Eve Edelheit for The New York Times
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The “Duval” cheers, the lights and the Jacksonville Jaguars were all in action again, but it was clear that Week 3 at TIAA Bank Field was different from my last visit, in 2019. When I attended that hot, early fall home opener, I talked to strangers seated next to me, stood in line close to people, and enjoyed the battery-operated fans that blew air in our faces to last with over 100-degree temperatures inside the stadium.
I’ve always found you can make a quick emotional bond with nearby strangers around just because you happen to be fans of the same team, but it was nearly impossible to do that on Thursday night.