usatoday--2020-09-10--Why all 32 NFL teams could – and why they won't – win Super Bowl LV

There 's nothing quite like the optimism of a fresh NFL season .
Thirty-two teams all starting on an equal plane , with one goal in sight .
Perhaps more than any of the major American sports leagues , the NFL offers the most parity , where a team no one was counting on can rise to the top of their division and get into the playoffs .
Just look at the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 season , on their way to a title in Super Bowl LII .
Here 's one reason why each of the league 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – win Super Bowl LV in Tampa on Feb. 7 .
NFL HOT SEAT : Matt Patricia , Adam Gase already on notice ahead of Week 1 WHO WINS IT ALL ?
: Super Bowl , playoff and MVP predictions NFL NEWSLETTER : Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox The Bills could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Josh Allen takes a massive leap as a passer , continues his threat as a rusher and the defense remains dominant , and builds off of its second-best 16.2 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bills wo n't win the Super Bowl if Allen regresses , if additions ( receiver Stefon Diggs , cornerback Josh Norman and defensive linemen Mario Addison and Vernon Butler ) do n't produce , and if that defense does n't shut down opponents .
The Dolphins could win the Super Bowl if Fitzmagic gives way to an all-time rookie performance by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa , if receivers like Jakeem Grant and DeVante Parker become stars , and free-agent addition Byron Jones becomes a shutdown corner and elevates an already-talented secondary .
The Dolphins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this roster is still a few years from being legitimate contenders in the AFC , Tagovailoa needs time to assimilate into the NFL , and the defense does n't improve from its league-worst 30.9 points allowed per game .
The Patriots could win the Super Bowl if Cam Newton returns to his 2015 NFL MVP form , the team does n't miss opt-outs ( linebacker Dont ' a Hightower , safety Patrick Chung and right tackle Marcus Cannon ) too much , and the defense builds on last year 's production .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels struggles to craft a system that fits Newton 's unique skill set , lack of depth at wide receiver zaps the passing game , and the offense ca n't become a dominant rushing outfit .
The Jets could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Sam Darnold ascends to become one of the top young passers in the league , running back Le'Veon Bell 's production mirrors what it was in his best seasons in Pittsburgh , and the offense sees a near-miracle turnaround in key metrics that ranked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Jets wo n't win the Super Bowl if the roster ca n't overcome significant holes at receiver and edge rusher , the offensive line continues to yield far too much pressure ( New York ranked 30th , allowing sacks on almost one out of every 10 pass attempts ) , and a lack of star talent dooms the team .
The Bengals could win the Super Bowl if rookie quarterback Joe Burrow picks up where he left off in terms of the ultra-efficiency he had at LSU , they score double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17.4 a game ) , and the defense stops giving up explosive plays .
The Bengals wo n't win the Super Bowl if Burrow has even an average season , and free-agency acquisitions like cornerback Trae Waynes ( who is on IR with a torn pectoral , but could return for the second half of the season ) , safety Vonn Bell and defensive tackle D.J .
Reader do n't drastically improve a defense that ranked worst in the league in yards per play allowed ( 6.09 ) .
The Browns could win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stefanski is exactly what quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. need to blossom into one of the top QB-WR duos in the league , and a fairly talented roster lives up to the hype that it drew last offseason .
The Browns wo n't win the Super Bowl unless Mayfield is elite , the defense does n't do a better job of clamping offenses in the red zone , and they do n't finish on the opposite end of the turnover margin ( -8 in 2019 , ranked 26th ) scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl if quarterback Lamar Jackson does n't drop off , newly acquired rusher Calais Campbell bolsters a pass rush that ranked 21st in the NFL with 37 sacks , and the rushing offense remains as productive as it was last year .
The Ravens wo n't win the Super Bowl if Jackson regresses or gets hurt , and the team 's loss against the Titans in the divisional round of last year 's playoffs proves to be an indicator of problems in stopping the run after Derrick Henry dominated with 195 yards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returns to form after missing last season with a throwing elbow injury , they capitalize on their trips inside the 20 ( Pittsburgh ranked last in red zone efficiency at 35 % ) , and linebacker T.J. Watt wins defensive player of the year on a revitalized unit .
The Steelers wo n't win the Super Bowl if Roethlisberger does n't play at previous levels , receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster does n't have a monster bounce-back season , and the team does n't fix its third-down struggles ( converting just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colts could win the Super Bowl if the offensive line remains dominant , marquee free-agency signing quarterback Philip Rivers finds the fountain of youth with coach Frank Reich , and the defense finally finds some consistency , especially in the secondary .
The Colts wo n't win the Super Bowl if Rivers and Reich ca n't match the success they had while Reich was the offensive coordinator with the Chargers in 2014-15 , the secondary continues to get gashed for big plays , and the offensive line does n't open up holes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the Super Bowl if quarterback Gardner Minshew has an all-world performance , a sorely depleted roster just happens to be a group of unknown and inexperienced stars , and if miracles happen .
The Jaguars wo n't win the Super Bowl even if Minshew has a monster season , but a talent deficiency is far too much to overcome .
The Texans could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Deshaun Watson enters the MVP race with a season loaded with career-highs , the offensive line actually protects him , and coach Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoids critical game management errors .
The Texans wo n't win the Super Bowl if Watson , who has been sacked 120 times over the last two years – 14 more than the next closest player – continues to remain under duress , the departure of receiver DeAndre Hopkins is too big to make up for , and the defense , under new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver , ranks last again in red zone efficiency ( 71.43 % ) .
The Titans could win the Super Bowl if running back Derrick Henry plays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , quarterback Ryan Tannehill proves last year was n't a fluke and makes more plays when called to do so , and the defense does more than bend but not break .
The Titans wo n't win the Super Bowl if their remarkable red zone efficiency from last season ( 75.56 % ) and goal-to-go offense ( 88 % ) takes a serious step backward , Tannehill ca n't win games when defenses stifle Henry , and the pass rush remains average .
The Broncos could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his second season , the receiver combo of rookie Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton becomes one of the best in the league , and running back Melvin Gordon stays healthy and is a threat on the ground and in the passing game .
The Broncos wo n't win the Super Bowl if Lock does n't take drastic strides , the team can not overcome the loss of edge rusher Von Miller , who suffered an apparent season-ending ankle injury Tuesday , and they do n't improve on their sixth-ranked 17 giveaways from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Super Bowl if Tyrod Taylor serves as more than just a bridge quarterback with rookie Justin Herbert waiting in the wings , running back Austin Ekeler makes fans forget about Melvin Gordon , and the defense goes from being respectable to being elite .
The Chargers wo n't win the Super Bowl if their defense can not make up for the loss of 2018 first-team All-Pro safety Derwin James ( out for season with right knee injury ) , and the notoriously efficient Taylor does n't do more than simply protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl champions if Patrick Mahomes simply stays the course and makes gradual improvements to his game , rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire becomes a force , and the defense continues to make strides under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo .
The Chiefs wo n't win the Super Bowl if they have a letdown from last season , the secondary becomes a problem that a potent offense ca n't mask , and a pass rush that was just slightly above average does n't post gains .
The Raiders could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Derek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes a massive leap , the team 's young weapons , second-year running back Josh Jacobs and rookie receiver Henry Ruggs III become dominant , and the pass rush finally breaks through .
The Raiders wo n't win the Super Bowl if Carr 's play remains the same , the pass rush ca n't seem to rebound since the 2018 trade of Khalil Mack to the Bears , and the defense does n't improve off of its 24th-ranked scoring defense ( 26.2 ) The Cowboys could win the Super Bowl if new coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott , receiver CeeDee Lamb takes off in a performance worthy of offensive rookie of the year , and if the defense gets a second reliable pass rusher to compliment Demarcus Lawrence .
The Cowboys wo n't win the Super Bowl if the secondary blows coverages and allows opponents to outscore Prescott and Co. , depth at safety continues to plague the team , and McCarthy 's scheme either does n't work or takes too long to get going .
The Eagles could win the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy and plays as he did in 2017 before he tore his ACL , season-ending injuries to starting offensive linemen Brandon Brooks ( Achilles ) and Andre Dillard ( biceps ) are minimized , and the team 's rebuilt secondary makes fans forget about the many blown coverages of 2019 .
The Eagles wo n't win the Super Bowl if Wentz misses time , promising young running back Miles Sanders does n't take the step to become a consistent dual weapon , and the receiving corps does n't produce more reliably .
Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dwayne Haskins elevates his play significantly , the talented defensive front becomes one of the top pass rushing groups in the NFL , and the team overcomes reports of internal dysfunction and organizational failures on the front office side from the offseason .
Washington wo n't win the Super Bowl if Haskins does n't improve on his 58.62 % completion rate and takes better care of the ball , if the receiving that lacks star talent struggles , and if the league 's 31st-ranked rushing defense ( 146.2 ) from 2019 does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the Super Bowl if quarterback Daniel Jones owns the offense and does far more than simply manage games , running back Saquon Barkley wins the league MVP after a workhorse season , and new coach Joe Judge implements a culture that gets an unprecedented amount of production from a fairly talent-lacking defense .
The Giants wo n't win the Super Bowl if they do n't massively reverse their minus-17 turnover differential that tied them for worst in the NFL , Jones does n't enter the top tier of passers , and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsustainable amount of yardage .
The Bears could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Mitchell Trubisky resurrects his career and becomes a dependable and efficient passer , a pass rush that has Khalil Mack and new signing Robert Quinn generates more than a sack on just 5.6 % of pass attempts , and coach Matt Nagy 's offensive schemes run without a hitch .
The Bears wo n't win the Super Bowl if Trubisky does n't take control of the offense and cedes the job to Nick Foles , Quinn disappoints , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards a play sputters yet again .
The Lions could win the Super Bowl if the offense does n't drastically improve on a woeful goal-to-go offense that scored touchdowns just 58.33 % ( 29th ) of the time , they do n't get more out of a pass rush that ranked second-to-last in sack rate ( 4.58 % ) and quarterback Matthew Stafford plays like an MVP .
The Lions wo n't win the Super Bowl if rookie No .
3 overall pick , cornerback Jeff Okudah , does n't become an instant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and if former Patriots in linebacker Jamie Collins and Duron Harmon do n't get this defense completely turned around .
The Packers could win the Super Bowl if Year 2 of coach Matt LaFleur 's offense takes another stride , if quarterback Aaron Rodgers can get the most out of a receiving cast that lacks a star after top threat Davante Adams , and if coordinator Mike Pettine 's defense builds on a group that tied for seventh with 25 forced turnovers .
The Packers wo n't win the Super Bowl if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Rodgers frays , and the NFL 's third-best interception rate of 3.11 % drops .
The Vikings could win the Super Bowl if their defense remains one of the most aggressive outfits in the entire NFL after it generated a fourth-best 31 turnovers , quarterback Kirk Cousins does n't miss the loss of former offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski ( who became the coach of the Browns ) too much , and running back Dalvin Cook builds on a solid 2019 .
The Vikings wo n't win the Super Bowl if Cousins does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a very good red zone defense that ranked second last season ( 43.75 % ) allows more touchdowns this season , and rookie first-round receiver Justin Jefferson out of LSU does n't become a consistent compliment to Adam Thielen .
The Buccaneers could win the Super Bowl if all of their offseason additions – starting with quarterback Tom Brady , running back Leonard Fournette and tight end Rob Gronkowski – instantly click , the team gets a steady edge rusher to take pressure off linebacker Shaquil Barrett , and the team can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Buccaneers wo n't win the Super Bowl if Brady struggles to grasp coach Bruce Arians ' offense , and Tampa 's turnover bug – even though former quarterback Jameis Winston was largely responsible – lingers and does n't improve from last year 's league-high mark of 41 .
The Falcons could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Matt Ryan plays like he did during his during his MVP season in 2016 , the team avoids inconsistent play like it did when it started last season 1-7 , but instead gets much steadier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished 6-2 .
The Falcons wo n't win the Super Bowl if running back Todd Gurley II ca n't find his early career success , receiver Julio Jones finally starts to show signs of decline , and a defense that is built on speed plays like it did in the first half of last year .
The Panthers could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Teddy Bridgewater shows Carolina was smart to invest in him and he plays like he did when he was last a team 's unquestioned starter , running back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of touches but stays healthy , and receiver DJ Moore blossoms into one of the league 's most dangerous threats .
The Panthers wo n't win the Super Bowl if rookie coach Matt Rhule 's system takes too long to implement , the team does n't repair a turnover problem that was second-worst last season ( 35 giveaways ) , and Bridgewater does n't elevate the play of everyone around him .
The Saints could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Drew Brees has one last stellar run in him , the defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 59.57 % ) , and the entire team enjoys good health to capitalize on what might be the last year to win in a rapidly closing window .
The Saints wo n't win the Super Bowl if they do n't take care of the ball like they did last season with an NFL-best eight giveaways , a third-down defense that ranked sixth ( 34.76 % ) regresses , and any major contributor gets injured on a roster that is quite top-heavy and lacks quality depth .
The 49ers could win the Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of losing the last one against the Chiefs , if quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo takes on more responsibility and becomes more than a game manager , and the defense stays as fierce as it was last season under coordinator Robert Saleh .
The 49ers wo n't win the Super Bowl if they ca n't fix red zone efficiency rates on both offense and defense , if the departure of DeForest Buckner – who was traded to the Colts – hinders the defense , and if newly acquired offensive tackle Trent Williams is n't what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington .
The Cardinals could win the Super Bowl if second-year quarterback Kyler Murray has a similar path to the ones Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had in their second seasons , coach Kliff Kingsbury crafts an offense that shines with the addition of receiver DeAndre Hopkins , and a freaky athletic defense makes plays to improved last year 's 28th-ranked scoring defense ( 27.6 ) .
The Cardinals wo n't win the Super Bowl if the Kingsbury-Murray union suffers any hitches , if the Cardinals ca n't get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players other than linebacker Chandler Jones , and depth issues in the secondary prove to be fatal .
The Rams could win the Super Bowl if coach Sean McVay 's offense reverts to what it was in 2018 when L.A. last made the title game , quarterback Jared Goff bounces back after a letdown fourth season , and running backs Malcolm Brown and Cam Akers give L.A. a much-needed boost to a rushing game that ranked 27th in yards per carry ( 3.74 ) .
The Rams wo n't win the Super Bowl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the pass rush that ranked fifth in sack rate ( 8.9 % ) falters , and a solidly constructed receivers room ca n't generate significant production .
The Seahawks could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Russell Wilson continues to be one of the models of efficiency at the position and plays like an MVP , a relatively young defense looks like the old `` Legion of Boom '' units of the mid-2010s with the addition of hard-hitting safety Jamal Adams , and the loss of edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't win the Super Bowl if they ca n't improve on their 30th-ranked sack rate ( 4.68 % ) from last season , an offensive line that has three new starters does n't click , and a solid rushing game behind starter Chris Carson takes a step back and ca n't remove some pressure off of Wilson .
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Why all 32 NFL teams could – and why they won't – win Super Bowl LV
Show Caption Hide Caption Dynasty dilemma: Chiefs' Travis Kelce reveals what will be the single biggest challenge to repeating as champs SportsPulse: Mackenzie Salmon connected with Kansas City's Travis Kelce to see what he thinks will be the biggest challenge facing his team's quest to becoming the first back-to-back Super Bowl champion in 16 years. USA TODAY
There's nothing quite like the optimism of a fresh NFL season. Thirty-two teams all starting on an equal plane, with one goal in sight.
Perhaps more than any of the major American sports leagues, the NFL offers the most parity, where a team no one was counting on can rise to the top of their division and get into the playoffs. Just look at the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 season, on their way to a title in Super Bowl LII.
Here's one reason why each of the league's 32 teams will – and won't – win Super Bowl LV in Tampa on Feb. 7.
NFL HOT SEAT: Matt Patricia, Adam Gase already on notice ahead of Week 1
WHO WINS IT ALL?: Super Bowl, playoff and MVP predictions
NFL NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
The Bills could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Josh Allen takes a massive leap as a passer, continues his threat as a rusher and the defense remains dominant, and builds off of its second-best 16.2 points a game allowed last season.
The Bills won't win the Super Bowl if Allen regresses, if additions (receiver Stefon Diggs, cornerback Josh Norman and defensive linemen Mario Addison and Vernon Butler) don't produce, and if that defense doesn't shut down opponents.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins could win the Super Bowl if Fitzmagic gives way to an all-time rookie performance by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, if receivers like Jakeem Grant and DeVante Parker become stars, and free-agent addition Byron Jones becomes a shutdown corner and elevates an already-talented secondary.
The Dolphins won't make the Super Bowl if this roster is still a few years from being legitimate contenders in the AFC, Tagovailoa needs time to assimilate into the NFL, and the defense doesn't improve from its league-worst 30.9 points allowed per game.
New England Patriots
The Patriots could win the Super Bowl if Cam Newton returns to his 2015 NFL MVP form, the team doesn't miss opt-outs (linebacker Dont'a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung and right tackle Marcus Cannon) too much, and the defense builds on last year's production.
The Patriots won't win the Super Bowl if offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels struggles to craft a system that fits Newton's unique skill set, lack of depth at wide receiver zaps the passing game, and the offense can't become a dominant rushing outfit.
New York Jets
The Jets could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Sam Darnold ascends to become one of the top young passers in the league, running back Le'Veon Bell's production mirrors what it was in his best seasons in Pittsburgh, and the offense sees a near-miracle turnaround in key metrics that ranked among the league's worst last season.
The Jets won't win the Super Bowl if the roster can't overcome significant holes at receiver and edge rusher, the offensive line continues to yield far too much pressure (New York ranked 30th, allowing sacks on almost one out of every 10 pass attempts), and a lack of star talent dooms the team.
AFC NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals could win the Super Bowl if rookie quarterback Joe Burrow picks up where he left off in terms of the ultra-efficiency he had at LSU, they score double the points they did last season (17.4 a game), and the defense stops giving up explosive plays.
The Bengals won't win the Super Bowl if Burrow has even an average season, and free-agency acquisitions like cornerback Trae Waynes (who is on IR with a torn pectoral, but could return for the second half of the season), safety Vonn Bell and defensive tackle D.J. Reader don't drastically improve a defense that ranked worst in the league in yards per play allowed (6.09).
Cleveland Browns
The Browns could win the Super Bowl if new coach Kevin Stefanski is exactly what quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. need to blossom into one of the top QB-WR duos in the league, and a fairly talented roster lives up to the hype that it drew last offseason.
The Browns won't win the Super Bowl unless Mayfield is elite, the defense doesn't do a better job of clamping offenses in the red zone, and they don't finish on the opposite end of the turnover margin (-8 in 2019, ranked 26th) scale.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Lamar Jackson doesn't drop off, newly acquired rusher Calais Campbell bolsters a pass rush that ranked 21st in the NFL with 37 sacks, and the rushing offense remains as productive as it was last year.
The Ravens won't win the Super Bowl if Jackson regresses or gets hurt, and the team's loss against the Titans in the divisional round of last year's playoffs proves to be an indicator of problems in stopping the run after Derrick Henry dominated with 195 yards.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returns to form after missing last season with a throwing elbow injury, they capitalize on their trips inside the 20 (Pittsburgh ranked last in red zone efficiency at 35%), and linebacker T.J. Watt wins defensive player of the year on a revitalized unit.
The Steelers won't win the Super Bowl if Roethlisberger doesn't play at previous levels, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster doesn't have a monster bounce-back season, and the team doesn't fix its third-down struggles (converting just 34.36% of attempts).
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts could win the Super Bowl if the offensive line remains dominant, marquee free-agency signing quarterback Philip Rivers finds the fountain of youth with coach Frank Reich, and the defense finally finds some consistency, especially in the secondary.
The Colts won't win the Super Bowl if Rivers and Reich can't match the success they had while Reich was the offensive coordinator with the Chargers in 2014-15, the secondary continues to get gashed for big plays, and the offensive line doesn't open up holes in the rushing game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Gardner Minshew has an all-world performance, a sorely depleted roster just happens to be a group of unknown and inexperienced stars, and if miracles happen.
The Jaguars won't win the Super Bowl even if Minshew has a monster season, but a talent deficiency is far too much to overcome.
Houston Texans
The Texans could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Deshaun Watson enters the MVP race with a season loaded with career-highs, the offensive line actually protects him, and coach Bill O'Brien and the rest of the staff avoids critical game management errors.
The Texans won't win the Super Bowl if Watson, who has been sacked 120 times over the last two years – 14 more than the next closest player – continues to remain under duress, the departure of receiver DeAndre Hopkins is too big to make up for, and the defense, under new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, ranks last again in red zone efficiency (71.43%).
Tennessee Titans
The Titans could win the Super Bowl if running back Derrick Henry plays like the offensive player of the year, quarterback Ryan Tannehill proves last year wasn't a fluke and makes more plays when called to do so, and the defense does more than bend but not break.
The Titans won't win the Super Bowl if their remarkable red zone efficiency from last season (75.56%) and goal-to-go offense (88%) takes a serious step backward, Tannehill can't win games when defenses stifle Henry, and the pass rush remains average.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
The Broncos could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Drew Lock leads the offense to unexpected levels in his second season, the receiver combo of rookie Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton becomes one of the best in the league, and running back Melvin Gordon stays healthy and is a threat on the ground and in the passing game.
The Broncos won't win the Super Bowl if Lock doesn't take drastic strides, the team cannot overcome the loss of edge rusher Von Miller, who suffered an apparent season-ending ankle injury Tuesday, and they don't improve on their sixth-ranked 17 giveaways from last season.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers could win the Super Bowl if Tyrod Taylor serves as more than just a bridge quarterback with rookie Justin Herbert waiting in the wings, running back Austin Ekeler makes fans forget about Melvin Gordon, and the defense goes from being respectable to being elite.
The Chargers won't win the Super Bowl if their defense cannot make up for the loss of 2018 first-team All-Pro safety Derwin James (out for season with right knee injury), and the notoriously efficient Taylor doesn't do more than simply protect the ball
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs could repeat as Super Bowl champions if Patrick Mahomes simply stays the course and makes gradual improvements to his game, rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire becomes a force, and the defense continues to make strides under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
The Chiefs won't win the Super Bowl if they have a letdown from last season, the secondary becomes a problem that a potent offense can't mask, and a pass rush that was just slightly above average doesn't post gains.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Derek Carr improves on his decision making and takes a massive leap, the team's young weapons, second-year running back Josh Jacobs and rookie receiver Henry Ruggs III become dominant, and the pass rush finally breaks through.
The Raiders won't win the Super Bowl if Carr's play remains the same, the pass rush can't seem to rebound since the 2018 trade of Khalil Mack to the Bears, and the defense doesn't improve off of its 24th-ranked scoring defense (26.2)
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys could win the Super Bowl if new coach Mike McCarthy's offense clicks right away with quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, receiver CeeDee Lamb takes off in a performance worthy of offensive rookie of the year, and if the defense gets a second reliable pass rusher to compliment Demarcus Lawrence.
The Cowboys won't win the Super Bowl if the secondary blows coverages and allows opponents to outscore Prescott and Co., depth at safety continues to plague the team, and McCarthy's scheme either doesn't work or takes too long to get going.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Carson Wentz stays healthy and plays as he did in 2017 before he tore his ACL, season-ending injuries to starting offensive linemen Brandon Brooks (Achilles) and Andre Dillard (biceps) are minimized, and the team's rebuilt secondary makes fans forget about the many blown coverages of 2019.
The Eagles won't win the Super Bowl if Wentz misses time, promising young running back Miles Sanders doesn't take the step to become a consistent dual weapon, and the receiving corps doesn't produce more reliably.
Washington Football Team
Washington could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Dwayne Haskins elevates his play significantly, the talented defensive front becomes one of the top pass rushing groups in the NFL, and the team overcomes reports of internal dysfunction and organizational failures on the front office side from the offseason.
Washington won't win the Super Bowl if Haskins doesn't improve on his 58.62% completion rate and takes better care of the ball, if the receiving that lacks star talent struggles, and if the league's 31st-ranked rushing defense (146.2) from 2019 doesn't become a strength.
New York Giants
The Giants could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Daniel Jones owns the offense and does far more than simply manage games, running back Saquon Barkley wins the league MVP after a workhorse season, and new coach Joe Judge implements a culture that gets an unprecedented amount of production from a fairly talent-lacking defense.
The Giants won't win the Super Bowl if they don't massively reverse their minus-17 turnover differential that tied them for worst in the NFL, Jones doesn't enter the top tier of passers, and if a leaky defense continues to allow an unsustainable amount of yardage.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
The Bears could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Mitchell Trubisky resurrects his career and becomes a dependable and efficient passer, a pass rush that has Khalil Mack and new signing Robert Quinn generates more than a sack on just 5.6% of pass attempts, and coach Matt Nagy's offensive schemes run without a hitch.
The Bears won't win the Super Bowl if Trubisky doesn't take control of the offense and cedes the job to Nick Foles, Quinn disappoints, and an offense that gained a 31st-ranked 4.66 yards a play sputters yet again.
Detroit Lions
The Lions could win the Super Bowl if the offense doesn't drastically improve on a woeful goal-to-go offense that scored touchdowns just 58.33% (29th) of the time, they don't get more out of a pass rush that ranked second-to-last in sack rate (4.58%) and quarterback Matthew Stafford plays like an MVP.
The Lions won't win the Super Bowl if rookie No. 3 overall pick, cornerback Jeff Okudah, doesn't become an instant star, the pass rush remains dormant, and if former Patriots in linebacker Jamie Collins and Duron Harmon don't get this defense completely turned around.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers could win the Super Bowl if Year 2 of coach Matt LaFleur's offense takes another stride, if quarterback Aaron Rodgers can get the most out of a receiving cast that lacks a star after top threat Davante Adams, and if coordinator Mike Pettine's defense builds on a group that tied for seventh with 25 forced turnovers.
The Packers won't win the Super Bowl if LaFleur's offense regresses, his relationship with Rodgers frays, and the NFL's third-best interception rate of 3.11% drops.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings could win the Super Bowl if their defense remains one of the most aggressive outfits in the entire NFL after it generated a fourth-best 31 turnovers, quarterback Kirk Cousins doesn't miss the loss of former offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski (who became the coach of the Browns) too much, and running back Dalvin Cook builds on a solid 2019.
The Vikings won't win the Super Bowl if Cousins doesn't jibe with new coordinator Gary Kubiak, a very good red zone defense that ranked second last season (43.75%) allows more touchdowns this season, and rookie first-round receiver Justin Jefferson out of LSU doesn't become a consistent compliment to Adam Thielen.
NFC SOUTH
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers could win the Super Bowl if all of their offseason additions – starting with quarterback Tom Brady, running back Leonard Fournette and tight end Rob Gronkowski – instantly click, the team gets a steady edge rusher to take pressure off linebacker Shaquil Barrett, and the team can get a consistent rushing game going.
The Buccaneers won't win the Super Bowl if Brady struggles to grasp coach Bruce Arians' offense, and Tampa's turnover bug – even though former quarterback Jameis Winston was largely responsible – lingers and doesn't improve from last year's league-high mark of 41.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Matt Ryan plays like he did during his during his MVP season in 2016, the team avoids inconsistent play like it did when it started last season 1-7, but instead gets much steadier offensive production like it did when it finished 6-2.
The Falcons won't win the Super Bowl if running back Todd Gurley II can't find his early career success, receiver Julio Jones finally starts to show signs of decline, and a defense that is built on speed plays like it did in the first half of last year.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Teddy Bridgewater shows Carolina was smart to invest in him and he plays like he did when he was last a team's unquestioned starter, running back Christian McCaffrey both gets an ample amount of touches but stays healthy, and receiver DJ Moore blossoms into one of the league's most dangerous threats.
The Panthers won't win the Super Bowl if rookie coach Matt Rhule's system takes too long to implement, the team doesn't repair a turnover problem that was second-worst last season (35 giveaways), and Bridgewater doesn't elevate the play of everyone around him.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Drew Brees has one last stellar run in him, the defense makes realistic improvements in red zone efficiency (59.57%), and the entire team enjoys good health to capitalize on what might be the last year to win in a rapidly closing window.
The Saints won't win the Super Bowl if they don't take care of the ball like they did last season with an NFL-best eight giveaways, a third-down defense that ranked sixth (34.76%) regresses, and any major contributor gets injured on a roster that is quite top-heavy and lacks quality depth.
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers could win the Super Bowl if they get over the hangover of losing the last one against the Chiefs, if quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo takes on more responsibility and becomes more than a game manager, and the defense stays as fierce as it was last season under coordinator Robert Saleh.
The 49ers won't win the Super Bowl if they can't fix red zone efficiency rates on both offense and defense, if the departure of DeForest Buckner – who was traded to the Colts – hinders the defense, and if newly acquired offensive tackle Trent Williams isn't what he was when he last played for Washington.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals could win the Super Bowl if second-year quarterback Kyler Murray has a similar path to the ones Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had in their second seasons, coach Kliff Kingsbury crafts an offense that shines with the addition of receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and a freaky athletic defense makes plays to improved last year's 28th-ranked scoring defense (27.6).
The Cardinals won't win the Super Bowl if the Kingsbury-Murray union suffers any hitches, if the Cardinals can't get more of a pass rush out of players other than linebacker Chandler Jones, and depth issues in the secondary prove to be fatal.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams could win the Super Bowl if coach Sean McVay's offense reverts to what it was in 2018 when L.A. last made the title game, quarterback Jared Goff bounces back after a letdown fourth season, and running backs Malcolm Brown and Cam Akers give L.A. a much-needed boost to a rushing game that ranked 27th in yards per carry (3.74).
The Rams won't win the Super Bowl if Goff continues to be average, if the pass rush that ranked fifth in sack rate (8.9%) falters, and a solidly constructed receivers room can't generate significant production.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks could win the Super Bowl if quarterback Russell Wilson continues to be one of the models of efficiency at the position and plays like an MVP, a relatively young defense looks like the old "Legion of Boom" units of the mid-2010s with the addition of hard-hitting safety Jamal Adams, and the loss of edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney doesn't sting too much.
The Seahawks won't win the Super Bowl if they can't improve on their 30th-ranked sack rate (4.68%) from last season, an offensive line that has three new starters doesn't click, and a solid rushing game behind starter Chris Carson takes a step back and can't remove some pressure off of Wilson.
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usatoday--2020-09-10--Is the stock market headed for another crash? Not likely but more volatility could be ahead, experts

