Another Ice Bowl in Green Bay on Sunday (1 Viewer)

[Sabertooth]

Gotta say I am thinking of going....with a good friend who is a 49ers fan.

why, are you getting paid to go or something?

no just think it is going to be a historic game.

 

[BaBastage]

The real winner in this game is next week's opponent. This game is going to take the fight out of either team afterward. Every game takes its toll, but the weather is just going to make it more so.

I pretty much guarantee either team loses next week.

 

[flapgreen]

OK

 

[cstu]

I'll admit that last two games I saw Kaepernick in were against the Packers and he looked just fine. He shattered all time records just a year ago.

Yea, and I hear a lot of Packer fans saying if the Packers shut down the run and force Kaeperdink to beat them, they'll win.

Ummmmm, they did that in September and Kaepersnick ripped em a new one.

A 69 degree game in September isn't like this one...and the Packers had the lead in the 4th quarter of that game.

 

[karmarooster]

Current temp in Green Bay... (positive) 31F. By game time, it's supposed to drop to the teens. It's still really cold, but it's not -20F with windchills at -50F. Bummer.

The game that made Tom Coughlin's face fall off was -3 with windchill -20.

 

[The Kerminator]

Current temp in Green Bay... (positive) 31F. By game time, it's supposed to drop to the teens. It's still really cold, but it's not -20F with windchills at -50F. Bummer.

The game that made Tom Coughlin's face fall off was -3 with windchill -20.

Where do you get a forecast for the teens for GB? Temp at kickoff is expected to be around 1 and falling throughout the game. -8 by 4th quarter.

SF is in GB and expected to practice today outdoors to get used to the cold. 30 degrees today will feel balmy compared to tomorrow.

 

[Not Sleeping]

Current temp in Green Bay... (positive) 31F. By game time, it's supposed to drop to the teens. It's still really cold, but it's not -20F with windchills at -50F. Bummer.

The game that made Tom Coughlin's face fall off was -3 with windchill -20.

Where do you get a forecast for the teens for GB? Temp at kickoff is expected to be around 1 and falling throughout the game. -8 by 4th quarter.

SF is in GB and expected to practice today outdoors to get used to the cold. 30 degrees today will feel balmy compared to tomorrow.

I think Karma needs to check the schedule and report back. Sounds like he thinks the game is today.

 

[The Kerminator]

Current temp in Green Bay... (positive) 31F. By game time, it's supposed to drop to the teens. It's still really cold, but it's not -20F with windchills at -50F. Bummer.

The game that made Tom Coughlin's face fall off was -3 with windchill -20.

Where do you get a forecast for the teens for GB? Temp at kickoff is expected to be around 1 and falling throughout the game. -8 by 4th quarter.

SF is in GB and expected to practice today outdoors to get used to the cold. 30 degrees today will feel balmy compared to tomorrow.

I think Karma needs to check the schedule and report back. Sounds like he thinks the game is today.

I think today is the day when the Niner cheerleaders take on the GB cheerleaders in a game of flag football. Maybe he has tickets.

 

[karmarooster]

Doh, I did think it was tonight. In fact the GB/SF game and the Philly/NO games are the most interesting IMO, just switched them for tonight!

Revised - looks like the temp will dip below 0 around kickoff. Again, the same premise stands -- it's still really, really cold, but it's not -20. Some of the hyperbole in several articles -- e.g. about a beer freezing in less than 30 min, about getting frost bite on any exposed skin in more than 15 min -- well those things are probably slightly exaggerated. Such goes the world of meteorology. The OP in this thread was written more than 48 hours out, there's just not as much accuracy as we think. NYC was supposed to get a foot of snow on Friday, it got maybe a few inches. We'll see how cold it actually is at kickoff. Forecast - it will be cold. -20? Probably not.

 

[GreenNGold]

All the "the game is meant to be played outdoors" dorks should be required to attend this game.

80,000 of those "dorks" are going to be there and the stadium is sold out, so we can't fit any more in there.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Doh, I did think it was tonight. In fact the GB/SF game and the Philly/NO games are the most interesting IMO, just switched them for tonight!

Revised - looks like the temp will dip below 0 around kickoff. Again, the same premise stands -- it's still really, really cold, but it's not -20. Some of the hyperbole in several articles -- e.g. about a beer freezing in less than 30 min, about getting frost bite on any exposed skin in more than 15 min -- well those things are probably slightly exaggerated. Such goes the world of meteorology. The OP in this thread was written more than 48 hours out, there's just not as much accuracy as we think. NYC was supposed to get a foot of snow on Friday, it got maybe a few inches. We'll see how cold it actually is at kickoff. Forecast - it will be cold. -20? Probably not.

