Field Could Hamper Play in Home Opener

The Chicago Bears have their home opener this Sunday against the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. While the players are undoubtedly pouring over tapes this week, they all seem to have another concern as well: the field. Running back Matt Forte said of the Bears field, “I’m definitely concerned about it. I make a lot of cuts out there, and that’s important being a running back. And [it's important] to the special teams and every part of the offense and defense. I just hope the field is set in.”

Forte is joined by other players with concerns. Defensive End Adewale Ogunleye said, “They have a survey every year, and they ask players to rate the worst field in the league. Some games — during the game — I’m telling guys, ‘Next year when you have that survey, make sure you put our field down as the worst in the league.’ It is. It’s bad. When the weather gets a little wet and cold, our field is as bad as it gets.”

The field is being re-sodded before the opener because of recent concerts held at Soldier Field, which could make the turf loose. Team spokesman Scott Hagel said, “The most important thing to the organization is a safe surface. Everything is within NFL guidelines.”

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Posted in General on September 17, 2009

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