Cold weather will play a crucial role in the upcoming playoff game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams. Predictions indicate that temperatures will hover around 21 degrees, potentially plummeting to as low as 10 degrees, compounded by 19 mph winds that will create a daunting wind chill of -1. This game is poised to be one of the coldest in franchise history, and many Bears fans are optimistic that this presents a significant advantage against a Rams team accustomed to more temperate conditions.
While some fans and experts argue that weather conditions don’t determine the outcome, former Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden emphasizes the impact of extreme temperatures on teams that normally play in warmer climates. Gruden, who has built his coaching career in warmer locales such as Los Angeles, Oakland, and Tampa Bay, firmly believes that weather is a deciding factor.
Historical evidence supports Gruden’s viewpoint. In the seven coldest playoff games on record where a cold-weather team faced off against a dome or warm-weather team, the colder teams have won every time, boasting an impressive 7-0 record. However, Gruden himself cautions that while this trend is compelling, it does not guarantee a win for the Bears against a strong opponent like the Rams. The playoff environment will demand both teams perform at a high level, and if the Bears cannot rise to the occasion, the cold will be irrelevant.
Notably, the Bears have already demonstrated their prowess in cold conditions this season, having achieved a decisive 31-3 win over the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field when the temperature was a frigid 8 degrees. With Coach Ben Johnson having prepared the team for these harsh conditions all year—training without heaters—the Bears are well-acclimated to the cold.
As the teams prepare for their clash, it’s crucial for the Rams to recognize the unique challenges posed by the lakefront environment. Gruden warns that if Los Angeles does not come adequately prepared for the biting cold, they risk underperforming. In the high-stakes atmosphere of a playoff game, such missteps could lead to disappointing outcomes. With these dynamics at play, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown.