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The novel coronavirus pandemic has already shifted the NFL’s offseason calendar, and more changes seem inevitable. One significant difference for the 2020 season would be games played in stadiums with fewer fans — if any at all, which would be a big hit to teams reliant on their home-field advantage like the New Orleans Saints.
But all-star defensive end Cameron Jordan isn’t buying that narrative. He’s ready to play anywhere, anytime, even if he will admit that a quieter Mercedes-Benz Superdome would feel, well, awkward. While he’s hopeful to play games in front of a supportive crowd, he’s acutely aware of how public health concerns must be the top priority.
Jordan commented on the situation after a recent event in which he gifted $25,000 in computers to underserved New Orleans schoolchildren. He said, “That Dome Field advantage is real. When Who Dat Nation fills in that entire stadium, those are chills right there. That’s the advantage you feel.”
The Superdome has played host to some of the NFL’s highest-scoring games, with Drew Brees conducting Sean Payton’s offense to peak efficiency over the last decade-and-a-half. But Jordan’s defense has stolen the show in recent years, feeding off the crowd noise and putting pressure on opponents.
Playing without that backing would hurt, but Jordan is confident that the Saints will overcome it. He pointed to the lackluster showing by opposing fans for Saints road games as preparation for these sort of circumstances.
“Now we’re just going to know that everyone is tuned in on TV, I guess? I don’t know. To have to treat a home game like an away game? Awkward,” Jordan continued, “It’ll be like playing in Atlanta or something.”
That’s some nice fuel to add to the fire for the always-heated Saints-Falcons rivalry. Maybe Atlanta will make it competitive this year.
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