"The Field is unplayable"

[DTro]

I was just reading the comments by Kluwe regarding the field conditions for tonights game. Normally I would say, eh the guys just a punter who cares, but I really think he is speaking for the whole team here. After listening to a lot of him during his appearances on 93x, I think the guy is pretty intelligent and the kind of guy that would stick his neck out for the rest of the guys who are too afraid to say it.

It should be an interesting game, especially with the snow coming.

Here are his comments:

"Serious time - All respect to the people that cleared the field and got it ready, you did an amazing job. That being said, it's unplayable. The field is as hard as concrete an hour and a half after they took the tarp off, and anyone that hits their head is getting a concussion. I find it interesting that the NFL can claim an emphasis on player safety, and then tell us the field is fine. It's beyond hypocritical. I can only hope, however unlikely, that no one gets catastrophically injured at the trainwreck that's about to take place tomorrow night."

[jeffreyd]

hes a kicker, the only way he is going to feel it is if he gets a cheap shot on him. too high paid cry babies

[DTro]

I guess my point was that I really don't think he is worried about himself, I think he is relaying the info and saying what all the other players want to say but are afraid to.

This is the same guy who said he'd rather have a featured character of himself in a video game than play in a super bowl.

[harvey lee]

I believe he was stating that the field is unsafe for all players. With the playing field as hard as a rock, one could get a serious injury with this field.

Yes, football is a tough sport but why put a player in a situation where they could receive a serious injury from a less than ideal playing field?

I could take such a hit that normally would not be so bad and it could be very severe.

Footing will be very poor at best.

[LMITOUT]

Kluwe complains every time they play outdoors.

[CAMAN]

What did they do in the past? Before the advancement of technology allowed them to make better helmets and padding and also before they had inground heating keeping the field warm and soft.

I'm not arguing with Kluwe, I believe he has a legitimate argument, but this isn't the first time this issue has popped up, so how did they manage in the past?

Could it be the gameplay was slowed down due to the reduced traction therefore resulting in softer hits?

[DTro]

Well if your pay was based solely on your performance and said performance dropped off dramatically when playing outdoors, I would complain about it all the time too.

This is different though. If what he is saying is true there could be some bad injuries. Most likely there won’t be, but I can see why there is concern.

I think there is a big difference in saying Football is an outdoor sport “it was meant to be played outdoors” and playing in the most extreme conditions on a field that wasn’t designed for it.

[SkunkedAgain]

I like Kluwe, but he's a punter from California. He said that it's unsafe but I hear other Viking players saying that it's fine. I don't put much stock into his comments.

[Dylan33]

What other players are saying it's fine? I hadn't heard that. No one wants to play on that field, and like dtro stated before, he is speaking for players that are too afraid to speak out.

Sure, Kluwe is kind of a wuss when it come to playing outdoors, but I believe what he is saying is true

[zamboni]

Kluwe complains every time they play outdoors.

Yeah, BUT- sadly he has been our most solid player this season.

[mrklean]

haha Kluwe is the man i think he just wants to stay indoors and play war craft

[PierBridge]

Kluwe complains every time they play outdoors.

Exactly!

There will be some traction issues on the field but to suggest people will get hurt or concussions because the field is to HARD is, well, something a California pothead punter would say!...

Were off to the Corner Bar and then Sally's before the game. Anybody yelling PierBridge at either establishment gets a drink/s on me!...

Go Vikes!

[zamboni]

PIERBRIDGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There, I yelled it, get me a Premo!!!

[Dylan33]

Now there is a possibility that favre will play? sheesh....what a circus.

[Scott K]

I want to see the rookie play. I have no interest in watching an old guy wobble up and down the field.

[harvey lee]

I would bet if Favre says he can play that the man will be sent out onto the field. I am sure they would like to win the game and will use the most experienced, healthy players they have to send onto the field.

Whether we like it or not.

The Vike's chances are much better with Favre than Webb if the game plan is to try and win.

[zamboni]

I want to see the rookie play. I have no interest in watching an old guy wobble up and down the field.

