It’s not exactly uncommon for a visiting team to have to adjust to the playing conditions at an opponent’s stadium, but it’s still concerning when the field conditions are so poor that an opposing coach is asked about his player’s slipping on the turf.
During a press conference this week, Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips revealed that his team had problems staying on their feet during Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers due to the field conditions at Lambeau Field.
“We definitely have to take the conditions into account, and we have to be professional about whatever the environment we’re playing in,” Phillips said according to Pro Football Talk. “The margin for error in this league is small. I assume you’re talking about guys slipping down on the ground. It was noticeable that it happened with us and it didn’t happen with them. It was something that was addressed, but guys have got to understand the margin for error is so small. It can’t be like, ‘I’ll get it next time.’ You don’t know how many times you’re going to have that play to change a game or continue a drive. We have to be professional about it.”
It sounds like either the Packers need to make some adjustments to their field conditions or opponents need to be better prepared. Because as Phillips points out, it can be the difference in a game.
