There are a number of ways this lockout will have affected the season once all is said and done. We won't really know until the dust settles but I do have a few thoughts.
NFL Football: I believe the overall product on the field will suffer and this could be one of the worst seasons of play we have seen in a long time. New players will not have time to learn the playbook and develop timing with team mates. Rookies will be lost and only the best will be able to offer any significant contribution, especially during the first half of the season.
NFL Players: Players will not be in "football shape" and will have little time to get there. Team workouts may have helped some but mostly on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively they were worth little as there is no contact. I do believe there will be a lot of injuries and hamstrings will be pulled far and wide.
NFL Coaches: Who's on first, and which way did they go? Better stock up on No-Doze. First you have three days to sign your players, then the tornado of free agency starts for real. Who is unsigned? How much money can we spend? How much do we have to spend with the new cap rules? Quick lets get to training camp so we can see what we have. Not much time to evaluate the players, who to cut and who to keep .... how smart is your coach? How good of a decision maker? Coaches on the hot seat are in a real tough spot. It's a bad year to save your job. It's also a tough year for new coaches and QB's to prove themselves.
NFL Teams: The solid teams will of course remain solid. Those with stable schemes, coaches, QB's, etc. The Steelers, Patriots, Colts, etc. Who might struggle? It will be interesting to see if the lack of team workouts affects the Packers as they were the only team to not have any. The 49'ers are learning a new offence this year. The Bengals look to be going with their rookie QB as their starter as well as a number of other teams. Teams that have new coaches and or coordinators include: The 49'ers, Browns, Broncos, Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders and Titans. Change is hard, especially in a shortened season.
Sports Analysts: Thank God they'll finally have something to talk about.
Fans: Let Fantasy Football, football pools, water cooler chatter, message boards, Twitter and the party planning begin! We have been counting the days and suffering every time someone says "The lockout will be over by ...... " Yeah, right.
One more thing owners. Pay back all those salaries you held back from your administrative, clerical and plant staff. Now please! They didn't ask for any of this. Also hire back any laid off employees.
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