Not sure id say its overdone. Supposed to be in the negative single digits with a 15-20 mph wind making it feel -25. Don't care where you're from that's intensely cold.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

There is definitely a good dose hyperbole and hysteria when it comes to cold weather games in Green Bay. It is also true that the weather forecasters are very often wrong when it comes to predicted snowfall. However, they can actually predict high/low temperatures with a pretty good amount of accuracy several days out. For example, we've been in the low 30's today in Milwaukee - downright balmy, but they've already cancelled public school and announced several govt and business closings for Monday due to the expected extreme cold. That's not done lightly, and it is very rare that it happens three days in advance. They would never announce a school closing due to snowfall that far in advance, because it's so uncertain. The beer will definitely freeze tomorrow if you don't drink it fast enough, especially if you're drinking a watery american macro lager.

 

[Mario Kart]

Doh, I did think it was tonight. In fact the GB/SF game and the Philly/NO games are the most interesting IMO, just switched them for tonight!

Revised - looks like the temp will dip below 0 around kickoff. Again, the same premise stands -- it's still really, really cold, but it's not -20. Some of the hyperbole in several articles -- e.g. about a beer freezing in less than 30 min, about getting frost bite on any exposed skin in more than 15 min -- well those things are probably slightly exaggerated. Such goes the world of meteorology. The OP in this thread was written more than 48 hours out, there's just not as much accuracy as we think. NYC was supposed to get a foot of snow on Friday, it got maybe a few inches. We'll see how cold it actually is at kickoff. Forecast - it will be cold. -20? Probably not.

And, what city are you posting your "evidence" from?

 

[mr roboto]

Doh, I did think it was tonight. In fact the GB/SF game and the Philly/NO games are the most interesting IMO, just switched them for tonight!

Revised - looks like the temp will dip below 0 around kickoff. Again, the same premise stands -- it's still really, really cold, but it's not -20. Some of the hyperbole in several articles -- e.g. about a beer freezing in less than 30 min, about getting frost bite on any exposed skin in more than 15 min -- well those things are probably slightly exaggerated. Such goes the world of meteorology. The OP in this thread was written more than 48 hours out, there's just not as much accuracy as we think. NYC was supposed to get a foot of snow on Friday, it got maybe a few inches. We'll see how cold it actually is at kickoff. Forecast - it will be cold. -20? Probably not.

The frostbite time of 15 minutes is very accurate if the wind is over 20mph. It should be -5 after half time.Re:exaggerated storms. That's an East Coast thing. We got 17 inches here in Illinois but no one started freaking till it got passed Philly. Just cause your last East Coast media freak out didn't pan out doesn't mean the reports of temp in GB are wrong.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Doh, I did think it was tonight. In fact the GB/SF game and the Philly/NO games are the most interesting IMO, just switched them for tonight!

Revised - looks like the temp will dip below 0 around kickoff. Again, the same premise stands -- it's still really, really cold, but it's not -20. Some of the hyperbole in several articles -- e.g. about a beer freezing in less than 30 min, about getting frost bite on any exposed skin in more than 15 min -- well those things are probably slightly exaggerated. Such goes the world of meteorology. The OP in this thread was written more than 48 hours out, there's just not as much accuracy as we think. NYC was supposed to get a foot of snow on Friday, it got maybe a few inches. We'll see how cold it actually is at kickoff. Forecast - it will be cold. -20? Probably not.

Were you dropped on your head frequently as a child?

 

[mr roboto]

My weather guy was wrong once in the past. Therefore, it won't be too bad in Green Bay on Sunday.

 

[Raider Nation]

Sports Science did an interesting study on the effect of games in extreme cold weather.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q8usyoxHGk

Don't bother going full-screen. It's not in HD.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Seriously, why don't they just put a couple ice shacks on each sideline and let the players sit in there when they aren't on the field? It's not like ice fisherman sit outside on these days.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Seriously, why don't they just put a couple ice shacks on each sideline and let the players sit in there when they aren't on the field? It's not like ice fisherman sit outside on these days.

Some ice fishermen sit outside

 

[ghostguy123]

Electric blankets? Maybe electric thermal clothes? They have those right? If not someone is about to steal my idea and be a millionaire. Have at it.

 

[Raider Nation]

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Josh Boyd isn't into making a fashion statement, and he doesn't think he needs to go sleeveless to show off his toughness.All the Packers defensive lineman wants is to stay warm in the subzero weather when Green Bay hosts the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC wild-card showdown that could be one of the coldest playoff games in NFL history.

So many intriguing story lines between these two NFC powers, and yet the arctic cold may trump them all.

"Yeah, I'm definitely going sleeves," said Boyd, a rookie from Mississippi. "I mean, I don't see it as a tough guy thing. I just see it as being comfortable."

The National Weather Service forecast called for a high temperature in Green Bay on Sunday of 2 degrees, with north-northwest winds making it feel more like minus-15 to minus-20.

