Will the weather negate home field advantage?
 

I was just wondering whether you guys thought the bad weather will negate home field advantage? I could see the stadium being fairly empty and the cold weather, lack of being able to see the field well taking the fans that are there out of the game.

Re: Will the weather negate home field advantage?
 

Its not a bad point...

Of the handful of teams in the NFL that can play in weather like this, New England is one of the best...So the advantage of weather is negated. Both teams are aware of this.

However, Chicago circled this game on thier calender a long time ago and now that they are in a position to put a stamp on thier season with a big victory...they are going to play hard...very hard.

For the young guys on our team from Florida and other warm regions...this is going to be quite a shock. I'm glad we have a lot of veterans of these conditions that will help the team stay focused.

Everyone on that field is going to be cold...its the guys who can stay focused on what they are doing that will have success....and this is why I think the Patriots should be just fine tonight.

Re: Will the weather negate home field advantage?
 

I wouldn't count on it

People from the midwest aren't strangers to weather, the bears are leading the division, and facing their biggest test of the year.

If they can get to the stadium, the fans will be there.

Re: Will the weather negate home field advantage?
 

I do wonder how much the wind will affect stadium noise.

Re: Will the weather negate home field advantage?
 

I'm watching the accuweather update on ESPN

Windchill -4
55mph gusts
2"-4" of snowfall during the game

They're saying it's gonna be crazy

Re: Will the weather negate home field advantage?
 

I know the fans that can get there will be there, but let's be real. A lot of people are not going to show up. The weather is crazier there right now than a typical snow game. Its freezing temperatures, a lot of snow and high winds. There must be some affect.

Re: Will the weather negate home field advantage?
 

The idea that some of the guys are not used to this weather because of playing at Florida is overblown. As has been repeated here, Hernandez and Gronkowski are from Bristol, CT and the Buffalo, NY area respectively. More importantly, they've been playing and practicing in New England cold weather for two months. Ditto the Bears. Neither team will be unprepared for the cold or snow.

The fans argument might have merit, except that I'm sure mass transit will still play a large role in bringing fans to the game. Chicagoans are as used to the snow and foul weather as we are. I expect to see near 100% capacity.

In short, the weather angle is a little overblown, except in the effect it will have on the passing and (especially) the kicking game.

EDIT - Pats rookies born in cold weather areas now included in my signature.

Re: Will the weather negate home field advantage?
 

I see your sig there, giving a shoutout to where I live

I wish I'd gone to more Cats games so I could have seen Fletcher play. Silly me

Re: Will the weather negate home field advantage?
 

I say the same thing about Jerod Mayo (Hampton, VA) and Aaron Hernandez (Bristol, CT). Both played in high schools near me when I lived in those areas.

Never been to Montana, but it seems like a pretty cool spot to get away from the big cities and such.

Re: Will the weather negate home field advantage?
 

Great idea. It's getting so tiresome repeating that tidbit.

The type of weather they will be having today is going to negate Chicago's advantage because their game is built on speed (e.g. Hester, et al). Brady is impeccable in cold weather. One of his best games, the AFC championship at Heinz field was played in -1 wind chill.

If I am not wrong, Brady's passer rating is pretty high in cold weather- I think he is 18-2 in all cold weather, and 11-0 in the snow.

And the craziest thing is, this kid was born in California!:rolleyes: