ALLEN PARK — It has been more than a month since the Detroit Lions last played outside. And since the humiliation they suffered in Baltimore three months ago, they have only participated in outdoor games twice.
And prior to the greatest game of his career, famous coach and Dan Campbell’s mentor Bill Parcells had some wise counsel for his apprentice after witnessing the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers play a slide show at Levi’s Stadium last weekend:
After making it to the NFC title game, Campbell recalled his meeting with Parcells as follows: “Yeah, (he) said, ‘Congratulations, shoes.” “Shoes. Have you watched the San Francisco vs. Green Bay game recently? Everything—all the falls, all the slips.
That’s Coach Parcells, too. Traditional. He’s correct, too. He’ll always provide you with something useful.
Campbell had two seasons as a Dallas Cowboys player under Coach Bill Parcells. He has always regarded the Hall of Famer as one of his professional teachers; the other well-known head coach on that list is Sean Payton.
Parcells may have a point, though.
During San Francisco’s divisional playoff victory over the Packers, the field at Levi’s Stadium at times had the appearance of a Slip ‘N Slide. In any case, the weather is predicted to be better when the Lions visit the city, but they will continue to monitor it before the weekend.
Rain is not predicted for Santa Clara, California, through Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service. Partially cloudy sky, a light north/northwest breeze, and a temperature that should start to drop below 70 degrees are all in store for the Lions-49ers.
The team’s special teams coordinator, Dave Fipp, seemed unconcerned about the circumstances or lack of outdoor play this year. Fipp views playing outside as just another challenge and says he enjoys it just as much as playing inside a dome.
As one of the top punters in the game, Jack Fox has only gotten better. Fox has continued to be outstanding in the postseason, consistently placing punts inside the 10- and 20-yard lines. During Fipp and Campbell’s three-year stay in Detroit, kicker Michael Badgley also made the longest field goal of the game, a 54-yarder, in the wild-card stage.
The seasoned special teams coordinator is aware of the situation; he even had the weather prediction ready to go when needed.
Fipp responded, “Yeah, we’re excited about that.” “The light, erratic winds are coming from the east or north-east.” Let’s see, it was 72 degrees with some clouds. It ought to be pleasant. It ought to be stunning. Tonight will be fantastic. As I’ve previously mentioned, I love playing outside just as much as I do indoors, and both teams will be dressed identically. It will be favourable. Looks like a pleasant day.
James Houston, an edge rusher for the Detroit Lions, hasn’t practiced in over a month after suffering an ankle fracture during the team’s Week 2 match. After his injury, Houston has not played in a game since practicing for the first time on December 28 and being added to the 53-man roster last week.
But that might happen very, very soon.
Ahead of the team’s NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn of the Lions stated, “I think he’s very close.”
For a few reasons, the Lions have been dragging Houston along slowly. They must first ensure that he is back to his football-playing form and that he is a distinct advantage over their other personnel choices. However, they are also exercising caution over his injury because a player who depends on bend so much needs to have a sound ankle structurally.
“For the most part, we want to shield that player from themselves,” Glenn said. “Listen, I don’t take injuries lightly. In particular, we should pay attention to the medical staff’s advice to ensure that the athlete progresses at the proper rate. Thus, he is performing admirably in practice. It’s evident that he’s returning to his previous form. And maybe we’ll get to use that player on the field so he can contribute to some plays for us.
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