The coldest NFL game on record is the 1967 championship game, known as the "Ice Bowl" won by the Packers 21-17 over the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on New Year's Eve. The temperature dipped to minus-13, and the wind chill that day was minus-48.

This might be little consolation to Boyd, for whom cold games in college meant playing in 30- or 40-degree weather.

"I'm from Mississippi, so this is a whole other animal," Boyd said. "I've never seen negatives until I got here."

Linemen are renowned for toughing out inclement weather without sleeves under jerseys. Don't want to give the opponent even the slightest idea that you're soft, the line of thinking goes.

Well, 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith is as tough as they come, and even he might wear sleeves for what he estimates would be just the second or third time in his 13-year career.

"You're not going to have an advantage having no sleeves. You're not going to scare the opponent," said Smith, who has 6½ sacks.

Across the line of scrimmage, center Jonathan Goodwin said he had no problem wearing sleeves.

"I gave up on the 'don't wear sleeves to look tough' a long time ago," he said.

In some ways, players might be warmer than the 80,000 fans expected to pack frigid Lambeau. Once they get to the sideline, players can take a break on heated benches. They'll likely wear long, heavy coats while not in the game.

"This is not the norm. Anytime you get outside the norm for whatever your occupation, it's obviously challenging mentally and physically," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "That's definitely going to be the case Sunday."

Footing on the field will be a key issue. Lambeau does have a heating system buried beneath the turf, encompassing 30 miles of pipes. There was supposed to be a brief "break" in the cold snap with temperatures rising into the upper 20s on Saturday, which McCarthy said would give groundskeepers a key day to work on the field.

"It could be just a normal game that's played at a little slower pace. Or it could be where there's a lot of slipping and sliding going on, then you have to adjust a little bit," 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "You need to wait to see Sunday exactly see how the field affects the game."

Another key for players will be to stay hydrated, though McCarthy jokingly put his index finger to his lips as if to tell a reporter to not let out the secret when asked the question Friday.

"We've seen it in past games where guys do cramp, so yes, it's all part of our preparation," McCarthy said.

If not for the arctic front marching into Wisconsin, more of the attention before Sunday's game might be focused on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's mastery of Green Bay in the teams' last two meetings. Or quarterback Aaron Rodgers' triumphant return from a left collarbone injury to help the resurgent Packers get back into the playoffs.

Instead, San Francisco and Green Bay will have to deal with an unwelcome extra opponent: the bitter cold.

Packers defensive lineman Mike Daniels seems to subscribe to the sleeves-are-soft philosophy. He doesn't like wearing them and plans to just play through the big chill and block out the conditions.

And don't get him started on hand warmers.

"I see offensive linemen with hand warmers, that tells me about them, man," Daniels said. "A defensive line coach in college said that, so I kind of kept that mentality."

 

[Raider Nation]

Five things to watch ahead of Sunday's game:WARM-WEATHER TEAM?: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers shared his trick for playing in the bitter cold: "Eat a lot of chicken noodle soup."

San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis liked that one: "Chicken noodle soup's pretty good, can't argue with that. Give me a 'W' and that will take care of all the warmth I need."

The 49ers took the practice field on New Year's Day with the temperature in the mid-60s. Sunday's high in Green Bay is projected to be 8 degrees.

Coach Jim Harbaugh spoke of "keeping it simple" on the road regardless of thermometer reading.

"Just get warm and make plays," tight end Vernon Davis said.

CAPTAIN COMEBACK: Funny how one player can change the Packers' playoff outlook.

When that guy is Rodgers, anything is possible.

Green Bay won a third straight NFC North title in large part because of the fourth-quarter drive led by Rodgers last week in a 33-28 win over the Bears. It culminated with a stunning 48-yard touchdown pass to Randall Cobb on fourth-and-8 with 38 seconds left.

That left collarbone that kept him out for nearly two months is fine now. He's healthy just in time to face a nasty defense that's ranked fifth in the league.

STOPPING BOLDIN: Among the tall tasks for the Packers' defense will be dealing with receiver Anquan Boldin.

Green Bay got thoroughly embarrassed by Boldin in Week 1, when the wideout had 13 catches for 208 yards and a touchdown. He finished the regular season with 85 catches for 1,179 yards and seven TDs.

The 49ers also have Michael Crabtree back after the receiver missed the opener with an Achilles tendon injury.

"Both of their receivers are strong, they're good with the ball in their hand after the catch," defensive coordinator Dom Capers said Friday. "You've got to tackle them because they'll run through arm tackles."

SPY GAME: In two games, Colin Kaepernick has beaten the Packers with his arm and his legs.

Kaepernick was on the passing end of Boldin's big day in September. A year ago, he had a quarterback playoff record of 181 yards rushing against the Packers out of the read-option.