Wall Street rebounded Wednesday following its first three-day losing streak in nearly three months .
And the rise temporarily halted the most brutal stretch for stocks since June after high-flying technology stocks stabilized .
The sharp sell-off that began last Thursday erased roughly 7 % from the S & P 500 through Tuesday .
On Wednesday , the broad index bounced back and rallied 2 % , its best day since June 5 .
It recovered a little more than a quarter of its losses from the prior three days .
Still to be determined is whether the sell-off was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic run , or if it was the beginning of a more widespread downturn .
Experts , however , expect to see volatility pick up in the coming months .
“ Much like there was no real reason for the drop the past three days , there was no main driver for Wednesday ’ s huge rally , other than stocks were quite oversold , ” Burt White , chief investment officer at LPL Financial , said in a note .
“ As the election nears , we could see this continued volatility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of Americans face evictions , others buy dream homes during COVID-19 Record run : How did the stock market hit a record amid COVID-19-fueled recession ?
Here 's what experts say about the rebound To be sure , the S & P 500 , the broadest measure of U.S. stocks and the index used as a benchmark for index funds , has advanced 52 % from its March 23 low and is sitting 5.1 % from its Sept. 2 record high .
The index is up 5.2 % this year and remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus-fueled selloff began .
Also on Sept. 2 , the Dow Jones industrial average topped 29,000 , notching its highest close since Feb. 20 that briefly put it within 1.5 % of its Feb. 12 record .
The blue-chip average is 5.5 % away from its all-time high .
The Nasdaq Composite , which houses many technology stocks that led the market ’ s remarkable five-month comeback from its lows in March , briefly lost more than 10 % through Tuesday after setting an all-time high last week — a decline known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The three-day rout was the fastest such pullback on record , according to LPL Financial .
On Wednesday , the tech-laden index rallied 2.7 % , its best one-day gain since April 29 .
So could stocks face another bout of turbulence in the coming months , or be headed for another sharp downturn ?
Here ’ s what the experts say : The stock market staged a stunning turnaround to all-time highs last month , propelled by Big Tech as trillions of dollars in stimulus aid from the Federal Reserve and Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by recession .
Hopes for a potential COVID-19 vaccine also helped the S & P 500 erase all of its nearly 34 % loss from earlier in the pandemic .
The stock market rebounded to records at a time when the U.S. economy is in one of the sharpest economic downturns since the Great Depression .
Still , corporate profit reports for the spring that weren ’ t as disastrous as expected also helped lift the market .
That ’ s largely been helped in part by high-flying stocks like Apple , Microsoft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powered this year ’ s rally , far outpacing the rest of the market as investors bet heavily they could prevail in a stay-at-home economy .
Big Tech makes up an outsize portion of the S & P 500 , and the performance of the biggest stocks can have a disproportionate effect on the index .
The five biggest U.S. companies -- Apple , Microsoft , Amazon , Alphabet and Facebook -- make up about 25 % of the S & P 500 .
Much of the pain over the past few trading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that drove much of the recent rally , as the six largest technology names including Apple , Microsoft , Amazon , Alphabet , Facebook and Tesla shed $ 1 trillion over the three-day selloff .
Between March 23 and Sept. 2 , the Nasdaq jumped 75 % while outpacing the S & P 500′s 60 % gain and the Dow industrials ’ 56.5 % rally during the stock market ’ s rebound from its pandemic lows .
During the run , Apple became the first $ 2 trillion U.S. company and Zoom itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ford combined .
Last week , Apple and Tesla split their shares , making their shares more affordable as millions of Americans are scooping up stocks for the first time on trading apps such as Robinhood .
But for some investors , the price of tech stocks was too high compared with the earnings they were generating .
Other industries didn ’ t get as expensive as technology during the recent run-up .
Banks and other financial stocks in the S & P 500 are still down more than 19 % for 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The latest pullback is healthy .
There was a little too much hysteria , ” says Bryan Lee , chief investment officer at Blue Zone Wealth Advisors .
“ The stock market has had a strong recovery , but to a certain extent , it 's been a bifurcated market , led by technology .
Now we ’ re starting to see a broader recovery in other beaten-down sectors.
” The stock market pullback came on the heels of a historic run , with the Dow and S & P 500 both notching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 years .
But stocks could face pressure since September is historically one of the weakest months for the market .
Still , stocks could notch more gains in the coming months , analysts say .
One key reason : Investors are betting that the pandemic will end eventually with a vaccine .
But any setback in the timeline for developing it could challenge the stock market 's rebound , experts caution .
With the U.S. presidential election less than two months away , some investors remain cautious due to economic policy uncertainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and China have added to those concerns after both countries reached a deal in January that brought a truce in a tariff war .
Investors are also waiting for more economic aid after unemployment benefits and other stimulus that Congress passed earlier expired .
Investors say such stimulus is critical to the economy , but partisan disagreements have Congress at an apparent impasse .
A Senate vote this week on a trimmed-down relief package proposed by Republicans has only a slim chance of passage as Democrats insist on more sweeping aid .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay the course .
“ Retirement accounts are long-term investments , and investors can make mistakes when they try to make short-term predictions , ” says Jeff Bush , managing partner at Informed Family Financial Services , a financial advisor in Norristown , Pennsylvania .
“ Investors are rewarded for their time in the market .
Not timing the market .
”

