The NFL is four weeks into the 2020 season, possibly one of the strangest in the long history of the league. From mostly or entirely empty crowds to rampant testing to ensure player, personnel, and fan safety, it has taken a lot for football to return to our televisions. The NFL began the season with zero positive tests among players and team personnel, but since then it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.

For instance, many people inside the Tennessee Titans organization have tested positive, leading to their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week to be moved to another date later on in the season. The Titans also got themselves in hot water when it was revealed that many of the team’s players held private workout sessions with each other this week, going against NFL protocol in the middle of their required quarantine. This news led their game against the Buffalo Bills to be moved from Sunday to Tuesday amid speculation that it may have to be postponed, cancelled, or that the Titans would be forced to forfeit the game.

When asked about what steps the NFL should take in order to ensure the containment of COVID-19 within the league, Hingham High School junior John Steele said, “I think to stop the spread of COVID, NFL players should simply wear masks and be responsible when off the field and those who don’t follow the NFL’s protocol should be given strict punishments.”

In addition, star Patriots quarterback Cam Newton has tested positive, which immediately ruled him out for the Patriots big match-up against defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Surprisingly, nobody else in the Patriots organization tested positive before the game on Monday, and the Chiefs haven’t reported any additional positive results after their practice squad quarterback, Jordan Ta’amu, was revealed to have tested positive.

The game, originally scheduled for the late afternoon window of games on Sunday, was moved to Monday night at 7:05 pm. Meanwhile, Newton immediately self-quarantined after receiving the results of the test, and took to Instagram to show appreciation for the love and support he has received over the past few days, saying that he will “take his time to get healthy.” In replacement of Newton, veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer got the start in Kansas City and had a rough game. He had 130 passing yards and an interception before being pulled at the very end of the 3rd quarter.

The young Jarrett Stidham took his place to mixed results. He started off hot hitting N’Keal Harry for a 4 yard touchdown on his first drive, but fell back to earth throwing 2 interceptions including a pick six which went through the hands of Julian Edelman before being taken back by the Chiefs, thwarting any chance of a Patriots comeback.

The Patriots dropped to 2-2 on the season after the 26-10 defeat, but even more controversy came in the days following the game. Reigning defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore tested positive in the days following the game, potentially putting other Patriots and Chiefs players at risk and prompting the NFL to move the Patriots game against the 1-3 Denver Broncos to Monday. HHS junior, Matt Gates was asked about his predictions for the Pats upcoming game and responded, “I believe the Patriots gameplan of keeping the ball on the ground with the running backs and killing the clock will lead to a 24-20 win against Denver”. It remains to be seen how the Patriots will adapt to life without their starting quarterback for another week and now their top defender as well as how the NFL will handle the Titans situation and the potential for other players to test positive in the future.