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An NFL reporter hung herself out to dry with an embarrassing question ahead of the Bucs-Lions playoff matchup. Inquiring about potential inclement weather conditions in Detroit, she completely forgot one very important bit of information.
In her defense, weather has been a focal point over the first few games of the playoffs.
We saw one of the coldest postseason matchups on record when Kansas City hosted the Dolphins. Those conditions likely played into the Chiefs’ favor in a 26-7 victory.
We also saw the Steelers-Bills contest get pushed back a day because of a snowstorm. Of course, that didn’t stop Buffalo fans from enjoying the pregame, the in-game, and postgame festivities in a 31-17 victory.
But there’s one aspect that those matchups possess which this Bucs-Lions game won’t.
None were played indoors.
Detroit has played in a dome for nearly five decades now, dating back to the Pontiac Silverdome.
So, when Todd Bowles met with the media on Tuesday to preview that upcoming playoff battle, he was a bit thrown by the reporter’s question.
“The weather’s been a factor in some of the playoff games,” she began. “Today, it’s 13 degrees in Detroit… Any special plans to acclimate the team to not only endure but perform in those kinds of frigid temperatures?”
Here’s the head coach’s response:
Oh no… A reporter asked #Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles about how the team is preparing to get acclimated to the weather in Detroit ahead of Sunday’s game.
The Lions have played in a dome for nearly 50 years. pic.twitter.com/O9cHduRKCN
— Dave Connelly (@DaveConnellySG) January 16, 2024
“You do know we play indoors, right? They’ve got a dome,” he replied. “No, nothing planned. We’re indoors, and we only have to be outside for 20 seconds.”
A respectful response, though you can tell he was a bit stunned by the question.
With weather off the table in terms of pregame preparations, Bowles and the Bucs can focus on the task at hand. After running through the Eagles in the opening round, Tampa Bay will hope to keep the playoff momentum going against the Lions.
Detroit, meanwhile, survived in a one-point win over former starting signal caller Matt Stafford and the Rams. They’ll now look for a second straight home playoff win after ending a long losing skid.
Fans should be in for an exciting matchup, and they can enjoy watching in the comfort of the climate-controlled Ford Field!