Is the stock market headed for another crash? Not likely but more volatility could be ahead, experts say
Show Caption Hide Caption Record drop in GDP and what it means for the American economy The U.S. economy just had its worse performance ever as businesses shut down across the country as well as much travel decline. USA TODAY
The sell-off on Wall Street resumed Thursday following a wild stretch that saw stocks gyrate from their worst three-day slump since June to their best day in nearly three months.
The sharp drop-off that began last week has erased 6.7% from the S&P 500, which had just reached a record high. On Wednesday, the broad index bounced back and rallied 2%, its best day since June 5, recovering a little more than a quarter of its losses from the prior three days.
But the bears were back Thursday. Still to be determined is whether the sell-off amounts to tech stocks taking a breather after a historic run, or if the beginning of a more widespread downturn. Experts, however, expect to see volatility pick up in the coming months.
“As the election nears, we could see this continued volatility continue,” Burt White, chief investment officer at LPL Financial, said in a note.
A house divided: As millions of Americans face evictions, others buy dream homes during COVID-19
Record run: How did the stock market hit a record amid COVID-19-fueled recession? Here's what experts say about the rebound
To be sure, the S&P 500, the broadest measure of U.S. stocks and the index used as a benchmark for index funds, has advanced 49% from its March 23 low. The index is up 3.3% this year and remains 6.8% below its Sept. 2 record high.
Also on Sept. 2, the Dow Jones industrial average topped 29,000, notching its highest close since Feb. 20 that briefly put it within 1.5% of its Feb. 12 record. The blue-chip average is 6.8% away from its all-time high.
The Nasdaq Composite, which houses many technology stocks that led the market’s remarkable five-month comeback from its lows in March, briefly lost more than 10% through Tuesday after setting an all-time high last week – a decline known in the market as a correction. The three-day rout was the fastest such pullback on record, according to LPL Financial.
On Thursday, the tech-laden index slid about 2% after rallying Wednesday. The index is 9.4% off its peak.
So could stocks face another bout of turbulence in the coming months, or be headed for another sharp downturn?
Here’s what the experts say:
What drove stocks to records?
The stock market staged a stunning turnaround to all-time highs last month, propelled by Big Tech as trillions of dollars in stimulus aid from the Federal Reserve and Congress helped prop up an American economy gripped by recession.
Hopes for a potential COVID-19 vaccine also helped the S&P 500 erase all of its nearly 34% loss from earlier in the pandemic.
The stock market rebounded to records at a time when the U.S. economy is in one of the sharpest economic downturns since the Great Depression. Still, corporate profit reports for the spring that weren’t as disastrous as expected also helped lift the market.
That’s largely been helped in part by high-flying stocks like Apple, Microsoft and Google parent Alphabet, which have powered this year’s rally, far outpacing the rest of the market as investors bet heavily they could prevail in a stay-at-home economy.
What’s pressuring the market now?
Big Tech makes up an outsize portion of the S&P 500, and the performance of the biggest stocks can have a disproportionate effect on the index. The five biggest U.S. companies – Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and Facebook – make up about 25% of the S&P 500.
Much of the pain over the past few trading sessions has been concentrated in the names that drove much of the recent rally, as the six largest technology names including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook and Tesla shed $1 trillion over the three-day selloff.
Between March 23 and Sept. 2, the Nasdaq jumped 75% while outpacing the S&P 500′s 60% gain and the Dow industrials’ 56.5% rally during the stock market’s rebound from its pandemic lows. During the run, Apple became the first $2 trillion U.S. company and Zoom itself became worth more than General Motors and Ford combined.
Last week, Apple and Tesla split their shares, making their shares more affordable as millions of Americans are scooping up stocks for the first time on trading apps such as Robinhood.
But for some investors, the price of tech stocks was too high compared with the earnings they were generating. Other industries didn’t get as expensive as technology during the recent run-up. Banks and other financial stocks in the S&P 500 are still down more than 19% for 2020 so far, for example.
“The latest pullback is healthy. There was a little too much hysteria,” says Bryan Lee, chief investment officer at Blue Zone Wealth Advisors. “The stock market has had a strong recovery, but to a certain extent, it's been a bifurcated market, led by technology. Now we’re starting to see a broader recovery in other beaten-down sectors.”
What risks lie ahead?
The stock market pullback came on the heels of a historic run, with the Dow and S&P 500 both notching in their best August in more than 30 years. But stocks could face pressure since September is historically one of the weakest months for the market.
Still, stocks could notch more gains in the coming months, analysts say. One key reason: Investors are betting that the pandemic will end eventually with a vaccine. But any setback in the timeline for developing it could challenge the stock market's rebound, experts caution.
With the U.S. presidential election less than two months away, some investors remain cautious due to economic policy uncertainty. Renewed trade tensions between the U.S. and China have added to those concerns after both countries reached a deal in January that brought a truce in a tariff war.
Investors are also waiting for more economic aid after unemployment benefits and other stimuli that Congress passed earlier expired. Investors say such stimulus is critical to the economy, but partisan disagreements have Congress at an apparent impasse.
A Senate vote this week on a trimmed-down relief package proposed by Republicans has only a slim chance of passage as Democrats insist on more sweeping aid.
Still, wealth managers advise long-term investors to stay the course.
“Retirement accounts are long-term investments, and investors can make mistakes when they try to make short-term predictions,” says Jeff Bush, managing partner at Informed Family Financial Services, a financialadviser in Norristown, Pennsylvania. “Investors are rewarded for their time in the market. Not timing the market.”
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-10--No more temperature checks? CDC changing COVID-19 screenings for international air passengers

