“The dumbest thing in the history of the world” - NFL analyst tears into NFL’s solution to Damar Hamlin situation
When Damar Hamlin collapsed in the regular season Monday Night Football finale, the safety's health became the primary concern for pundits, fans, schedule makers, and teams. However, as Hamlin's health has only become more stable, the league has become more focused on the state of the ongoing season.
Put simply, one NFL analyst is unhappy with the move made by the league to fix the home-field advantage problem left in the wake of Damar Hamlin's recovery. Speaking on First Take, NFL analyst Chris Russo slammed the decision.
"The NFL with this neutral site thing, that's the dumbest thing in the history of the world. They did an awful, awful job, that we're doing a neutral site for the AFC championship game. Not only that, you're going to put it in a dome."
He continued, showing sympathy to the season ticket holders that this decision could affect:
"So we're going to have two outdoor teams playing in a dome and a neutral site. I've never heard of such a thing. How about the poor season ticket holders of the Chiefs or the Bills who are going to have to get through a lottery to get to the game and then fly to Atlanta to go to the football game? How about the poor fan base?"
What did the NFL decide to do with the playoffs amid Damar Hamlin's recovery?
While a long list of solutions were floated around by fans as to how to maintain the legitimacy of the season, the league ultimately decided to allow for a no-contest of the game.
Will the Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl for Damar Hamlin?
In addition, it provided steps to be taken by teams to play the game at a neutral site should the Bills or Bengals reach the AFC Championship game against a different opponent.
An amazing Damar Hamlin update. ❤️💙 https://t.co/GyP2uDQry0
Of course, for this eventuality to take place, at least one of the two teams needs to win two games over the next two weeks. This week, the Bills take on the Miami Dolphins, who will be without Tua Tagovailoa. Meanwhile, the Bengals will take on the Baltimore Ravens, who may also not have their starting quarterback.
Dolphins’ HC Mike McDaniel ruled out Tua Tagovailoa for Sunday’s game vs. Buffalo. He still has not cleared concussion protocol.
Will the neutral site plan come to pass, creating what many would call the most unorthodox penultimate game in NFL history?
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit First Take and H/T Sportskeeda.