The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for their Week 16 clash against the Green Bay Packers, and they’re taking preparations for the frigid weather to another level. With temperatures expected to dip around freezing and snow forecasted to fall during the game, the Saints' rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler and his fellow signal-callers prepared for the harsh conditions with some creativity.
Spending time training indoors, the quarterbacks found themselves practicing plays inside the team's cafeteria freezer, where temperatures dropped to about 10 degrees. This unconventional method was inspired by none other than the beloved movie “Cool Runnings,” as relayed by quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko. He introduced the idea to simulate conditions they would face at Lambeau Field against the Packers, known for their notoriously cold winter games.
Rattler elaborated on the experience, saying, "We've had a little conditions out here windy-wise this week, but, even this morning, Janocko took us in the cafeteria freezer where it was 10 degrees and we're just going through the whole script in there. Just doing it, I mean, helped a lot, so, hopefully, it's not 10 degrees, but we’ll be ready.” His first encounter practicing plays in such unusual conditions has generated ample chatter, with Rattler humorously noting, “Yeah, it was the first for me, but Janocko's an interesting cat man.”
Meanwhile, for the Green Bay Packers, who hold a 10-4 record heading to this matchup, they are missing key players from their secondary. Cornerback Jaire Alexander and safeties Evan Williams and Javon Bullard are sidelined, making it potentially easier for Rattler’s offense if the rookie quarterback can handle the cold well.
The stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. While the Saints, with their 5-9 record, are already eliminated from playoff contention, they are eager to finish the season on a high note. Continuing the momentum and finding some solutions on offense will be pivotal as they anticipate changes during the offseason, possibly including new coaching and quarterback decisions.
On the flip side, the Packers are vying for playoff positioning. Although they missed chances to clinch outright earlier, if they can secure a victory against the Saints, they will clinch the final Wild Card spot. The team is motivated to defend its home turf against the Saints and maximize their postseason chances, effectively heightening the competition and the stakes at Lambeau Field.
The weather forecast adds yet another layer of intrigue to this matchup. With predictions of 1-3 inches of snow expected from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on game day, both teams may need to adjust their game plans accordingly, particularly as the temperature hangs at 32 degrees at kickoff. Rattler's unique cold preparation may just give him the edge needed to outperform expectations and make it less of disadvantage playing at Lambeau Field.
Beyond the literal weather challenges, this game carries considerable weight as the NFL regular season approaches its conclusion. The Saints will be aiming for respect, playing for pride and possibly the chance to learn valuable lessons for the next season. On the other hand, the Packers will look to leverage the home-field advantage and remain squarely within playoff contention.
Tonight's spotlight is on Rattler, who has begun to establish himself more confidently as the season presses on. The question looms large: Is his freezer training going to make the difference he hopes? Or will the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field serve as another harsh lesson for the rookie quarterback? Football fans will certainly tune in to see if this icy strategy pays off as the Saints meet the Packers this evening, setting the stage for what could be another memorable chapter of NFL history as both teams contest at Lambeau Field.