Making things tougher for the Packers is that they'll be without linebacker Clay Matthews (right thumb), the defender Capers would have employed to "spy" on Kaepernick.

"If you're going to spy a guy, you've got to have a guy that can match Kaepernick in terms of running," Capers said. "Doesn't do any good if you can't catch him."

EASING EDDIE: Rookie running back Eddie Lacy apparently won't let a sprained right ankle slow him down.

Coach Mike McCarthy said his 1,100-yard rusher looked good this week in practice. The ankle has bothered Lacy for much of the past month, though the bruising back keeps on barreling over defenders.

It presents the 49ers with an unwelcome dilemma: focus on Rodgers or Lacy?

"He's hard to bring down. You have to pick and choose your poison," Whitner said. "He takes a load off Aaron Rodgers."

 

[mr roboto]

Seriously, why don't they just put a couple ice shacks on each sideline and let the players sit in there when they aren't on the field? It's not like ice fisherman sit outside on these days.

Some ice fishermen sit outside

My half-brother's dad (not my dad nor my step dad) and his nephew are currently camping, outdoors, in the boundary waters. That's the area on the MN/Canada border. They are sleeping in tents, sleeping bags, campfire, and ice fishing without shacks.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I'll admit that last two games I saw Kaepernick in were against the Packers and he looked just fine. He shattered all time records just a year ago.

Different offense. Much less read-option; I suspect to keep him healthy, because they don't have Alex Smith to fall back on anymore. Nobody on the 49ers side wants to see Colt McCoy in the game. Even Colt McCoy doesn't want to see Colt McCoy in the game.

Last year in 10 starts, he rushed for 679 yards. This year, in 16 starts, he has 524 yards rushing.

That said, given the extreme cold and his performance on the ground against GB last postseason, it might be time to break it out again.

 

[Native]

Posted 8 hours ago – National Weather Service

Dangerously cold conditions expected early next week.

A bitterly cold Arctic air mass that originated near the north pole in late December is expected to surge into our area this weekend, and remain across the area early next week. The air mass is expected to be the coldest that has affected the area in years. Bitterly cold temperatures combined with winds up to 25 mph at times will result in dangerously cold conditions.
Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect from Midnight Tonight to 6 pm CST Sunday.

Wind Chill Warning remains in effect from 6 pm Sunday to noon CST Tuesday.

• Bitterly cold air will surge into the area starting this evening. The combination of cold and wind will drive wind chill indices into the 20 below to 35 below zero range tonight and Sunday. Wind chills in this range indicate that Frostbite to exposed skin can occur in 20 to 30 minutes.
• The core of the cold air will be across the area Sunday night through Tuesday morning. Wind Chill Indices as low as 50 below to 55 below zero are expected at times during this period. Wind chills this low indicate that Frostbite to exposed skin can occur in under 10 minutes.
• The wind chill Index is a measure of the heat loss to a human body due to the combination of cold air and wind. The colder the air and the stronger The wind, the lower the wind chill Index, and the faster that heat is transported away from exposed skin. Therefore, the lower the wind chill Index, the more quickly that Frostbite and hypothermia can develop.

 

[flapgreen]

Whoa

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Posted 8 hours ago – National Weather Service

Dangerously cold conditions expected early next week.

A bitterly cold Arctic air mass that originated near the north pole in late December is expected to surge into our area this weekend, and remain across the area early next week. The air mass is expected to be the coldest that has affected the area in years. Bitterly cold temperatures combined with winds up to 25 mph at times will result in dangerously cold conditions.

Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect from Midnight Tonight to 6 pm CST Sunday.

Wind Chill Warning remains in effect from 6 pm Sunday to noon CST Tuesday.

• Bitterly cold air will surge into the area starting this evening. The combination of cold and wind will drive wind chill indices into the 20 below to 35 below zero range tonight and Sunday. Wind chills in this range indicate that Frostbite to exposed skin can occur in 20 to 30 minutes.
• The core of the cold air will be across the area Sunday night through Tuesday morning. Wind Chill Indices as low as 50 below to 55 below zero are expected at times during this period. Wind chills this low indicate that Frostbite to exposed skin can occur in under 10 minutes.
• The wind chill Index is a measure of the heat loss to a human body due to the combination of cold air and wind. The colder the air and the stronger The wind, the lower the wind chill Index, and the faster that heat is transported away from exposed skin. Therefore, the lower the wind chill Index, the more quickly that Frostbite and hypothermia can develop.

Temp doesn't matter. 20 degrees, 0 degrees, -20 degrees......it is all the same. Or so I've been told.

 

[Mario Kart]

Posted 8 hours ago – National Weather Service

Dangerously cold conditions expected early next week.

