The Detroit Lions are squaring off with the Chicago Bears in Week 14, but both teams may be dealing with another factor in Sunday’s matchup.
The Lions have been fortunate to avoid playing in bad weather throughout the season but that could change on Sunday.
Rain is in the forecast at Soldier Field in Chicago, along with wind gusts.
As a result, the Lions are planning to practice outside all week in preparation.
The conditions may be less than ideal, but Detroit is preparing for the difficulty that comes with it.
Look, weather’s going to play a factor in this one, but it’s also, that’s a great equalizer, I love that,” Dan Campbell said.
“Turnovers and weather is a great equalizer.
It puts you on a little bit more even playing ground, and I feel like that works for us too.
I’m sure they feel like it works for them, it works for us too.
So, this is going to be good, this is going to be a good battle.”
Quarterback Jared Goff has experience playing in the elements and isn’t fazed by the potential of facing problems as a result.
“Whatever it may be, we’ll be ready and I’ll be ready,” Goff said.
“I’ve played in cold games and windy games and all sorts of games. We’ll see what it is, and I’ll be ready to go.”
The confidence is two-fold, as the Lions have belief in their veteran passer as well. Quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell was impressed by Goff’s approach on Wednesday and doesn’t anticipate the weather making a negative impact on the game Sunday.
“Every quarterback is different. Wind used to bother me. I hated windy days, hated them.
It doesn’t bother Jared at all, doesn’t affect him at all. I’m pretty impressed for a guy that played in L.A. and grew up in California, how the elements just don’t seem to bother him at all.
It’s pretty impressive actually. But again, he’s in his eighth year now, he’s been in those games and those environments and he’s had success.
But he handles those things with a lot of confidence and a lot of poise.
While some young quarterbacks might be asking about the weather, he hasn’t even brought it up (Wednesday) and he won’t, which is cool.”
