xan

I'm not much of an expert on this, but if there's no rain, sunny skies, low humidity and light winds, as is the forecast in San Francisco from now until Saturday at 430PM:

1) Why would the field be an issue?

2) If it is an issue, is the NFL inspecting to see if the 49ers aren't tampering with the field conditions prior to the game?

3) Are the Saints practicing outdoors on a soggy field this week?

saintfan

Because I swear to all that is Holy the ground out here is always freaking wet. Fog maybe? I don't know.

SaintsBro

My understanding is that the league has certain bare minimum standards that must be met, ie length of grass, list of certain approved artificial surfaces, lines must be painted, pylons, etc. Beyond that bare minimum, the 49ers can do whatever the h--- they want to their field and it's all perfectly legal. The league is not going to be inspecting jack squat.

The 49ers are gonna run the sprinklers all week, replace the sod so it has no time to grow roots, leave big seams in the turf, whatever tricks they need to do to try and slow the Saints down, they will do it....the field will be soggy with huge divots and clots of dirt clumping up, and people sliding and slipping, etc. You can pretty much bank on it.

My guess is that they will soak down ONE end of the field, but not the other, then pick the DRY end at the coin toss, and defer to kick off. So that the Saints offense will be going into a miserable soggy slippery red zone, and the 49ers kicker will be kicking his dinky little field goals high and dry.

I very much doubt the Saints would ever practice on a wet field due to risk of injury, it's just too great. These guys are like thoroughbreds, so that's kinda stupid.

AlaskaSaints

Thank God it's not a night game. Word is the Niners still haven't paid the light bill.

I detest teams that have to wet a field to get a minuscule advantage. Like the Packers, for instance.

Alaska

Budsdrinker

Just wear the cleats and have different length cleats to change out if necessary and we'll be fine. It's amazing how they say we can't play outdoors but yet as far as I know not one of our guys played indoor in college and Brees and Sproles played in San Diego so I guess they all forgot how to play on grass.

foreverfan

The difference will be the fact that the Saints have won big games before.
Anyone think the fields don't get soggy in freaking New Orleans? Get real.

In any case, both teams have to play on the same field.

homerj07

Our equipment guys need to go loaded for bear.

Multiple sets of shoes for each player (2 or 3) & MANY sets of every type of cleat declared legal by the league.

Our guys need to be WEEEELLLLL stretched & well rested.

This is going to be a good game. We need to minimize our mistakes & I wish our secondary would learn to catch a few more ints!!

WHO_DAT_CAT

Well, on another thread, I said that due to lack of rain the field should be dry.

But, I live in the South Bay, so, maybe you're right.

We beat them on that very field 16 months ago. We have a MUCH better offense this time around. And, our defense is playing dramatically better than earlier in the season. Relax. It's going to be fine.

WHO_DAT_CAT

When the going gets muddy, the Saints go ALL SWAMP THANG!!!

-- gumbotron /SR

TheOak

This is football, not baseball.