The U.S. government is halting its enhanced entry screening for certain international passengers at airports starting Sept. 14 , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
It 's replacing the current system of temperature checks and screening for COVID-19 symptoms at 15 centralized airports with one it says is a more effective strategy that `` focuses on the continuum , of travel and the individual passenger , including pre-departure and post-arrival education , efforts to develop a potential testing framework with international partners , and illness response . ''
The government will shift public health efforts on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • voluntary electronic contact information collection , as proposed by some airlines • post-arrival recommendations for self-monitoring , including staying home for 14 days if arriving from a high-risk destination Symptom-based screening has limited effectiveness , according to the CDC , as people who have COVID-19 may not show symptoms or fever when screened or only have mild symptoms .
Asymptomatic transmission is possible .
The move comes as the U.S. has entered `` the current phase of the pandemic , '' and the government believes this `` more effectively protects the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a statement on the CDC 's website .
Up until travel bans went into effect this spring , passengers coming from or who had recently been to China ( excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau ) , Iran , the Schengen region of Europe , the United Kingdom ( excluding overseas territories outside of Europe ) , Ireland and Brazil were subject to enhanced screening when entering the U.S. and had to fly into one of 15 designated airports .
USA TODAY has reached out to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention for more information .
Cute : Couple gets married at New Orleans airport after coronavirus cancellations Ask the Captain : What is the hardest airport to navigate ?
Are foreign airlines less safe ?

