The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has thrown the professional sports world for a loop as leagues are unsure whether or not they will be able to play for the remainder of the year. Social distancing and safer at home protocols are still being enforced, meaning things are still ways away from being resolved.
The NBA was the first major American league to put its season on hiatus, while the MLB delayed the start of their season due to the coronavirus. The NFL, meanwhile, was still able to have their free agency and draft, but it is looking like the 2020 NFL season is in real jeopardy of being postponed as well.
Team visits for free agents were cancelled, while the 2020 NFL Draft was held virtually to much success. Now, virtual offseason programs are being implemented as a substitute for gearing up for the upcoming season.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Josh Reynolds admitted the online meetings present challenges for the players but still remained optimistic, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“It’s just gonna be a little tough with some guys that are more active learners that need to be on the field to learn it and have it stick in their minds and stuff,” Reynolds said. “But I think ultimately it gives guys a new way to study and learn different things.”
Reynolds also found some enjoyment in a technical difficulty that resulted in a loss of audio:
“The whole time, we were all trying to hear each other,” Reynolds said, laughing. “It was definitely interesting, but good to see everybody’s face.”
This is the new reality for the Rams and the rest of the NFL as teams have no choice but to conduct their business via webcam and hope that the players are holding themselves and each other accountable to get their workouts in and properly prepare for a season that may or may not happen.
The Rams were already facing an uphill battle prior to the outbreak as they experienced major turnover both from a roster and coaching perspective, but now must find ways to be productive without the luxury of their team facility. As Reynolds said, certain players may struggle learning without in-person instruction, but currently have no choice but to adjust given the circumstances.
Los Angeles has more work to do than most as they need to integrate new concepts and schemes at all three levels of the field, so hopefully the virtual offseason program will serve its purpose.