A bitterly cold Arctic air mass that originated near the north pole in late December is expected to surge into our area this weekend, and remain across the area early next week. The air mass is expected to be the coldest that has affected the area in years. Bitterly cold temperatures combined with winds up to 25 mph at times will result in dangerously cold conditions.

Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect from Midnight Tonight to 6 pm CST Sunday.

Wind Chill Warning remains in effect from 6 pm Sunday to noon CST Tuesday.

• Bitterly cold air will surge into the area starting this evening. The combination of cold and wind will drive wind chill indices into the 20 below to 35 below zero range tonight and Sunday. Wind chills in this range indicate that Frostbite to exposed skin can occur in 20 to 30 minutes.
• The core of the cold air will be across the area Sunday night through Tuesday morning. Wind Chill Indices as low as 50 below to 55 below zero are expected at times during this period. Wind chills this low indicate that Frostbite to exposed skin can occur in under 10 minutes.
• The wind chill Index is a measure of the heat loss to a human body due to the combination of cold air and wind. The colder the air and the stronger The wind, the lower the wind chill Index, and the faster that heat is transported away from exposed skin. Therefore, the lower the wind chill Index, the more quickly that Frostbite and hypothermia can develop.

Temp doesn't matter. 20 degrees, 0 degrees, -20 degrees......it is all the same. Or so I've been told.

Also, those guys are wrong all the time. I'm not holding my breath for this storm. My research tells me it will be sunny and 30F.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Posted 8 hours ago – National Weather Service

Dangerously cold conditions expected early next week.

A bitterly cold Arctic air mass that originated near the north pole in late December is expected to surge into our area this weekend, and remain across the area early next week. The air mass is expected to be the coldest that has affected the area in years. Bitterly cold temperatures combined with winds up to 25 mph at times will result in dangerously cold conditions.

Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect from Midnight Tonight to 6 pm CST Sunday.

Wind Chill Warning remains in effect from 6 pm Sunday to noon CST Tuesday.

• Bitterly cold air will surge into the area starting this evening. The combination of cold and wind will drive wind chill indices into the 20 below to 35 below zero range tonight and Sunday. Wind chills in this range indicate that Frostbite to exposed skin can occur in 20 to 30 minutes.
• The core of the cold air will be across the area Sunday night through Tuesday morning. Wind Chill Indices as low as 50 below to 55 below zero are expected at times during this period. Wind chills this low indicate that Frostbite to exposed skin can occur in under 10 minutes.
• The wind chill Index is a measure of the heat loss to a human body due to the combination of cold air and wind. The colder the air and the stronger The wind, the lower the wind chill Index, and the faster that heat is transported away from exposed skin. Therefore, the lower the wind chill Index, the more quickly that Frostbite and hypothermia can develop.

Temp doesn't matter. 20 degrees, 0 degrees, -20 degrees......it is all the same. Or so I've been told.

Also, those guys are wrong all the time. I'm not holding my breath for this storm. My research tells me it will be sunny and 30F.

30 degrees or -30 degrees...what's the difference? It is still freezing...

 

[Raider Nation]

Is it time for kickoff yet?

 

[mr roboto]

Honestly, once it gets below 55, I mean, f--- it, am I right? It's f---ing pointless to even try to pretend life is worth it at that point.

 

[ghostguy123]

20 is the new absolute zero

 

[Mario Kart]

Honestly, once it gets below 55, I mean, f--- it, am I right? It's f---ing pointless to even try to pretend life is worth it at that point.

Nah, 54 ain't too bad. 53 is pushing it. If the mercury says 49... time to get the plastic for the windows out and on.

 

[Raider Nation]

Rodgers is gonna be pretty happy he was medically cleared the first time Bowman or Willis plants him into the ground.

 

[Mario Kart]

Well, its setting up to have the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field in a couple of weeks. #6 beats #3... #4 wins tomorrow... #4 beats #2 next week... #6 beats #1 next week and then #4 hosts the game. All the Packers have to do is beat the #6 Saints then.

 

[Raider Nation]

Well, its setting up to have the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field in a couple of weeks. #6 beats #3... #4 wins tomorrow... #4 beats #2 next week... #6 beats #1 next week and then #4 hosts the game. All the Packers have to do is beat the #6 Saints then.

Not bad. Here are the only flaws I see in that plan:

#4 wins tomorrow

#4 beats #2 next week

#6 beats #1 next week

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Well, its setting up to have the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field in a couple of weeks. #6 beats #3... #4 wins tomorrow... #4 beats #2 next week... #6 beats #1 next week and then #4 hosts the game. All the Packers have to do is beat the #6 Saints then.

It really is that simple.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Dudes gonna lose some fingers and toes in this game. That's football!!!!!

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Well, its setting up to have the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field in a couple of weeks. #6 beats #3... #4 wins tomorrow... #4 beats #2 next week... #6 beats #1 next week and then #4 hosts the game. All the Packers have to do is beat the #6 Saints then.

Huh. I thought it was setting up well to be Saints-Niners in 2 weeks.

 

[Sabertooth]

This game has had a ton of buildup. The Coughlin game was similar when Favre finally just quit on the Packers. He was whipped. That was the end of the Favre era.

 

[netnalp]

Do they make the GB game the late game just so they can hype the cold?

 

[Mario Kart]

Do they make the GB game the late game just so they can hype the cold?

Yup, the storm never moved in. It went south of Green Bay and is hitting Milwaukee/Chicago area.

Green Bay is going to be 30+F today. No worries.

Had Chicago won last week, the storm would have hit Green Bay and missed Chicago. Much overhype today.

 

[pghrob]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/01/04/nfl-playoffs-49ers-packers-brace-for-brutal-winter-weather-ice-bowl-ii/4319025/

NFL

Ice Bowl II? 49ers, Packers brace for brutal weather

Tom Pelissero, USA TODAY Sports

15 minutes ago

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Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy was bundled up for the NFC Championship game on Jan. 20, 2008 when the Packers lost to the Giants. On Sunday, the weather could be even colder at Lambeau Field.

GREEN BAY, Wis. Ryan Pickett isn't concerned about looking like a tough guy Sunday. The Green Bay Packers' nose tackle is going to be all bundled up.

"I tried the no-sleeve thing in the '08 (NFC) championship with the Giants," Pickett said this week. "I wore no sleeves and it took me three days to thaw out."

The temperature at kickoff for that Jan. 20, 2008 game was minus-1 the second-coldest game recorded at Lambeau Field, behind only the "Ice Bowl" in 1967 with a wind chill of minus-23.

Conditions could be even worse by the end of Sunday's NFC wild-card playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. The National Weather Service forecasts a daytime high of zero to 5 degrees, dropping to 25-below overnight with wind chills reaching minus-50.

Kickoff is set for 4:40 p.m. Eastern. A wind chill warning goes into effect at 7.

"I think the only trick is prepare yourself mentally," said Packers receiver James Jones, one of seven other players on the active roster who were on the 2007 team.

PICKS: Making the call on Wild Card games?

"Tell yourself that it's going to be freezing, but you can't run now. They pay you to go out there hot, cold and you've got to go out there and do your job at a high level."

The equipment staff provides thermal gear, stocking caps, gloves and hand warmers. There are heaters under the field, on the sideline and in the benches.

"But when that wind starts blowing," kicker Mason Crosby said, "you can't get away from it."

VIDEO: Keys to Packers vs. 49ers

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It was howling during the Packers' outdoor portion of practice Friday. That was a good thing, coach Mike McCarthy said, since players needed work in those conditions on handling the ball, which can become slick, swollen and hard as a rock.

"Not everybody in this locker room is from the great state of Wisconsin," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "But we do practice in it and live in it, so I think we're going to be a little better at adapting initially to it."

The 49ers arrived Friday and planned to get some exposure to the cold by holding a walkthrough Saturday one of the Packers' practice fields, though conditions were mild compared to what's expected on game day.

"We're aware of it and we'll pack all our shoe options, and the guys will put clothes on that they'll be able to move around in and then start playing," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said.

TIME TO SHINE: Eddie Lacy can prove his worth

"The heart rate ramps up, the hot blood races to the arteries, to the vessels, to the capillaries, and there distributed to the fingers and the toes. In an athlete, the age and the health of these guys, that hot blood will be racing around."

Even players who say they adapt well to cold conditions know subzero temperatures and wind chills can be a different deal, though.

"I'm usually able to maintain the rest of the game at a good level, a good temperature. I've never really had that type of problem out there," Packers cornerback Tramon Williams said.

"For the NFC championship game, I did, though, for a little bit. The first drive, I froze to death. I ain't going to lie to you. I froze to death."

Crosby said the key is limiting skin exposure, which is easier for him, since he's only on the field for 30 seconds at a time. The National Weather Service warns frostbite can occur in as little as 5 minutes.

But multiple Packers players, including rookie running back Eddie Lacy and defensive end Mike Daniels, said they're sticking with no sleeves as usual.

"We'll be cold. They'll be cold. But we have more experience preparing to be cold," Daniels said. "OK, my hands are numb. Well, I still have to play while my hands are numb. Somebody who's not used to it might say, 'Oh my God, my hands are numb what are you going to do?'"

The Packers are offering fans free coffee and hot chocolate at Lambeau's concession stands. Despite the forecast, they sold out the few thousand remaining tickets Friday, with help from some corporate partners.

Asked if players were thinking of buying up remaining tickets to give to the needy, Jones said, "Not me, because I was not going to allow anyone to sit in that cold."

