The start of the 2020 NFL season has had doubters for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but so far things have been going marvelously well for the league. However, a new issue is threatening to impact the Cowboys-Rams and Cardinals-49ers games; poor air quality due to the ongoing wildfires in Northern California.
Based on reports today from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk and Mike Fisher with Sports Illustrated, both Inglewood (Rams/Chargers stadium) and Santa Clara (49ers stadium) are near dangerous air quality thresholds to hold their schedules games. While experts are currently projecting acceptable conditions for tomorrow, things could take a sudden downturn.
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In his report, Fisher suggests a range of possible adjustments to the game; changing the kickoff time, pushing the game to Monday or Tuesday, or even changing the venue entirely.
Back in May, there was talk of the Cowboys-Rams game potentially being switched to AT&T Stadium or a neutral site based on the COVID-19 numbers in California at that time. While that is no longer a concern, it is interesting that giving Dallas’ a ninth home game was on the table a few months ago.
Remember, Jerry Jones has a lot of influence with Rams ownership. He was influential in the recent moves and new stadiums for the two Los Angeles teams and the Las Vegas Raiders. Also, one of Jerry’s companies helped facilitate the naming rights for SoFi Stadium.
Obviously, getting the game relocated to Arlington, TX would be a hard sell. But if Jones and Rams’ owner Stan Kroenke have a good relationship then crazier things have happened.
After everything we’ve been through the last six months, the on-schedule start of the NFL season is a welcome sight for all football fans. We’ll continue to update you as this situation with the Cowboys’ season opener develops.