Seen Webb, not impressed. Really need to draft a top QB, Webb isn't going to be a long term answer

[foulpole18]

I'm sure the concrete under the dome is really soft too. Quit complaining and play football. Play it the way it was supposed to be played, outside. For a bunch of tough guys they sure complain alot. Maybe sunny LA would fit these wimps a lot better.

[DTro]

So it was supposed to be played in 5 degree weather on frozen ground during the middle of a snow storm in a makeshift stadium?

Something tells me there is a little padding between the turf and concrete at the Dome.

....and here I thought Hockey was supposed to be played outside

[LMITOUT]

So it was supposed to be played in 5 degree weather on frozen ground during the middle of a snow storm in a makeshift stadium?

In my idea of a perfect world, yes.

And when it's too warm for frozen ground I want them playing in mud.

Turf should be banned.

[Nick Kuhn]

I heard a Bears player complaining about playing outdoors in MN. Really? Last time I checked Soldier Field and Lambeau regularly host games in similar conditions. There will be some heat pumped into the field that should thaw the ground some for game time. There'll probably be a nice padded layer of snow on top of the turf anyway.

[thatoneguy]

Quote:

Seen Webb, not impressed. Really need to draft a top QB, Webb isn't going to be a long term answer

Um...it's a bit early to jump to any conclusion on Webb. As the 3rd-string QB, he has taken next to no snaps in practice, and has only a few minutes of game time under his belt. What have we seen in that limited time? Great mobility and speed, throws a good deep ball, needs working making reads.

Sounds like almost every other rookie QB ever (except he has the wheels to run).

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I want to see the rookie play. I have no interest in watching an old guy wobble up and down the field.

[goblueM]

there's no reason to play favre. no playoffs, no streak to continue. horrible weather.

they need to play webb and let him show what he can show. then draft Ryan Mallett

or if you want, we'll give you Drew Stanton for Chad Greenway

[MontanaMax]

Lombardi, Rockne, Hallas, Noll, all turning over in their graves. Nothing like money to turn he-men into she-men. Grew up in Minnesota and played youth football on frozen ground. Next NHL players will want softer ice. All I can say is "Break a Leg"

[thatoneguy]

+1 for Ryan Mallet. Strong arm, accurate, good mobility, throws a good deep ball...we could definitely do worse.

[zamboni]

Um...it's a bit early to jump to any conclusion on Webb. As the 3rd-string QB, he has taken next to no snaps in practice, and has only a few minutes of game time under his belt. What have we seen in that limited time? Great mobility and speed, throws a good deep ball, needs working making reads.

Sounds like almost every other rookie QB ever (except he has the wheels to run).

He played exactly 2 plays in his debut and came up lame. LAME. YAWN. BORING. I do have a crystal ball, and he is nowhere near a pro football QB. Another Childress decision we will be complaining about in a couple years. See the T Jack thread. Wait I have to edit this- I am the guy that thinks Rodgers is the most over-rated player in the NFL, btw. Webb had a chance, albeit to return kicks to show us all in his debut what he could do and played on 2 plays and left the game. Come on. 2 plays? Wait until Clay Matthews or Suh or Uhrlacher rolls him up for 4 quarters.

[thatoneguy]

You should parlay that incredible football acumen into a gig analyzing for ESPN. You could make a fortune!

[jeffreyd]

The vikings are going to have to fight the cardinals for last place this year and first round draft pick of a QB. We drafted a guy two weeks ago from the semi pro league. has not played yet as our 3 stringer is doing ok, for loosing that is.

[Mudcutter]

AMEN--- Montana

these players today are candya$$ compared to the past. bigger and faster, yes,, but come on. they are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to play one game,, and they complain. College players would relic it. New England come Jan will be worse and anyone complaining ,,, Belichek will not allow to play I can tell you that.

also-- heating the field before taking the tarp off will cause worse condtions in the snow (ice) if they just let it fly commando.

Tonight well bring out the real football players. Heck, anyone can play in dome conditions.