No more temperature checks? CDC changing COVID-19 screenings for international air passengers
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How coronavirus COVID-19 attacks the body How does coronavirus enter the body, and why does it become fatal for some compared to just a cough or fever for others? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The U.S. government is halting its enhanced entry screening for certain international passengers at airports starting Sept. 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It's replacing the current system of temperature checks and screening for COVID-19 symptoms at 15 centralized airports with one it says is a more effective strategy that "focuses on the continuum of travel and the individual passenger, including pre-departure and post-arrival education, efforts to develop a potential testing framework with international partners, and illness response."
The government will shift public health efforts on the individual passenger. Such measures include:
pre-departure, in-flight and post-arrival health education;
voluntary electronic contact information collection, as proposed by some airlines;
possible testing to reduce travel-related transmission risk;
post-arrival recommendations for self-monitoring, including staying home for 14 days if arriving from a high-risk destination.
Symptom-based screening has limited effectiveness, according to the CDC, as people who have COVID-19 may not show symptoms or fever when screened or have only mild symptoms. Asymptomatic transmission is possible.
The move comes as the U.S. has entered "the current phase of the pandemic," and the government believes this "more effectively protects the health of the American public," according to a statement on the CDC's website.
Until travel bans went into effect last spring, passengers coming from or who had recently been to China (excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, the Schengen region of Europe, the United Kingdom (excluding overseas territories outside of Europe), Ireland and Brazil were subject to enhanced screening when entering the U.S. and had to fly into one of 15 designated airports.
USA TODAY has reached out to the State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information.
Cute: Couple gets married at New Orleans airport after coronavirus cancellations
Ask the Captain: What is the hardest airport to navigate? Are foreign airlines less safe?


usatoday--2020-09-10--Snowstorm leaves Wyoming national park looking like a winter wonderland

A snowstorm left Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming with four to five inches of snow in September .

Snowstorm creates winter wonderland in national park
A snowstorm left Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming with four to five inches of snow in September.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-09-10--Public sector job loss is coming. Women will be hit hardest.

This story was published in partnership with The 19th , a nonprofit , nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender , politics and policy .
Women continue to weather the worst of this coronavirus-induced economic storm , but out in the horizon , another disturbance is forming .
Public sector jobs are expected to take a greater hit as plummeting tax revenues across the country slash local and state government budgets , setting off layoffs and furloughs .
When the job losses come , it ’ ll be women who will be most at risk .
Nearly 60 % of public sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women of color — the same demographic groups that already experienced the highest rates of unemployment when COVID-19 ripped through the job market .
( Unemployment for Latinas peaked at 20.2 % this year , and unemployment for Black women hit 16.5 % ) .
The one-two punch of the depletion of child care options and the closure of service sector businesses , jobs dominated by women , set off the nation ’ s first female recession .
About 54 % of all the jobs lost since the pandemic began were held by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come , now the question is : How bad could it get ?
“ We are already seeing it , ” said Heidi Shierholz , senior economist and director of policy at the Economic Policy Institute ( EPI ) .
“ But it ’ s just gon na get way , way worse.
” Already , 1.4 million local and state government jobs were lost between February and June , almost two-thirds of them jobs that employed women .
Furloughs have already started at universities and in city and county governments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ steepest cuts typically come later .
With the Great Recession , job loss in the United States began in 2008 and cratered in 2010 .
But the losses for the public sector didn ’ t register until three years later .
In 2013 , public sector jobs hit their lowest point since 2001 , when the Bureau of Labor Statistics started tracking the figures .
The delay is informed by the crumbling of the tax base and the impact that has on government budgets in the years after a recession first hits .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ League of Cities estimated that cities would see a year-over-year decline of 11 % in sales tax receipts in their fiscal year 2020 budgets .
The hit to property taxes is starting to crop up , too , with growth from 2019 to 2020 expected to be at just 1.9 % .
Both are key funding sources for public sector jobs .
This year , the first coronavirus stimulus bill , the CARES Act , has kept some of the losses at bay , allocating $ 150 billion to state and local governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional $ 600 weekly unemployment insurance payment helped families keep up with their rents and mortgages .
The Paycheck Protection Program loan kept some businesses open and workers on their payrolls , helping those businesses continue to pay taxes and allowing workers to continue buying goods and services .
Eviction moratoriums kept folks from falling over a financial precipice , allowing them to continue making other payments and buying necessities .
But the $ 600 weekly payments and the moratoriums have ended .
EPI found that if the federal government doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hit nearly $ 1 trillion by the end of 2021 , some 5.3 million jobs — many of them public — could disappear .
And it ’ ll hurt not just those workers , but people who rely on social services — like unemployment — emergency responders and sanitation workers .
“ We ’ re going to start seeing stuff in September .
People are going to start getting evicted in September .
People are going to start relying on services like homelessness services , things like that , ” said economist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Progress , a left-leaning think tank .
And because those services will be harder to receive due to there being fewer workers , “ we ’ ll see this cascading effect , ” Ajilore said .
For many workers in the public sector , these jobs are viewed as a pathway to the middle class .
“ The public service , that ’ s been an avenue for women , specifically women of color , to have good wages and good benefits and to provide essential services to the communities in which they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , ” said Lee Saunders , president of the American Federation of State , County and Municipal Employees union .
The uncertainty is worrying Josette Jaramillo , a lead case worker in the foster care unit in Pueblo County , Colorado .
During the Great Recession , she was furloughed and lost her house and her car .
She filed for bankruptcy in 2008 .
So far , layoffs haven ’ t started yet , she said , but administrative dollars have already been cut .
“ If things dip a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower , I think that ’ s a real possibility for us , ” Jaramillo said .
Workers in her region are looking with concern at nearby Denver County , where furloughs and layoffs have begun .
If a major county like that can ’ t keep its employees , how will theirs ?
It ’ s the question most asked by her co-workers : “ Have you heard about layoffs ?
Have you heard about furloughs ?
” “ We think people right now are on the balls of their feet wondering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that affects us , ” Jaramillo said .
In Gatesville , Texas , home to half a dozen female state prisons , corrections officer and union president Tanisha Woods is hoping her job remains in its essential capacity , helping her escape any upcoming cuts .
But when she looks around her , at a region dominated by public services that support the prisons , she worries about her union membership .
( The public sector has higher-than-average union participation , with about 35 % of workers under a contract compared to about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s a small town , a small community , and really I think it ’ s the prisons that really drive the business , ” she said .
“ I haven ’ t heard anything about cuts .
I don ’ t think it starts getting real until we actually see it happen.
” The decisions Congress makes in the coming months will shape how deep the cuts could be later .
“ If Congress comes and steps in and fills in budget shortfalls , there don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losses , ” said EPI ’ s Shierholz .
“ It ’ s like a complete unforced error on the part of the federal government.
” But the House and the Senate have been in a deadlock for weeks about what to do in the next round of relief .
The issue of how much to give cities and states is one of the points of contention .
Democrats have pushed for nearly $ 1 trillion in additional state and local aid through the HEROES Act , while Republicans say the figure should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the initial CARES Act , but with some added flexibility on how state and local governments can use the money to cover gaps in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 .
( Earlier in the year , the funds were only to be used to cover coronavirus-related expenses incurred beginning in March . )
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in August to give $ 300 in weekly payments of federal unemployment insurance to laid-off or furloughed workers — half the previous amount — while states are expected to chip in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few checks have gone out .
The issue of public service aid has some bipartisan support .
In early August , New York ’ s Democratic Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and Arkansas ’ Republican Gov .
Asa Hutchinson — the chair and vice chair , respectively , of the National Governors Association — issued a joint letter calling for $ 500 billion in aid to states .
“ NGA continues to urge Congress and the White House to reach a quick resolution to provide immediate assistance to unemployed Americans .
This resolution should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states , ” they wrote .
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has been a vocal supporter of additional aid to state and local governments , signing onto a bipartisan bill that would offer the $ 500 billion the NGA is looking for .
But other GOP leaders are torn on the subject , saying some of the proposals are too costly and noting that some of the budget shortfalls predate coronavirus .
If the two sides can ’ t decide , “ a lot of people are going to get hurt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers ’ union .
“ A lot of people are gon na be unemployed .
A lot of people are going to rely upon services that are going to be reduced because of the fact that there ’ s no money available.
” Saunders , who has been with the union for 42 years , said this moment is an inflection point unlike any he ’ s experienced in his career .
“ This country is facing a challenge we ’ ve never faced before , ” he said .
“ The question @ @ @ @ @ @

