We’ve already heard of “Defend the Bank.” But would this be a case of “Offend the Bank?”
Following the Carolina Panthers’ 37-23 win over the Detroit Lions on Christmas Eve, some of the visiting players had some naughty things to say about the Bank of America Stadium turf. Here are just some of the comments, courtesy of MLive.com Lions beat reporter Kyle Meinke . . .
Quarterback Jared Goff:
“I thought the field conditions were below NFL-level standard, specifically pregame. I know it warmed up a bit as the game went on, but I don’t know what the deal is here. They need to make the turf not feel like cement. I don’t know why that is. You said it was the coldest game (here), so maybe it has something to do with that. It got better as the game went on, but pregame it was in no condition to be played on. Happy guys came out of this one relatively injury free.”
Center Frank Ragnow:
“Yeah, that field was tough. I don’t want to make excuses, but it was pretty hard, man. It’s tough to brace with the toe and everything. It was tough.”
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson:
“That was the most concrete field I’ve ever been on in my whole life. I didn’t think that was actually legal to play on. Warming up, you’re trying to turn the corner, and literally in warmups, I fell in my first one-on-one rep right on my face.”
This definitely isn’t the first batch of unfavorable reviews for Carolina’s field conditions. Earlier in the season, Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore said team leaders spoke with owner David Tepper about the potentially dangerous turf.
Quarterback PJ Walker didn’t exactly endorse back in November either.
“I don’t mind it,” Walker said. “But I think it’s tough on the body. It’s tough on the body. Especially for like those big guys. Receivers as well—planting, coming out of breaks. It’s tough. So do I think the league should go to more grass fields? Absolutely.”
Hopefully, as the league-wide issues and objections with turf fields persist, something is done before any more needless injuries occur.