Players don't have a choice. And the conditions likely will get worse as the game progresses.

Crosby remembers changing his cleats multiple times during the title game against the Giants because the field was becoming harder and a frozen layer developed on top of the grass.

He'll be dressing and undressing all day Sunday, shedding his insulated pants whenever the Packers have the ball. The K-balls can be placed in front of heaters to help with snap and hold.

If it comes down to a game-winning field goal attempt, there's a good chance Harbaugh will try to ice the kicker. In this case, quite literally.

"Who knows? In these conditions, when it is this cold, I could run over and get in front of the heater," Crosby said. "I might actually warm up."

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[netnalp]

Do they make the GB game the late game just so they can hype the cold?

Yup, the storm never moved in. It went south of Green Bay and is hitting Milwaukee/Chicago area.

Green Bay is going to be 30+F today. No worries.

Had Chicago won last week, the storm would have hit Green Bay and missed Chicago. Much overhype today.

I was wondering because the two times the Giants went to GB for the playoffs recently, those were late games too.

 

[Mario Kart]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/01/04/nfl-playoffs-49ers-packers-brace-for-brutal-winter-weather-ice-bowl-ii/4319025/

NFL

Ice Bowl II? 49ers, Packers brace for brutal weather

Tom Pelissero, USA TODAY Sports

15 minutes ago

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Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy was bundled up for the NFC Championship game on Jan. 20, 2008 when the Packers lost to the Giants. On Sunday, the weather could be even colder at Lambeau Field.

GREEN BAY, Wis. Ryan Pickett isn't concerned about looking like a tough guy Sunday. The Green Bay Packers' nose tackle is going to be all bundled up.

"I tried the no-sleeve thing in the '08 (NFC) championship with the Giants," Pickett said this week. "I wore no sleeves and it took me three days to thaw out."

The temperature at kickoff for that Jan. 20, 2008 game was minus-1 the second-coldest game recorded at Lambeau Field, behind only the "Ice Bowl" in 1967 with a wind chill of minus-23.

Conditions could be even worse by the end of Sunday's NFC wild-card playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. The National Weather Service forecasts a daytime high of zero to 5 degrees, dropping to 25-below overnight with wind chills reaching minus-50.

Kickoff is set for 4:40 p.m. Eastern. A wind chill warning goes into effect at 7.

"I think the only trick is prepare yourself mentally," said Packers receiver James Jones, one of seven other players on the active roster who were on the 2007 team.

PICKS: Making the call on Wild Card games?

"Tell yourself that it's going to be freezing, but you can't run now. They pay you to go out there hot, cold and you've got to go out there and do your job at a high level."

The equipment staff provides thermal gear, stocking caps, gloves and hand warmers. There are heaters under the field, on the sideline and in the benches.

"But when that wind starts blowing," kicker Mason Crosby said, "you can't get away from it."

VIDEO: Keys to Packers vs. 49ers

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It was howling during the Packers' outdoor portion of practice Friday. That was a good thing, coach Mike McCarthy said, since players needed work in those conditions on handling the ball, which can become slick, swollen and hard as a rock.

"Not everybody in this locker room is from the great state of Wisconsin," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "But we do practice in it and live in it, so I think we're going to be a little better at adapting initially to it."

The 49ers arrived Friday and planned to get some exposure to the cold by holding a walkthrough Saturday one of the Packers' practice fields, though conditions were mild compared to what's expected on game day.

"We're aware of it and we'll pack all our shoe options, and the guys will put clothes on that they'll be able to move around in and then start playing," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said.

TIME TO SHINE: Eddie Lacy can prove his worth

"The heart rate ramps up, the hot blood races to the arteries, to the vessels, to the capillaries, and there distributed to the fingers and the toes. In an athlete, the age and the health of these guys, that hot blood will be racing around."

Even players who say they adapt well to cold conditions know subzero temperatures and wind chills can be a different deal, though.

"I'm usually able to maintain the rest of the game at a good level, a good temperature. I've never really had that type of problem out there," Packers cornerback Tramon Williams said.

"For the NFC championship game, I did, though, for a little bit. The first drive, I froze to death. I ain't going to lie to you. I froze to death."

Crosby said the key is limiting skin exposure, which is easier for him, since he's only on the field for 30 seconds at a time. The National Weather Service warns frostbite can occur in as little as 5 minutes.

But multiple Packers players, including rookie running back Eddie Lacy and defensive end Mike Daniels, said they're sticking with no sleeves as usual.

"We'll be cold. They'll be cold. But we have more experience preparing to be cold," Daniels said. "OK, my hands are numb. Well, I still have to play while my hands are numb. Somebody who's not used to it might say, 'Oh my God, my hands are numb what are you going to do?'"

