The Green Bay Packers have always had one of the best home-field advantages in football, especially late in the season and into the playoffs. The cold Wisconsin weather typically works in the Packers’ favor, as most of the players are used to the elements unlike teams that visit from warmer climates. However, not all of Green Bay’s players consider it an advantage.
On Wednesday, Greg Jennings told the Journal Sentinel that there are a number of reasons he feels more comfortable away from Lambeau Field in January.
“I’m not opposed to playing (at home),” Jennings said. “Obviously, with our crowd and our fans, that’s what we want as a team. But going on the road, being isolated away from everyone, I think the focus level and the sense of urgency is just a tad higher because you’re dependent on your teammate. You travel, you’re in a hotel – you’re all together. It’s you guys against everyone else outside of that hotel.”
The seventh-year receiver said he knows his response isn’t what Packers fans want to hear, but he also said he could live without having to play in cold weather.
“Absolutely,” he said when asked if he would prefer a dome. “I mean absolutely, I would be on turf, quick. Dome. Are you kidding me? If you let it affect you, it’s going to affect you. I’m not one that lets it affect me. I don’t particularly care for it, but it’s not an issue.”
If you remember, Jennings also said fans get too grabby during the Lambeau leap earlier this season. People like this may love January home games at Lambeau Field, but I’m sure Jennings isn’t the only one who dislikes playing outdoors. Not to mention, Jennings was on the Packers teams that lost to the New York Giants at home in the playoffs in 2007 and last year. And when Green Bay won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago, they did so as a wild card team. If they want to win another in 2012, they’ll have to overcome the cold weather at least once.
Helmet smack to Pro Football Talk
