV ratings for some games, as viewers are not able to watch them at their usual time.
The NFL is not the only sport that has been impacted by Covid-19 postponements. Major League Baseball, the NBA, and NHL have all seen games postponed due to the pandemic. However, the NFL is the only league that has had to reschedule an entire week of games due to Covid-19.
While the NFL has faced some challenges due to postponements, it has shown that it is willing and able to adapt in order to keep the season going. The league has been praised for its handling of the situation, and fans are hopeful that there will be no further delays or disruptions.
