Steelers fans think Ravens should have to forfeit after COVID-19 outbreak
By John Buhler
Pittsburgh Steelers fans have had enough of the Baltimore Ravens’ COVID-19 problems.
COVID-19 was why the Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers game was postponed.
Even though the game has been pushed back a few days from Thursday night in primetime to the early-afternoon window on Sunday, Steelers fans are fed up with the rival Ravens having their game postponed. This is due to key players on the Ravens offense testing positive for COVID-19, such as running backs Mark Ingram Jr., J.K. Dobbins and starting quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Would a forfeit be a blemish on the Steelers’ quest for perfection?
With the Steelers having a shot at perfection, a forfeit will give an undefeated season an asterisk.
NFL laid out protocols. Strengthened protocols. Sent memos reminding of protocols and one guy ignored them. Unfortunately, the entire organization is at fault. That’s why Ravens should be forced to forfeit if they can’t play Sunday.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) November 26, 2020
Welp, it appears the #Steelers won't play on Sunday against the Ravens. Ravens not allowed back into their facility until Monday at the earliest. The Ravens should be forced to forfeit and the Steelers would be paid in that event.
— SteelerNation (@SteeIerNation) November 27, 2020
If the Ravens had a staffer break protocol, they should have to forfeit. Steelers did nothing wrong and have gotten screwed twice.
— Joe Dolan (@FG_Dolan) November 27, 2020
At what point should the Ravens have to forfeit?
— Melissa Jacobs 💙 (@thefootballgirl) November 27, 2020
A Ravens staffer supposedly violated coronavirus protocol, having many fans demanding a forfeit.
Unless there’s another week added to the season, is it a forfeit by the Ravens 🤔
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) November 27, 2020
So from this Ravens covid outbreak the playoffs will probably be expanded, Steelers will have to play the Ravens week 18 and will lose their possible first round bye.. Or the NFL can discipline the Ravens for their irresponsible coach and make them forfeit the game.
— CJ 🌞 (@chrisburgh) November 27, 2020
If the #Steelers game against the #Ravens cannot be played on Sunday due to more positive cases, Pittsburgh should absolutely win by forfeit.
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) November 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/BennyTheJet__/status/1332146456388464640
With no bye weeks left in the season, Steelers fans really think a forfeit should happen here.
Ravens gotta forfeit. Send the message that if you can’t control your outbreak, you can’t play games
— Jared Lewis (@JaredLewis74) November 27, 2020
So Ravens will have to forfeit... cause Browns got players out for COVID and our game isn’t getting cancelled!
— Marshall Newsome (@MrQuils46) November 27, 2020
The Ravens are trying to rig the AFC North! I demand a forfeit.
— A Clark (@CommanderClark8) November 27, 2020
‘Lers-Ravens probably draws too many viewers to force one side to forfeit.
— Liam (@LeeumNeeson) November 27, 2020
Since this a huge rivalry game, the NFL will try to get this one played by any means possible.
Hold on... did @AdamSchefter use the 72 Dolphins as an argument against the Ravens being forced to forfeit this game?
— Mel (@MelJ740) November 26, 2020
Or did I hear wrong?
I don't want the Ravens to forfeit or whatever, I'm already less annoyed than I was 20 minutes ago. What I do want is for there to be no outbreak on Sunday, for the game to be played, the Steelers to win 42-3, and for Mike Tomlin to do this to Harbaugh at post-game handshake: pic.twitter.com/zc4cUigimz
— Chris Mueller (@ChrisMuellerPGH) November 25, 2020
If the Ravens do end up forfeiting their Week 12 matchup against the Steelers, it will be the first official forfeit in NFL history
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) November 27, 2020
Keep in mind there have been no forfeitures in college football to date, only cancelations.
light. Related Story. Lamar Jackson tests positive for COVID-19 before game vs Steelers
The idea of forfeiture sets a horrendous precedent in the NFL and should be used exclusively as a last resort effort. While it would be a shame if the Steelers cannot get to 16-0 because the Ravens cannot field a team, they will have the infinitely better winning percentage to capture the AFC North crown over the Ravens and the Cleveland Browns, possibly earning the No. 1 overall seed.
The NFL needs to get creative and avoid unnecessary forfeitures to not set a terrible precedent.