Bernstein: Weather Could Be Issue For Bears/Pats
By Dan Bernstein--
First, a restatement of a long-held opinion: NFL football games should all be played in domes or retractable-roof stadiums on an artificial or hybrid surface.
There is nothing romantic about mud on uniforms, steam off freshly-unhelmeted heads, quarterbacks keeping their hands warm, wind knocking the ball off the tee, or drunken, shirtless white guys in the stands. There is nothing more unsatisfying than seeing the most gifted animals in sports have their footing compromised by slop, snow or ice, and having games decided because of conditions.
It may make you feel good because it reminds you of the games you played as a kid, but I didn't want to watch those games, either. Nor did anyone have any interest in who won or lost.
Second, "Bear Weather" is an absolute myth. A simple examination of air temperature and Bears outcomes debunks the idea that they have been any better than that day's opponent in the cold, at any point in their history. They have won when they were good at blocking and tackling, be it eighty degrees or eight.
Third, NFL players HATE playing in the cold and snow. Some may occasionally say otherwise, pandering to the fans who would think less of them, but all of them are from Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Samoa and California. They have evolved through warm home climates and mostly warm-weather colleges within a game based on speed and timing.
But Sunday's Patriots/Bears affair is looking like one for those of you who need the novelty of weather conditions to spice things up. Forecasts are calling for Sunday to begin with highs in the mid-20's, and then the fun starts: turning much colder and windier throughout the afternoon, with a 40% chance of snow showers and temperatures diving into the single-digits by evening. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are expected.
The debate will begin on the television and elsewhere over which team has the advantage. Will it benefit the homestanding Bears and their barking fans recalling frigid glory that is mostly made up (and conveniently omitting from memory things like the NFC title game in 1989), or the flinty New Englanders with current players possessing an actual resume of playoff success in adverse conditions?
The answer, as always, is that the advantage goes to the team that is better at football that day. Unfortunately, it could also involve an increased likelihood that weather-related randomness decides the victor. Somebody falls down, somebody slips, or a stray gust blows a kick wide or a pass off target.
If that's what's required for the game to be interesting and memorable, enjoy. I'll look forward to real NFL football when they get back inside.
