Tag: changes

Thomas Morstead on adjusting life in the NFL to COVID-19 challenges

New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead is pleased with the adjustments to COVID-19 that the NFLPA won, but knows things will get tougher.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the NFL to get to work during a public health crisis, uniquely dangerous among professional sports due to football’s high-impact nature. And while he understands that not everyone is happy with the situation, New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead was glad to lend a hand during negotiations as the team’s NFL Players Association representative.

“Look, I’m personally thrilled with where we ended up,” Morstead said during a recent media conference call. “I know there are always going to be people that don’t agree with what the end result is. For players that want to opt out, they have that right. We’ve tried to provide the ability for someone to do that if they feel like that is the right decision for them and that family, but also at the same time, I think it is important that players don’t knock other players that decide they want to play, they want to take on the risk.”

So far, just two of Morstead’s Saints teammates have opted out of the 2020 season due to health concerns (backup tight ends Cole Wick and Jason Vander Laan). But with the NFL deadline to opt out rapidly approaching at 3 p.m. CT on Thursday, Aug. 6, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if more players decide it’s best to wait until 2021.

As for the changes to his daily grind: Morstead says he honestly hasn’t noticed much disruption to his routine, with most of the hassle put on those around him. And he’s careful to recognize the work others do to support him.

“I don’t know that there has been a tough adjustment (for me). I think the tough adjustment is in all the staff, it’s all of the trainers,” Morstead continued. “I think for us (players), it’s just wear the mask and socially distance yourself when you’re able to do that. I don’t sense my day has gotten more strenuous or tougher to do. I still can do everything I need to do. Be mindful of a few things, but it’s really, I’d say that the burden is on the staff and the people that are assisting us and so we’re really appreciative of that.”

When asked whether he’s confident the NFL can pull off the upcoming season as things currently stand, Morstead replied, “That’s above my paygrade. All I know is that we’ve done everything we can to provide as safe a working environment as possible. I don’t think anybody’s under the delusion that people aren’t going to get COVID. The idea with the testing is that we’re hopefully going to catch it before guys have a chance to spread it.”

That’s been the same line from Saints coach Sean Payton, who has stressed that the goal isn’t to prevent infections altogether — that’s inevitable in a contact sport where people are lined up, shoulder-to-shoulder and breathing on each other three or four hours. As Payton explained it, and to which Morstead agrees, all of their efforts are about mitigating risk as much as possible.

To help, the Saints bought out four floors of rooms at a French Quarter hotel, where they plan to house players, coaches, and other employees throughout training camp. Morstead plans to stay there as often as possible, but with a family of four school-aged children at home for his wife to contend with, he isn’t sure how often he can stay away from the house. Just like everyone else, he’s making the best that he can of a difficult situation.

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Saints training camp: Rookies, veteran players testing for COVID-19 soon

The New Orleans Saints will test rookies for COVID-19 coronavirus infections on July 27 and veterans on July 28, just before training camp.

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The NFL and the NFL Players Association have each approved adjustment plans to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic, so both sides are moving full-steam ahead into training camp.

That extends to the New Orleans Saints. The Saints will test rookie players (on Monday, July 27) and veterans (on Tuesday, July 28) for infections in the days ahead, which was reported by NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill and confirmed by Nola.com’s Amie Just. Players must receive two negative test results before they will be admitted to the team practice facility, per new NFL rules.

It’s the next hurdle between now and the start of Saints training camp, which was originally scheduled to kick off on July 28. But the pandemic has again changed the NFL’s offseason calendar, including the cancellation of 2020 preseason games. Teams will spend the next several weeks putting players through strength and conditioning programs while preparing for training camp, which likely won’t resemble its old self until mid-August.

So prepare now for more of the same, strange offseason we’ve seen so far. With coronavirus cases still surging around the country, the NFL won’t settle into its usual rhythm for quite some time. At least every day takes us one step closer to the season-opener between the Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 13.

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NFL bans postgame jersey swaps due to COVID-19

New Orleans Saints players will be unable to swap jerseys or handshakes with their opponents around the NFL due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Many New Orleans Saints players have made a tradition of exchanging jerseys with their opponents and peers across the league after games, but that won’t be an option in 2020. The NFL is outlawing postgame jersey swaps in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic, as well as any other interactions between opposing teams following the final whistle. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported the news, adding that other precautions like on-field fan appearances and postgame locker room interviews will be prohibited.

It’s a jarring move considering that these same players will be running into each other for hours during the games themselves. Cameron Jordan will spend all afternoon chasing Teddy Bridgewater around in the backfield, but he won’t be allowed to shake hands and offer a “Good game,” once it’s over. While the NFL should be adopting an abundance of caution — coronavirus infections are inevitable in this team-based, high-contact sport — this kind of sends a confusing message. If it’s too dangerous for players to interact after games, doesn’t that mean they shouldn’t be together in the first place?

