In my 2 years of playing with the Buffalo Bills, there are 3 things I learned once winter arrived, which in Buffalo is about October 15th , you must be able to throw in the wind, learn how to dress for cold weather, and last but not least, secure my spot on the heating bench while the defense is on the field…..OK, even when the offense is on the field too.

The temperature at kick-off in Green Bay is expected to be zero degrees, with windchill factor of close to minus 30 degrees below zero by the time the 4th quarter arrives.

The temperature at kick-off in New England won’t be quite so frigid, with a high of around 20-25 degrees.  But, snow and wind is also forecast for the Greater New England area.

 As a player, you have to make sure you layer up, but not too much.  You don’t want to overheat and put too much clothing on.   As a starter, your adrenaline, and the sweat you produce will keep you fairly warm.   It really is not as bad as you think, IF your playing.  Hydration is probably more important in cold weather than hot weather.  You must pump the fluids even if you don’t feel like it.

Probably the hardest thing for the QB’s, will be throwing the ball if the winds pick up in both of the games.  It won’t affect Farve and Rivers so much, since they both have a cannon of an arm, but for Manning and Brady, who are more finesse throwers, the wind could come into play.

Receivers will have their gloves on as usual, but they will have to find a way to keep there hands warm in between plays.  The football becomes very hard when it’s that cold, and it’s like catching an ice cold brick.

Even for holders on field goals and extra points, you have to keep your hands warm and dry.  That’s why you can never downplay the longsnappers and holders in these kind of conditions.

For the runningbacks, you have to secure the ball even more so to your body.  The ball is so hard and slick, that the defense can strip it very easily.

Speaking of defense, they love the cold weather.  But, they have to really focus on getting their feet underneath them and keeping their balance, since both fields could be damp and a little slick.  They also need to wrap up and make the sure tackle and can’t rely on using there arms, especially with the Giants Brandon Jacobs coming at you, or a slippery Ladanian Tomlinson, who can shift gears so quickly.

The KEY for playing in cold weather, is taking care of the ball, and not fumbling it away.  Truly everyone on both sides of the ball needs to secure the ball.  As the game goes on, the ball will become harder and more slick.   Especially on the hand-offs and the receivers running after the catch, they have got to keep that in mind, secure the ball before they run.

In all, as a player, if you are used to these conditions, it is second nature to do all of what I have laid out, but, if you’re the Giants and San Diego, you have to prepare yourself mentally, to what you NEED to do during the game.  At that point, once the kick-off happens, you just need to ignore the elements and play football the best you know how.

As a fan, all you have to do, is have a hot chocolate on Roc and Manuch, and make sure you have a warm and cozy spot in that couch….Oh ya, some chicken wings, pizza and your finest beverage will help as well.

Have a great football weekend…

Manuch 

written by Manuch