1. NFL issues guidelines for players' return to facilities
It's been anticipated for some time, but NFL players and coaches now have guidelines for how they'll have to operate and conduct business when they're at their team facility under the COVID-19 restrictions.
The league issued a lengthy list of protocols, which covered everything from disinfecting their phones and keys before entering the building to configuring a locker room as best as possible to keep all players six feet apart for social distancing. Team meetings may also continue to be virtual to keep player-to-player exposure to a minimum.
Athletic training staffs have to stagger player appointments and strength and conditioning workouts are limited to a maximum of 15 players.
The league said they will have further information on testing and procedures for if a player or coach who tests positive or show symptoms of the virus, as well as protocols on team travel at a later date.
2. The art of the QB sneak
Bills QB Josh Allen does a lot of things well, but at the top of the list is his ability to convert short yardage situations by way of the quarterback sneak. According to Pro Football Focus, since 2018 no one has more quarterback sneak attempts than Allen, who has 24 over that two-season span.
More importantly, no player in the entire league has been more successful in converting them. Of his 24 attempts the last two seasons, Allen has converted an impressive 23 quarterback sneaks.
Perhaps even more surprising is that Allen has more attempts than any other player despite playing in only 11 games in 2018 due to his elbow injury. So despite the fact that he appeared in just 27 games the past two years, he's still the most frequent and most successful in converting the quarterback sneak, even when the defense knows it's coming.
3. Why analytics says Zack Moss will be productive as a rookie
A lot of NFL observers have predicted early success for Bills third-round pick Zack Moss as he enters his rookie season. Count NFL Network analytics expert, Cynthia Frelund among them.
She has Moss in her forecast for her seven most productive rookie running backs. The Utah product was seventh on the list.
Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills
Drafted: Round 3, No. 86 overall
College: Utah
With 88 forced missed tackles on rushes in 2019 (second-most in FBS, per PFF), Moss helps fortify the Bills' ground attack. The Utah back's production in 2018 and '19 show both consistency and upside, as well as pass-catching proficiency. Buffalo's strong O-line is also one with continuity from last season, which adds to the potential here and nets out in Moss being my No. 45 overall running back in PPR projections.
