Football fans across the planet are hopeful that a 2020 season will take shape, one way or another. However, in a COVID-19 world, what that season looks like, if it happens at all, remains to be seen.
One thing that the global pandemic might do to NFL teams is test their depth. As we learn of reports from college teams, and even NFL franchises, of players testing positive for COVID-19 and facing mandatory quarantine times, we can only speculate about what could happen in a potential 2020 season. What happens if some teams face an outbreak? What teams are ready to contend with the loss of players during such a situation?
That might test the depth of NFL rosters in the season ahead.
It is certainly a dark topic to consider, but one that we are forced to confront in this new world.
NFL seasons are often struggles of attrition, and some rosters are deeper than others. Given these facts, what teams might face an uphill climb if their depth is tested?
11. Atlanta Falcons
Last year the Atlanta Falcons rode a strong second half to a 7-9 finish, which sounds disappointing until you consider the team started the 2019 campaign with a 1-7 record. Many of their flaws were on the defensive side of the ball, and their first two draft picks in 2020 reflected that fact, as they added cornerback A.J. Terrell from Clemson and defensive lineman Marlon Davidson from Auburn.
Injuries also took their toll in 2019 on both sides of the ball. Atlanta lost one of their two first-round picks from 2019 on the offensive line, when Chris Lindstrom was placed on Injured Reserve prior to their Week 2 meeting against the Philadelphia Eagles. They also lost safety Keanu Neal for the season prior to their Week 4 outing against the Tennessee Titans. Losing top-flight players is one way to test a team’s depth, and the record speaks for itself with the Falcons.
Offseason additions such as Hayden Hurst and Todd Gurley (who also has a checkered injury history) have bolstered the roster somewhat, and they still have Julio Jones, one of the game’s most dangerous receivers. But if they run into injury problems like they faced in 2019, that might put some huge hurdles in their way in a division that seems a bit tougher than it did a season ago.