I'm pretty sure that the NFL now has guys that go around and monitor the field conditions at stadiums to stop teams from monkeying with their field. They are likely much more serious about it in the playoffs since they want to make sure no unfair advantage is taken.
Beyond that, both teams have to play on the field so I don't see how it would help the 49'ers. And, if anything, passing teams have the advantage on a slippery field where they know where they will cut. In fact, Candlestick has always been a slick field and it didn't seem to bother the 49'ers passing attack in the 80's and 90's. And, anything that slows down their speed rushers and LBs is fine with me.
As far as the it's a slick field because it's humid and under sea level. It's not like the Saints don't have a practice field that they use that is in the safe conditions.
Frankly, the only thing that I would worry about as far as Candlestick is if the winds are up and swirling. That would throw off Brees' accuracy. Everything else is just fluff for the media to have something to talk about.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JGunn
. . . I don't like you, lets just leave it at that.
[QUOTE=Surviving Saint;4248320] In the NFL when you have a home grass field and conditions get sloppy, you know which parts of the field are worse than others.QUOTE]
Well we know the End Zones are in great condition. The 49ers never reach them...
Sloppy FIELD conditions make it harder to generate pass rush, something that is considered to be a 49er advantage heading into the game. Additionally, it makes life more difficult on the defensive backs as the offensive player always has the advantage getting in and out of cuts on a wet field (provided the correct length cleats are worn which our players routinely seem not to do).
The one key advantage that could be gained would be to disrupt our timing on pass routes. Drew plays with great anticipation knowing where each player is likely to be on the field at certain timing within their route. Slowing the receiver down disrupts that timing.
The #1 advantage of a sloppy field is to the offense. The offense knows what routes they are running. It slows down everyone, on both sides, but the offense react to whats in their head while the defense has to react to the offense. The 49ers would be wise to keep the ground as pristine as possible so their DBs arent sliding around like its a water park.
Frankly, the only thing that I would worry about as far as Candlestick is if the winds are up and swirling. That would throw off Brees' accuracy. Everything else is just fluff for the media to have something to talk about.
Agreed. At this point, I'm only concerned about wind conditions and based on the long-range forecast, wind will not be a problem.
I just hope this is not the case....I mean they shouldn't be allowed to put the field in a condition that would lend itself to more injuries. The only advantage they would get is people could get hurt by slipping and sliding because of poor footing.
Honestly if you can't present a decent field you aught to forfeit homefield advantage.
They're not going to turn it into a landfill or some sort of unkempt marsh. But I would not be surprised at all if they let the grass grow a little and softened the ground up ever so slightly.
You do what you gotta do to win. We have to deal with it because we lost to the Bucs and the Rams. If the Saints play their game and can mentally block out the 'outdoor' element of it all, I for one believe they can win in any stadium, on any surface.
I'll take Jimmy Graham running on a waterbed vs. any safety in the league.
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\"It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men.\"
-Vince Lombardi
The #1 advantage of a sloppy field is to the offense. The offense knows what routes they are running. It slows down everyone, on both sides, but the offense react to whats in their head while the defense has to react to the offense. The 49ers would be wise to keep the ground as pristine as possible so their DBs arent sliding around like its a water park.
This is true but the other thing is that a sloppy field neutralizes is speed. We are not a speed team like the old Raiders. We are a precision passing offense. We may have some trouble on the deep routes to Meacham and Devery but the rest of our passing game should be very effective.
We were 3-2 on grass fields this year...But this will be the softest grass field we will play on all year and SF will probably soften it up more than usual to slow up our offense.....In my opinion it would be wise to at least practice on a soft wet grass field this week as much as possible to be ready just in case.
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