Public sector job loss is coming. Women will be hit hardest.
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Laid off? Here are some companies that are looking to hire USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey gives a lowdown on the companies going through massive hiring sprees and why not to worry about your utility bill. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
This story was published in partnership with The 19th, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy.
Women continue to weather the worst of this coronavirus-induced economic storm, but out in the horizon, another disturbance is forming.
Public sector jobs are expected to take a greater hit as plummeting tax revenues across the country slash local and state government budgets, setting off layoffs and furloughs. When the job losses come, it’ll be women who will be most at risk.
Nearly 60% of public sector employees are women, many of them women of color — the same demographic groups that already experienced the highest rates of unemployment when COVID-19 ripped through the job market. (Unemployment for Latinas peaked at 20.2% this year, and unemployment for Black women hit 16.5%). The one-two punch of the depletion of child care options and the closure of service sector businesses, jobs dominated by women, set off the nation’s first female recession. About 54% of all the jobs lost since the pandemic began were held by women.
But with more cuts likely to come, now the question is: How bad could it get?
“We are already seeing it,” said Heidi Shierholz, senior economist and director of policy at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). “But it’s just gonna get way, way worse.”
Already, 1.4 million local and state government jobs were lost between February and June, almost two-thirds of them jobs that employed women. Furloughs have already started at universities and in city and county governments.
But like in past recessions, the steepest cuts typically come later. With the Great Recession, job loss in the United States began in 2008 and cratered in 2010. But the losses for the public sector didn’t register until three years later. In 2013, public sector jobs hit their lowest point since 2001, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics started tracking the figures.
The delay is informed by the crumbling of the tax base and the impact that has on government budgets in the years after a recession first hits. In an August report, the National League of Cities estimated that cities would see a year-over-year decline of 11% in sales tax receipts in their fiscal year 2020 budgets. The hit to property taxes is starting to crop up, too, with growth from 2019 to 2020 expected to be at just 1.9%. Both are key funding sources for public sector jobs.
This year, the first coronavirus stimulus bill, the CARES Act, has kept some of the losses at bay, allocating $150 billion to state and local governments to cover mostly coronavirus-related costs. An additional $600 weekly unemployment insurance payment helped families keep up with their rents and mortgages. The Paycheck Protection Program loan kept some businesses open and workers on their payrolls, helping those businesses continue to pay taxes and allowing workers to continue buying goods and services. Eviction moratoriums kept folks from falling over a financial precipice, allowing them to continue making other payments and buying necessities.
But the $600 weekly payments and the moratoriums have ended. EPI found that if the federal government doesn’t do anything to address budget shortfalls estimated to hit nearly $1 trillion by the end of 2021, some 5.3 million jobs — many of them public — could disappear.
And it’ll hurt not just those workers, but people who rely on social services — like unemployment — emergency responders and sanitation workers.
“We’re going to start seeing stuff in September. People are going to start getting evicted in September. People are going to start relying on services like homelessness services, things like that,” said economist Olugbenga Ajilore with the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank.
And because those services will be harder to receive due to there being fewer workers, “we’ll see this cascading effect,” Ajilore said.
A missed stepping stone
For many workers in the public sector, these jobs are viewed as a pathway to the middle class.
“The public service, that’s been an avenue for women, specifically women of color, to have good wages and good benefits and to provide essential services to the communities in which they live. They are in jeopardy right now,” said Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union.
The uncertainty is worrying Josette Jaramillo, a lead case worker in the foster care unit in Pueblo County, Colorado. During the Great Recession, she was furloughed and lost her house and her car. She filed for bankruptcy in 2008.
So far, layoffs haven’t started yet, she said, but administrative dollars have already been cut.
“If things dip a little lower and property taxes dip a little lower, I think that’s a real possibility for us,” Jaramillo said.
Workers in her region are looking with concern at nearby Denver County, where furloughs and layoffs have begun. If a major county like that can’t keep its employees, how will theirs? It’s the question most asked by her co-workers: “Have you heard about layoffs? Have you heard about furloughs?”
“We think people right now are on the balls of their feet wondering if this is going to be something that affects us,” Jaramillo said.
In Gatesville, Texas, home to half a dozen female state prisons, corrections officer and union president Tanisha Woods is hoping her job remains in its essential capacity, helping her escape any upcoming cuts.
But when she looks around her, at a region dominated by public services that support the prisons, she worries about her union membership. (The public sector has higher-than-average union participation, with about 35% of workers under a contract compared to about 7% of private workers.)
“It’s a small town, a small community, and really I think it’s the prisons that really drive the business,” she said. “I haven’t heard anything about cuts. I don’t think it starts getting real until we actually see it happen.”
A legislative stopgap
The decisions Congress makes in the coming months will shape how deep the cuts could be later.
“If Congress comes and steps in and fills in budget shortfalls, there don’t have to be any state and local job losses,” said EPI’s Shierholz. “It’s like a complete unforced error on the part of the federal government.”
But the House and the Senate have been in a deadlock for weeks about what to do in the next round of relief. The issue of how much to give cities and states is one of the points of contention.
Democrats have pushed for nearly $1 trillion in additional state and local aid through the HEROES Act, while Republicans say the figure should stay at the $150 billion allotted in the initial CARES Act, but with some added flexibility on how state and local governments can use the money to cover gaps in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. (Earlier in the year, the funds were only to be used to cover coronavirus-related expenses incurred beginning in March.)
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in August to give $300 in weekly payments of federal unemployment insurance to laid-off or furloughed workers — half the previous amount — while states are expected to chip in an extra $100. So far, few checks have gone out.
The issue of public service aid has some bipartisan support. In early August, New York’s Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Arkansas’ Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson — the chair and vice chair, respectively, of the National Governors Association — issued a joint letter calling for $500 billion in aid to states.
“NGA continues to urge Congress and the White House to reach a quick resolution to provide immediate assistance to unemployed Americans. This resolution should avoid new administrative and fiscal burdens on states,” they wrote.
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has been a vocal supporter of additional aid to state and local governments, signing onto a bipartisan bill that would offer the $500 billion the NGA is looking for. But other GOP leaders are torn on the subject, saying some of the proposals are too costly and noting that some of the budget shortfalls predate coronavirus.
If the two sides can’t decide, “a lot of people are going to get hurt,” said Saunders of the public service workers’ union. “A lot of people are gonna be unemployed. A lot of people are going to rely upon services that are going to be reduced because of the fact that there’s no money available.”
Saunders, who has been with the union for 42 years, said this moment is an inflection point unlike any he’s experienced in his career.
“This country is facing a challenge we’ve never faced before,” he said. “The question is how we adapt.”


usatoday--2020-09-10--Q&A: Justice Department wants to defend Trump in former columnist's defamation case

WASHINGTON – President Trump stands to gain from the Justice Department 's move late Tuesday to have the federal government defend him in a defamation lawsuit brought by an author who claims he raped her in a Manhattan department store decades ago .
By certifying that Trump was acting as president when he denied the accusation and said E. Jean Carroll was `` not my type , '' the department stands a good chance of claiming governmental immunity and having the case dismissed .
But even if that does n't happen , the case still will be moved from state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that had reached the discovery phase with less than two months remaining in Trump 's reelection campaign .
`` He 'll get the delay either way , but he might even get dismissal , '' said Stephen Vladeck , a professor at the University of Texas School of Law .
`` What really smells about it is the timing . ''
Attorney General William Barr on Wednesday defended his department 's action as routine under the Westfall Act , which allows state law tort claims against federal employees to be moved to federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the defendant .
`` This was a normal application of the law .
The law is clear .
It is done frequently , '' Barr said during an appearance in Chicago .
`` And the little tempest that ’ s going on is largely because of the bizarre political environment in which we live . ''
Here 's what we know about the legal wrangling over the rape allegation and defamation lawsuit : Answer : The former Elle magazine writer says Trump raped her at Bergdorf Goodman , a luxury New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She accused him of defamation in 2019 after he said the incident never occurred .
More : E. Jean Carroll , columnist who says Donald Trump raped her , fired from Elle Q : What has happened up to now ?
A : A New York state court has rejected Trump ’ s claim of immunity from the private lawsuit .
Carroll has been seeking a DNA sample as possible evidence and to have Trump deposed under oath .
`` Trump was soon going to be required to produce documents , provide a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deposition , '' Carroll 's lawyer , Roberta Kaplan , said in a statement .
A : The Justice Department 's Civil Division submitted court papers to substitute the United States as the defendant .
`` Numerous courts have recognized that elected officials act within the scope of their office or employment when speaking with the press , including with respect to personal matters , and have therefore approved the substitution of the United States in defamation actions , '' the filing by DOJ attorney Stephen Terrell said .
Q : What are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal Tort Claims Act of 1946 allows for lawsuits to be filed against the United States in federal court for actions taken by its employees .
The Westfall Act of 1988 basically requires such a substitution of the United States as defendant and grants the employees immunity .
Q : How common is the Justice Department 's action ?
A : Very common .
Robert Loeb , a former Civil Division appellate lawyer , said it provides protection for federal workers acting in their official capacity .
In private-sector tort cases , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have deeper pockets than their workers to pay any possible court awards .
As an example , former President George W. Bush and members of his administration used the Westfall Act to avoid being sued personally in U.S. courts by victims of the Iraq war .
Q : So what 's unusual about this case ?
A : The incident that prompted the defamation lawsuit was a personal matter that allegedly occurred long before Trump was elected president .
“ That isn ’ t within the scope of his employment .
That has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Loeb said .
But `` a lot of things are covered that would surprise people . ''
Q : Why is the Justice Department 's timing curious ?
A : It could have raised this issue at the very beginning of legal proceedings .
By waiting until now , it allowed the state court action to take up months before moving to federal court .
`` The timing is what is disturbing here , '' said Gregory Sisk , a professor at St. Thomas University School of Law and an expert on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To do it after months and months , and discovery moving forward , is odd . ''
Q : Has the Justice Department interceded on Trump 's behalf before ?
A : Many times .
Barr sought to reduce Trump associate Roger Stone 's prison sentence before it was commuted by the president .
He also tried to dismiss the department 's case against former national security adviser Michael Flynn , which a federal court has blocked .