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Report: NFL, NFLPA considering abbreviated 2020 preseason

The NFL and the NFL Players Association are considering a shortened 2020 preseason game schedule in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

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The New Orleans Saints are currently scheduled for their usual four-game preseason series, but a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero suggests decision-makers at the league offices and the NFL Players Association could agree on an abbreviated exhibition slate.

Threat of the novel coronavirus pandemic has already caused NFL teams to work from home and canceled joint practices between squads, and further adjustments should be expected as the summer draws on. While the league issued guidelines for individual team facilities to reopen, the Saints plan to wait it out until training camp.

NFL preseason games are lightly attended even in normal years, so limiting the number of contests — and cross-country travel — between teams might result in a lighter loss of revenue than regular season changes. It would also buy more time for team medical staff to develop gameday protocols and precautions.

Right now, the Saints are scheduled to visit the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers (in a nationally-broadcast game) in the first two weeks of the preseason, with a home stand against the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins during the final two weeks. There’s quite a bit of internal debate and haggling between NFL ownership and the players union before any changes are made, but this is very much a situation to monitor in the weeks ahead.

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6 things Chiefs fans need to know about the new CBA

A summary of CBA changes that could directly impact the Kansas City Chiefs.

The NFL and NFLPA have come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) ahead of the start of the 2020 NFL season.

We’ve heard about the contentious negotiations between both sides and things have been rather stagnant while the debate over a new CBA has been ongoing. Now that there is an agreement, fans should be some action ahead of the new league year.

What does the new CBA mean for the Kansas City Chiefs? You can find a summary of changes to the CBA here. Here are six things that Chiefs fans should know about the new CBA:

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

New playoff system hurt and helps Kansas City

The new CBA includes an expanded playoff field and some new changes that hurt and help Kansas City.

Beginning in 2020 there will be an increase to seven teams from each conference that make the playoffs. The new format would add an extra game for each conference during the wild-card weekend, with the No. 7 seeded team playing the No. 2 seed. This means that only the No. 1 seed will receive a first-round bye week, placing an increased emphasis on landing the No. 1 seed in your respective conference. The Chiefs would have played on wild-card weekend in 2019 under the new playoff rules.

In the last decade, this type of playoff expansion wouldn’t have earned the Chiefs any extra playoff appearances. Now that Kansas City has finally become a perennial playoff winner, things are becoming more difficult in terms of securing a bye week and an easier path to the Super Bowl. At the same time, it’s hard to imagine this team missing the playoffs often with this new system.

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NFLPA ratifies new CBA in narrow vote; how Saints are affected

The New Orleans Saints and every NFL team are affected by the NFL Players Association vote to approve a new collective bargaining agreement.

The NFL Players Association voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement on Saturday night, with the final tally clocking in at 1,019 votes for approval against 959 votes to decline — a margin of just 60 votes, or about 2% of union membership. Because this CBA proposal was already confirmed by NFL ownership, it will go into effect immediately and is expected to run through the next decade. And it’s introducing many new changes and challenges for every team, including the New Orleans Saints.

First and foremost: the new CBA removes the one-year 30% rule, which would have severely hamstrung the Saints’ usual contract structure strategies. Now that the 30% rule is abolished, the Saints can finalize contract extensions with pending free agents like Drew Brees — who may be up for accepting another below-market deal. They will also begin to negotiate in earnest with the rest of their 27 players set to test the open market.

Minimum salaries will be given a pay raise, and the NFL salary cap is expected to rise dramatically in future offseasons. Rosters will increase from 53 players to 55, and require just five inactive players on game days. Practice squads will also grow to 12 members per team.

Beyond those immediate concerns: the NFL regular season will be extended to 17 games, with just three preseason exhibition games, no sooner than the 2021 season. The playoffs will also be expanded with seven teams representing each conference, and just the top-seeded team earning a first-round bye week.

So how will the Saints respond to this? We might finally see some movement from them in regards to re-signing their own players, especially with the start of the new league year around the corner. But Saints coach Sean Payton anticipates that date to be moved back in response to the coronavirus spreading nationally, though the NFL has not yet made a decision. So check back soon for updates.

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Saints issue statement on response to COVID-19 coronavirus concerns

The New Orleans Saints are among NFL teams responding to the COVID-19 coronavirus, limiting travel and encouraging staff to work remotely.

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New Orleans Saints vice president of communications Greg Bensel released a statement to the local media on Thursday regarding growing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus spreading throughout the nation and the world.

Bensel, who also represents the New Orleans Pelicans, wrote that, “Our leadership team has been very engaged with the NFL and NBA regarding COVID-19.” The NBA suspended its 2019-2020 season on Wednesday after a player tested positive for the coronavirus, which has claimed hundreds of lives abroad. It’s very much a situation worth taking seriously, and Bensel made it clear that the Saints are taking appropriate measures in dealing with the still-growing public health crisis.

