Key Highlights
- The Chicago Bears will host the Cleveland Browns in a game expected to be played in frigid temperatures on Sunday.
- The article details the coldest games ever played at Soldier Field, with temperatures ranging from -5 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit during these matches.
- Notable cold weather games include those against Green Bay and Houston, showcasing how teams have performed in extreme conditions over the years.
- The Chicago Bears’ head coach Ben Johnson refers to such games as “Bear Weather,” emphasizing the players’ excitement for playing under such conditions.
Chicago Bears Face Frigid Conditions vs. Cleveland Browns
When the Chicago Bears take on the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field on Sunday, they can expect to face some of the coldest temperatures in recent memory. According to FOX 32 meteorologist Emily Wahls, kickoff is expected to be around -5 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills dropping even lower during the game.
Historical Context and “Bear Weather”
The frigid conditions at Soldier Field are not new; in fact, they have become part of the team’s culture. Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris, a former cornerback for the Green Bay Packers, remembers one particularly cold game:
“Coldest game I ever played was actually here,” said Harris.
The article details several of the coldest games in Soldier Field history, ranging from 2004 to 1977. Each of these matches saw temperatures plummet and tested the resilience of both teams involved:
- December 19, 2004 – vs.
Houston
: The game was played at 12 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -7 degrees. - December 23, 1990 – vs. Tampa Bay: Temperatures reached 11 degrees Fahrenheit with a -1 degree wind chill.
- December 18, 2016 – vs. Green Bay: The game faced 11 degrees Fahrenheit and -4 degrees wind chill.
- December 9, 2013 – vs.
Dallas
: The temperature was a brisk 8 degrees Fahrenheit with a -9 degree wind chill. - January 10, 1988 – vs. Washington: This playoff game saw temperatures at 4 degrees Fahrenheit and a chilling -12 degrees wind chill.
Impact of Cold Weather on Games
The cold weather has historically impacted games in various ways. For instance, in the 2004 matchup against Houston, despite the Bears’ initial 7-5 lead, they were eventually defeated as Houston scored 17 unanswered points to win the game 24-5.
Similarly, in 1983, a game against Green Bay saw temperatures at just 3 degrees Fahrenheit with -15 degree wind chill. The Bears managed to stage a comeback and ultimately won thanks to Jim McMahon’s four touchdowns and the interception of Lynn Dickey’s passes.
Embracing “Bear Weather”
“It’s Bear Weather,” head coach Ben Johnson said, expressing his excitement for the cold conditions. This term has become synonymous with the team’s ability to thrive in harsh weather, as evidenced by their performance in previous cold-weather games.
The article concludes that while cold temperatures can test a team’s mettle, they also bring out the best in the Bears and their fans. As the city prepares for another arctic blast this weekend, it is clear that these frigid conditions are an integral part of Soldier Field’s legacy and the Chicago Bears’ identity.