Q&A: Justice Department wants to defend Trump in former columnist's defamation case
Show Caption Hide Caption 4 facts about E. Jean Carroll, President Trump's latest accuser These are 4 things you need to know about E. Jean Carroll. The advice columnist is the latest to accuse President Donald Trump of sexual assault. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Trump stands to gain from the Justice Department's move late Tuesday to have the federal government defend him in a defamation lawsuit brought by an author who claims he raped her in a Manhattan department store decades ago.
By certifying that Trump was acting as president when he denied the accusation and said E. Jean Carroll was "not my type," the department stands a good chance of claiming governmental immunity and having the case dismissed.
But even if that doesn't happen, the case still will be moved from state to federal court, delaying a process that had reached the discovery phase with less than two months remaining in Trump's reelection campaign.
"He'll get the delay either way, but he might even get dismissal," said Stephen Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law. "What really smells about it is the timing."
More: Justice Department asks to defend Trump in rape accuser E. Jean Carroll's defamation lawsuit
Attorney General William Barr on Wednesday defended his department's action as routine under the Westfall Act, which allows state law tort claims against federal employees to be moved to federal court, with the United States as the defendant.
"This was a normal application of the law. The law is clear. It is done frequently," Barr said during an appearance in Chicago. "And the little tempest that’s going on is largely because of the bizarre political environment in which we live."
Here's what we know about the legal wrangling over the rape allegation and defamation lawsuit:
Question: What is Carroll's accusation?
Answer: The former Elle magazine writer says Trump raped her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury New York City department store, in the mid-1990s. She accused him of defamation in 2019 after he said the incident never occurred.
More: E. Jean Carroll, columnist who says Donald Trump raped her, fired from Elle
Q: What has happened up to now?
A: A New York state court has rejected Trump’s claim of immunity from the private lawsuit. Carroll has been seeking a DNA sample as possible evidence and to have Trump deposed under oath.
"Trump was soon going to be required to produce documents, provide a DNA sample, and sit for a deposition," Carroll's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said in a statement.
Q: What happened on Tuesday?
A: The Justice Department's Civil Division submitted court papers to substitute the United States as the defendant.
"Numerous courts have recognized that elected officials act within the scope of their office or employment when speaking with the press, including with respect to personal matters, and have therefore approved the substitution of the United States in defamation actions," the filing by DOJ attorney Stephen Terrell said.
Q: What are the relevant statutes?
A: The Federal Tort Claims Act of 1946 allows for lawsuits to be filed against the United States in federal court for actions taken by its employees. The Westfall Act of 1988 basically requires such a substitution of the United States as defendant and grants the employees immunity.
Q: How common is the Justice Department's action?
A: Very common. Robert Loeb, a former Civil Division appellate lawyer, said it provides protection for federal workers acting in their official capacity. In private-sector tort cases, the doctrine generally helps plaintiffs, because employers have deeper pockets than their workers to pay any possible court awards.
As an example, former President George W. Bush and members of his administration used the Westfall Act to avoid being sued personally in U.S. courts by victims of the Iraq war.
Q: So what's unusual about this case?
A: The incident that prompted the defamation lawsuit was a personal matter that allegedly occurred long before Trump was elected president.
“That isn’t within the scope of his employment. That has nothing to do with his employment," Loeb said. But "a lot of things are covered that would surprise people."
Q: Why is the Justice Department's timing curious?
A: It could have raised this issue at the very beginning of legal proceedings. By waiting until now, it allowed the state court action to take up months before moving to federal court.
"The timing is what is disturbing here," said Gregory Sisk, a professor at St. Thomas University School of Law and an expert on the Federal Tort Claims Act. "To do it after months and months, and discovery moving forward, is odd."
Q: Has the Justice Department interceded on Trump's behalf before?
A: Many times. Barr sought to reduce Trump associate Roger Stone's prison sentence before it was commuted by the president. He also tried to dismiss the department's case against former national security adviser Michael Flynn, which a federal court has blocked.


usatoday--2020-09-11--Houston Texans players choose not to be on field for national anthem

KANSAS CITY – The Kansas City Chiefs players and coaches stretched across one of the end zones at Arrowhead Stadium during the playing of `` Lift Every Voice and Sing '' and later took the sideline for the playing of the national anthem .
But the Houston Texans players and coaches remained in the locker room for the song also known as the Black national anthem and for `` The Star-Spangled Banner . ''
In an attempt to show their support for players fighting for racial equality and social justice , the NFL announced that it would play both `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Star-Spangled Banner before games this season .
However , the Texans players had discussed staging a protest during both anthems in an attempt to continue to draw attention to the ongoing problems of police brutality against people of color and systemic oppression .
It turned out that protest involved not taking the field for either anthem .
A brief video highlighting the Black struggle from slavery to the civil rights movement played on the two video boards on each end of the stadium , then a video of Alicia Keys singing `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the video boards .
Immediately after the song ended , the Chiefs jogged off the field .
After a break and the setting up of a giant Lombardi Trophy on the field , owner Clark Hunt addressed the fans .
Immediately after the unveiling of the team ’ s Super Bowl banner , Chiefs players ran onto the field .
The Texans did not , however .
Kansas City ’ s players stood on the sideline for the playing of the national anthem , although Chiefs defensive end Alex Okafor took a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
Once the anthem had finished , the Texans ran onto the field , and then both teams came together at the center of the field for what the public address announcer called “ a moment of silence to support racial equality in our country.
” Some of the approximately 16,000 fans in attendance booed as “ Black Lives Matter ” was shown on the video boards .
But most fans complied and cheered once the tribute ended and players returned to their sidelines .
Follow USA TODAY Sports ’ Mike Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Football Jones podcast on iTunes .

Houston Texans players choose not to be on field for national anthem
Show Caption Hide Caption What NFL kickoff weekend will look like and what it means to us Sports, Seriously: Nancy Armour believes we will see plenty of social justice demonstrations this NFL Kickoff weekend. She also believes it's a weekend to enjoy some normalcy as football becomes the first sport to start on time amidst the pandemic. USA TODAY
KANSAS CITY – The Kansas City Chiefs players and coaches stretched across one of the end zones at Arrowhead Stadium during the playing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and later took the sideline for the playing of the national anthem. But the Houston Texans players and coaches remained in the locker room for the song also known as the Black national anthem and for "The Star-Spangled Banner."
In an attempt to show their support for players fighting for racial equality and social justice, the NFL announced that it would play both "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and The Star-Spangled Banner before games this season.
However, the Texans players had discussed staging a protest during both anthems in an attempt to continue to draw attention to the ongoing problems of police brutality against people of color and systemic oppression.
It turned out that protest involved not taking the field for either anthem.
A brief video highlighting the Black struggle from slavery to the civil rights movement played on the two video boards on each end of the stadium, then a video of Alicia Keys singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" played on the video boards.
Immediately after the song ended, the Chiefs jogged off the field. After a break and the setting up of a giant Lombardi Trophy on the field, owner Clark Hunt addressed the fans. Immediately after the unveiling of the team’s Super Bowl banner, Chiefs players ran onto the field. The Texans did not, however.
Kansas City’s players stood on the sideline for the playing of the national anthem, although Chiefs defensive end Alex Okafor took a knee, the lone player to do so. Once the anthem had finished, the Texans ran onto the field, and then both teams came together at the center of the field for what the public address announcer called“a moment of silence to support racial equality in our country.” Some of the approximately 16,000 fans in attendance booed as “Black Lives Matter” was shown on the video boards. But most fans complied and cheered once the tribute ended and players returned to their sidelines.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones on Twitter @ByMikeJones and listen to the Football Jones podcast on iTunes.