Falcon Points
ESPN Poll says most fans favor sports with no fans. To the rest of you? Shame bell
May 7, 2020, 6:56 am
Photo by Getty Images.
So ESPN did a poll on how people feel about sports without fans. Shocker! Of those surveyed, 24 percent said no, they are against it.
Those 24 percent are what we respectfully call "dumbs." If the choice is no fans or no sports, there is no choice.
Like a lot of things in the Ronaverse, life has changed. What we consider "normal" has changed. How can anyone say they don't want sports even if fans can't attend?
The reality is, we would take what we can get. There is no perfect solution. We all want things to get back to normal as fast as possible. The problem is there is no normal anymore. And there may never be again.
Yes, the leagues will have to be safe, implement testing and all other sorts of precautions. But as fans, can we not root from TV just as hard as we do in person?
I get the need to be with people to support your team. I truly miss being in the stands for Roughneck games or UH football or basketball games. I would kill to get to see the Toronto Maple Leafs in person again or go to Regina for a Saskatchewan Rough Riders game. However, that is just not in the cards anytime soon.
But would I love to see those teams on TV? Absolutely. If we have learned anything from this mess, it is that sports is our ultimate escape. As fans, we can come together for a few hours to celebrate the wins, and vent about the horrible coaching decisions that led to losses. (Well, Texans fans can do that).
Sports might not be truly vital, but it is something that gives us a community. And as the world becomes more virtual, is it really that difficult to sit back and watch from a distance? Comment in real time on Twitter? Can we not still be a part of things?
No, it isn't perfect. But this stopped being a perfect world the day the leagues shut down. To that 24 percent, I simply believe you aren't really fans, or you are so paranoid that you believe no on should leave the house. Count me in the 76 percent; if it can be done safely, let's play games, with or without fans.
The world is changing. Let's change with it.
New direction for SportsMap
If you missed the on air announcement, Josh Jordan is now editor of SportsMap. He has been assistant editor as we have grown this site into an absolute monster. He will continue to take it to the next level. This allows me to write more, as well as focus on some new projects at Gow Media.
Josh is a sharp young man who has earned this opportunity and will do great things. I can think of no one better to take over a site we have put our hearts and souls into building. Thanks to everyone who has become part of the SportsMap community. Things only get bigger and better from here.
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The Houston Texans finalized their roster ahead of Week 1, and while some choices raised eyebrows, the moves also revealed how the front office and coaching staff plan to approach the start of the season.
On offense, the decision to keep three quarterbacks stood out. Graham Mertz’s strong showing against the Lions erased any doubt about his value, and Houston wasn’t willing to risk losing him. That left the team with extra insurance behind C.J. Stroud, even at the cost of flexibility elsewhere.
Tight end was another surprise. The Texans opted to keep only Dalton Schultz and Cade Stover, moving Irv Smith Jr. to injured reserve and releasing Harrison Bryant. Analyst John Harris noted Houston may lean on the practice squad for depth and could also experiment with six offensive linemen in heavy sets, with Cam Robinson as a candidate to fill that hybrid blocking role. However, KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson is now reporting that Bryant is re-signing with the team, and expected to be on the roster against the Rams Week 1.
The running back room was just as interesting. With Joe Mixon on the NFI list, the Texans found a way to retain depth by carrying Nick Chubb, Damien Pierce, Woody Marks, Dare Ogunbowale, and British Brooks. Brooks’ ability to contribute on special teams and line up as a fullback helped him earn a spot.
Along the offensive line, Trent Brown was a notable cut. Still recovering from a patellar tendon injury, he just wasn't healthy during camp. Aaron Wilson suggested Brown could circle back on the Texans’ practice squad.
Defensively, there were fewer surprises. C.J. Gardner-Johnson made the active roster, a signal that his recovery timeline isn’t overly concerning. If he’s not ready for Week 1, Houston can turn to MJ Stewart or shift Jalen Pitre into a safety role with Jaylin Smith sliding into nickel duties. Veteran pass rusher Denico Autry was placed on the PUP list, and while his absence will be felt early, his return could provide a valuable boost to the defensive front later in the year.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The NFL season is almost upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Texans on Tap podcast, which drops each Wednesday during the preseason! More episodes will ramp up when the regular season begins! We'll go live on YouTube after every regular-season game.
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