The Packers are offering fans free coffee and hot chocolate at Lambeau's concession stands. Despite the forecast, they sold out the few thousand remaining tickets Friday, with help from some corporate partners.

Asked if players were thinking of buying up remaining tickets to give to the needy, Jones said, "Not me, because I was not going to allow anyone to sit in that cold."

Players don't have a choice. And the conditions likely will get worse as the game progresses.

Crosby remembers changing his cleats multiple times during the title game against the Giants because the field was becoming harder and a frozen layer developed on top of the grass.

He'll be dressing and undressing all day Sunday, shedding his insulated pants whenever the Packers have the ball. The K-balls can be placed in front of heaters to help with snap and hold.

If it comes down to a game-winning field goal attempt, there's a good chance Harbaugh will try to ice the kicker. In this case, quite literally.

"Who knows? In these conditions, when it is this cold, I could run over and get in front of the heater," Crosby said. "I might actually warm up."

PHOTOS: MVPs FROM EVERY TEAM

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http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/graph/Green+Bay+WI+54302:4:US?pagenum=2&nextbeginIndex=6

 

[The Kerminator]

Do they make the GB game the late game just so they can hype the cold?

Yup, the storm never moved in. It went south of Green Bay and is hitting Milwaukee/Chicago area.

Green Bay is going to be 30+F today. No worries.

Had Chicago won last week, the storm would have hit Green Bay and missed Chicago. Much overhype today.

What? What storm? There never was a prediction for a snowstorm. Bitter cold is expected and will be here.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

Do they make the GB game the late game just so they can hype the cold?

Yup, the storm never moved in. It went south of Green Bay and is hitting Milwaukee/Chicago area.

Green Bay is going to be 30+F today. No worries.

Had Chicago won last week, the storm would have hit Green Bay and missed Chicago. Much overhype today.

I am severely less interested in this game now.

Huh? Maybe I'm missing something here.

Currently 5 degrees in Green Bay, with winds at 12MPH out of the NNW. That's a wind chill of -11 degrees.

Conditions at kickoff predicted to be 5 degrees with winds at 18mph out of the NNW. Temps will be falling down to 1 degree by the end of the game, with the wind picking up a bit to 20mph.

Seems like the temps will be slightly warmer than the original forecast was calling for. However, they had also forecasted winds at less than 10MPH. There is a huge difference when you double the wind speed. Honestly, I'd rather have it be 5-10 degrees colder without the winds.

 

[Mario Kart]

Do they make the GB game the late game just so they can hype the cold?

Yup, the storm never moved in. It went south of Green Bay and is hitting Milwaukee/Chicago area.

Green Bay is going to be 30+F today. No worries.

Had Chicago won last week, the storm would have hit Green Bay and missed Chicago. Much overhype today.

What? What storm? There never was a prediction for a snowstorm. Bitter cold is expected and will be here.

You said "snow storm", I never said "snow storm". There is more than one kind of "storm"... i.e. cold storm, cold front, whatever. Quit jumping to conclusions about a snow storm.

 

[Pots]

Do they make the GB game the late game just so they can hype the cold?

Yup, the storm never moved in. It went south of Green Bay and is hitting Milwaukee/Chicago area.

Green Bay is going to be 30+F today. No worries.

Had Chicago won last week, the storm would have hit Green Bay and missed Chicago. Much overhype today.

I am severely less interested in this game now.

Huh? Maybe I'm missing something here.

Currently 5 degrees in Green Bay, with winds at 12MPH out of the NNW. That's a wind chill of -11 degrees.

Conditions at kickoff predicted to be 5 degrees with winds at 18mph out of the NNW. Temps will be falling down to 1 degree by the end of the game, with the wind picking up a bit to 20mph.

Seems like the temps will be slightly warmer than the original forecast was calling for. However, they had also forecasted winds at less than 10MPH. There is a huge difference when you double the wind speed. Honestly, I'd rather have it be 5-10 degrees colder without the winds.

MarioKart's post was very confusing. I since deleted my post when he posted the correct forecast.

 

[The Kerminator]

Do they make the GB game the late game just so they can hype the cold?

Yup, the storm never moved in. It went south of Green Bay and is hitting Milwaukee/Chicago area.

Green Bay is going to be 30+F today. No worries.

Had Chicago won last week, the storm would have hit Green Bay and missed Chicago. Much overhype today.

What? What storm? There never was a prediction for a snowstorm. Bitter cold is expected and will be here.

You said "snow storm", I never said "snow storm". There is more than one kind of "storm"... i.e. cold storm, cold front, whatever. Quit jumping to conclusions about a snow storm.

Either way you are wrong. This so called "cold storm" (are we making up weather terms now?) is still going to get here. Temps in GB are not going to be +30 today.

Great day for ice fishing