In his statement, Bensel explained that the Saints will continue forwards with business as usual, but they are allowing staff to work remotely, away from the team practice facility. That extends to coaches and scouts who have been touring the college pro day circuit ahead of next month’s NFL draft, with certain travel restrictions enacted with the goal of keeping staff safe.

However, Bensel also noted that is very much a developing situation, and further changes may be needed if and when necessary. So watch this space and check back for updates, and take precautions to keep yourself and those close to you safe from infection.

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Tom Herman Announces Position Changes for the 2020 Season

Tom Herman announced position changes for the 2020 season. Significant on both offense and defense, they will impact UT big time next year.

In his first time talking to the media since wrapping up the 2020 recruiting class and completing his coaching staff, Tom Herman spoke about both sides of the ball. When asked about players moving positions, Herman named seven different players that will be in new spots next season.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are a few changes starting with Anthony Cook. The junior will be the nickel corner, coming in to give the defense five defensive backs. In 18 career games for the Longhorns, he has made five starts, with his best moment coming in this year’s Red River Shootout, causing a fumble from Jalen Hurts.

The biggest jump will be former defensive back DeMarvion Overshown moving to the linebacker position. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 210 pounds, Overshown has the size to play the position. Herman said he is “excited” about the switch.

Alamo Bowl MVP Joseph Ossai will be moving to the jack position with Byron Vaughns, primarily rushing the passer. That was a huge problem for Texas last season, being in the bottom half of the Big 12 in sacks. Ossai proved against Utah how disruptive in the backfield he can be, totaling three sacks and six tackles for loss. Vaughns, who will be a redshirt sophomore, only played in six games last season, securing 12 tackles.

Flipping over to offense, there are some significant changes that have the chance to make the Longhorn offense even better than it was last season. Beginning with former five-star prospect Jordan Whittington, he will be playing slot receiver, a move that has been anticipated. His athletic ability gives him the option to play anywhere on the field, but a loaded running back room makes it too difficult to get him touches.

Part of the reason the backfield will be so crowded next season will be because former third-string quarterback Roschon Johnson will be sticking to running back going forward. Making the move last season after the position was thin, he played at a high level. Rushing for 649 yards and seven touchdowns, Johnson will now be competing with junior Keaontay Ingram and true freshman Bijan Robinson for snaps.

Another significant move for the offense is Malcolm Epps moving to tight end. It was a position that produced nearly nothing last season, with Cade Brewer having 11 catches for 159 yards. While Brewer will be returning in 2020, he will now have another body competing for his spot. Epps is a huge 6 feet 5 inches that has the chance to be a big target for Ehlinger next season.

Each change will bring a dynamic change to both sides of the ball for Texas next season. With new offensive coordinator Mike Yurich and new defensive coordinator Chris Ash, it will be their responsibility to make sure the players produce. If they can, the Longhorns will be one of the best teams in the Big 12 next season.

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Former Saints CB Jabari Greer shares his thoughts on always-evolving offense

Jabari Greer practiced against the New Orleans Saints offense every day for almost four years, and he’s noticed changes in today’s team.

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Jabari Greer was one of the unsung heroes of the 2009 New Orleans Saints squad, which won Super Bowl XLIV and brought the city its first Lombardi Trophy. The veteran cornerback started several years for New Orleans and consistently manned up against the best receivers in the league.

His playing career ended with a torn ACL, but Greer has found success in covering NFL games in Canada for TSN and contributing to the SEC Network as a college football analyst, a role he’s enjoyed as a proud Tennessee Volunteers alum.

When prompted by a fan to discuss the changes in the 2019 Saints offense against the unit Greer played alongside from 2009 to 2013, Greer acknowledged the differences seen today while praising Saints coach Sean Payton and his staff for creatively working with the personnel they have, and not trying to put players in positions they aren’t suited for.

“Great question! I believe the Saints have adjusted their offense based on the personnel they have available, and not draft based on the system that is in place,” Greer wrote from his official Twitter account. “That is good coaching! Humbly asking ‘Who do we have, and how can we make ‘em shine.'”

A great illustration of Greer’s point would be Taysom Hill. Nominally a quarterback, the Saints have developed Hill’s positional versatility to a point where he’s scoring multiple touchdowns (both on the ground and through the air) while making an impact on special teams with blocked punts, all in the same game.

Obviously it would be great if the Saints had the personnel to where Payton doesn’t have to scheme up so much smoke and so many mirrors. If they had, for example, another wide receiver to make plays opposite Michael Thomas then things would be going much more smoothly — but their best options, Ted Ginn Jr. and Tre’Quan Smith, have caught just 38% of their targets since the bye week.

The Saints will have opportunities to improve that position group in the offseason. But for now, it’s like Greer said — good coaching and creative adjustments to personnel are helping the Saints win the day, week in and week out.

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