New reports coming out that the NFL is considering using virtual fans and fake crowd noise in stadiums in the event that no fans will be attendance when football returns in a few months.

Joe Buck to SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live”: Fox Sports will pump in crowd noise and put virtual fans in the stands for NFL games in empty stadiums. SBJ Media is live: 🔒https://t.co/11fxKTc6bv🔒 pic.twitter.com/baK9S1LAsq

— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) May 13, 2020

No thank you. I’d much rather hear what’s happening. The amount of communication that goes on during a football game from both the offense and defense is insane. With zero fans or crowd noise, consider the following:

• Audibles from the line of scrimmage.
• Trash talk.
• Coverage or play adjustments.
• Actually hearing the sounds of players crashing into each other.

In my opinion, all that sounds amazing. Forget the fake crowd noises. If we have to have football with no fans, let’s turn up the on field volume and really get a look at who’s saying what out there. Of course, teams will have to adjust their play calling and communication, but it will definitely be worth it.

I doubt the virtual crowd noises will be booing teams when there’s a bad play or call. If you’re not going to go super authentic with the fake noise, then why do it all? Is there just one person in the booth deciding on what to cheer for?

If anything, take it a step further or don’t do it all.

Develop an app for smart phones and give fans an interactive experience where they can click a button to cheer or boo based on a play or call they just witnessed on the field. At least that way you’re actually getting somewhat authentic fan reactions.