NFL Players, Coaches Feel Game Would Be Better In 2011 Despite Lockout

No mini-camps, no OTAs, no supervised workouts, no playbooks for some and no structure at all. What in the world will the NFL look like opening week if the labor situation doesn't get settled for another 10 days or so and all that the teams will have to get ready is training camps? "You won't notice a difference," said one AFC personnel director. "Coaches are resilient. Players are resilient. In the football business, we all know how to adjust. That's what we do during games. It's always about adjustments. And that's what will happen here. The idea that the game won't look the same is foolish." Over the course of the past couple of days, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports talked to several coaches, personnel men and players to try and get a gauge for what we might expect on the field when all the court stuff and negotiations come to a resolution. Surprisingly, not one person said they thought the play would be bad and some actually said the game would be better. "We're mentally rested," said one player. "We haven't had to be at the facility all the time. We've taken trips. We've gotten away from it. It's good to get away from it. It gives you separation from the next year. It will feel more like a new season. The mental side is a big part of football. Getting away from it for everyone is a good thing. Guys will be refreshed. Coaches will be refreshed." Said the AFC personnel director: "He does have a point. This has been a strange offseason. But it has given a lot of people a chance to step away from the game some. It's actually been good in some ways." Several of the players Prisco has talked with said their bodies feel as good as they have in a long time.

Source: CBS Sports

 

I kinda understand this, but..nonetheless..it also sucks. This could let us see who truly is overrated, and who's truly a phenomenal athlete. Could be some surprises this season..and not in a good way for some teams..