49ers veteran doesn't like one result of the 2023 schedule release
The NFL made it clear there were plenty of changes coming to the 2023 version of the schedule release. Certain changes included the first-ever Black Friday matchup, the option of playing multiple (or zero) Thursday night games, as well as other items. Unfortunately for the San Francisco 49ers, they are one of the teams subjected […]
The NFL made it clear there were plenty of changes coming to the 2023 version of the schedule release. Certain changes included the first-ever Black Friday matchup, the option of playing multiple (or zero) Thursday night games, as well as other items.
Unfortunately for the San Francisco 49ers, they are one of the teams subjected to playing multiple Thursday night matchups in 2023.
And naturally, one of their veteran players, long snapper Taybor Pepper, raised an eyebrow or two when the announcement was made.
Granted, the second Thursday night matchup is on Thanksgiving and there have been teams that have played multiple Thursday night contests in one season. So, the 49ers aren't falling victim to the new rule like the Kansas City Chiefs are, for example. But, still, having to play two Thursday night games is a major strain on players, as Pepper later noted:
He's right, too. Thursday night games are easily at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to the quality of the product put on the field. The short turnaround from the previous week's game and a drastically reduced practice schedule (the teams don't even hold traditional practice, just walkthroughs) are just two of many factors that lower the bar.
It's what makes the NFL's decision to bend over to Amazon that much more frustrating. If the majority of these games were actually good, then sure, it would at least make some sense. But, to further risk players' collective health for a crappier product isn't the way to go. Especially when considering the Thursday rule change is to get more of the top teams on Thursday night. So, the NFL is putting players like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, etc. -ya know, the future of the league- even more in harm's way just to pander and cater to Jeff Bezos and co.
Pepper has every right to be frustrated and so do other players and coaches. I'm sure we'll see more of this type of reaction throughout the day.
