NEWSLETTER
Seeing that “bubble” postseason formats have worked well for the NBA and NHL to this point, it makes sense that MLB has also reportedly kicked around the idea.
And perhaps the NFL isn’t too far behind:
Saints’ HC Sean Payton recommended using a postseason bubble on a recent competition committee call, and the NFL isn’t ruling it out. “All options are on the table,” said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 19, 2020
The NFL isn’t ruling out using a “bubble” format for this upcoming postseason. And that the recommendation came from Saints Head Coach Sean Payton is no small matter. Because Payton isn’t just one of the league’s most accomplished head coaches. He is also on the league’s competition committee. So perhaps Payton’s proposal could carry some additional weight. And even though a playoff bubble would need NFLPA approval, NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo tweets the players’ union has already considered the idea. That’s certainly forward-thinking.
A bubble concept for the regular season didn’t pick up much steam this offseason. But some teams (most notably, the Cowboys and Saints) have created pseudo-bubbles for the summer. Breaking bubbles has consequences. Look no further than the Seahawks rookie cornerback who was cut after being caught trying to sneak a woman into the team’s hotel. I imagine a postseason bubble would feature a similar protocol. Moreover, I think it would be easier to pitch a playoff bubble with 14 teams than a 32-team bubble for an entire season. It’s tough to envision teams giving up home playoff games come January. Then again, there might not be a choice in the matter.
Trying to figure out where the league (let alone the country) will be when January rolls around is exhausting. So I’m not ready to do a deep dive on what a playoff bubble could look like or where it could take place. However, it’s encouraging that the league is considering a bubble option. In the end, it will probably be awhile until the NFL decides what to do for its postseason. But at least discussions are being had regarding contingency plans.
