Field Conditions Could Be A Factor In NFC Title Game

Added on Jan 18, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

While watching the Bears dispose of the Seahawks this past Sunday, one couldn’t help but notice how awful the Soldier Field turf looked. The combination of snowy conditions, bitter winter temperatures and the rigors of six months worth of games has transformed the field into what can best be described as a grayish, brown parking lot. Players on both sides could be seen sliding, slipping and tripping throughout the afternoon.

To be fair, Chicago had never had an especially well-groomed playing surface, but that doesn’t change the fact that some Packers and Bears players are concerned it could pose a problem during the NFC Championship. Green Bay wide receiver Greg Jennings called it the “worst in the league” and admitted it’s going to be a factor:

“You have to go out before the game, pregame, and kind of get a feel of what you’re working with, what you’re dealing with, get your footing, because that’s going to play a huge, huge role in the game,” Jennings said. “But you can’t allow that to affect the way you play.”

The league is supposed to be monitoring the issue. However, it’s not as if anything can be done at this stage of the season. The field is what it is: terrible. Re-sodding hasn’t made it better and old man winter isn’t expected to take the week off in the Midwest.

The Bears may be more accustomed to the conditions, but calling it an advantage would be inaccurate. A bad field can strike anyone at anytime. Packers cornerback Tramon Williams, who has three interceptions in the playoffs, called the controversy much ado about nothing:

“Chicago’s field has always been like that,” Williams said. “So it’s nothing different. It’s something that we’re prepared for. And you’ve just got to have the right cleats or whatever. It shouldn’t really be a problem.”

He says that now. I wonder how he’ll feel if he slips and falls on a chunk of loose grass and allows the game-winning touchdown to Johnny Knox. Something tells me he might place at least some of the blame on the turf.

Source: NFL.com