It all boils down to this. The Packers have trained in the “off season”. They drafted good talent. They have endured the 16 games of the season. They won their division and now host the Minnesota Vikings tomorrow night (at 7:00PM) at Lambeau in the first game of the NFL playoffs.
For years the mystique of playing on the “frozen tundra” was threatening. “Real football players” endure the cold, wind and frozen ground at Lambeau. The Packers always felt they had a big advantage when opponents experienced the harsh conditions in Green Bay in late December and January.
Wait. What’s this? I hear Green Bay Packers players admitting that they hate the cold. They don’t feel the home field advantage of the “tundra” is all it is cracked up to be. Their hands get cold. The footing is questionable even with the heated field. And that nasty cold wind makes the ball feel like a solid rock and hinders the kicking game.
Really? Lombardi would be rolling over in his grave. Remember his team survived the “ice bowl” in 15 below zero temperatures. When you come to Green Bay, it is a matter of macho endurance. It has been a psyche job. Make the other team feel you love the cold. Come on! Suck it up.
All I know is that at 7:00PM tomorrow night, I’m going to turn on my HDTV, settle into my “stressless” favorite chair and enjoy my favorite beverage. Cold? What cold!
Love,
Dad