As news of a coronavirus outbreak in the Miami Marlins clubhouse dominated the world of sports on Monday morning, the NFL world wondered what it meant to their league.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson, whose team shows up for camp Tuesday, was asked about the Marlins’ outbreak and how he feels about the start of his team’s season. He found out about the Marlins. But it feels good with the protocols implemented by the NFL.
Pederson said he doesn’t ignore the reality of the situation, but that he has a positive feeling about the start of the NFL.
Doug Pederson feels good about the start of the NFL
Pederson was extremely optimistic about what will happen when his entire squad shows up for camp.
“It gives us hope. We’re excited to move on, ”Pederson said Monday morning. “We understand that the virus is real and we do everything we can to keep us safe, protecting ourselves when we are in the building, protecting our players.” It is unfortunate what has happened [with the Marlins]But we have a long set of protocols that we must adhere to. This is our new normal at the moment, working under these conditions. “
Coaches briefed the team’s facilities a while back. Pederson has seen the tests and tests that everyone with the Eagles will pass, and said he has no worries.
“I feel extremely safe,” said Pederson. “Obviously, going into this, there could have been some skepticism about the tests and the examination being done, but it’s very comprehensive.
“This is our bubble here at NovaCare [the Eagles’ facility]. I cannot control everything, we cannot control everything, there will probably be some things that will appear in the future, but right now I feel extremely safe. This is a great environment for our players to be successful. “
That does not mean that Pederson is ignoring the situation. He talked about making plans for what happens if there is a positive test, and that includes the coaching staff.
“I’ve thought about it a lot,” said Pederson. “We have to have a plan for everything.”
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said he is optimistic about the start of the NFL. (AP Photo / Charlie Neibergall)
Pederson will have a plan for the camp
Pederson cannot wait and see if there are outbreaks on his team or any other team. He should proceed as if the camp and the season will start as scheduled.
Training camp will be very different, with a three-part acceleration phase and no preseason games. The teams will have to do next month differently than they have before, and Pederson said he’s planning things like more scrimmages at camp to help replace what the team is missing without a preseason.
“I have to find ways to have game situations in practice,” said Pederson. “It can definitely be done. We will be creative about it as a staff. “
It is an unusual time for everyone. The Marlins news was a reminder of what could happen in any other sport, including the NFL. But for now, the Eagles and everyone else will report to training camp and expect the season to go as planned.
