Will Cold Weather Finally Become an X-Factor for Green Bay Again?

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is 0-7 in games where temperatures are below 40 degrees. With kickoff at 7:20 p.m., the Green Bay Packers will host the Miami Dolphins in a Thanksgiving Day game that will definitely fall into the “cold weather” category as temperatures approach around 18 degrees.

It seems like the Packers have had some disappointing home losses in the colder months of the season over the last few years compared to a long time ago. This is of course only like that Fans were treated this way due to two heartbreaking home play-off defeats. One to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 NFC championship and the other to the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 divisional round. The truth is that the Packers have been pretty good during the recent cold months, and Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur boasts an 18-2 record in December during his time with the Packers.

Addressing Cold Weather Narratives

Unfortunately, it’s still November. While this stat alone won’t save the Packers, it would be nice to use it as a pregame coping mechanism, even if this game is scheduled for a few days later in December. Fortunately for Packers fans, the Dolphins’ starting quarterback has been fairly ineffective in cold-weather games. “I’m excited to take away the narrative,” Tagovailoa said when asked about his 0-7 record in the cold. “Let’s go. Bring it on.”

And indeed, the Packers will try to make it happen. A team from sunny and warm Miami will come to Green Bay for the coldest game of the season so far. Where this will matter will eventually come in the deep passing game. It’s no secret that throwing a ball that feels like a cold, hard rock in your hands can be difficult, and that’s something Tua hasn’t had much of a need to get used to during his time in the NFL. Of course, he plays three regional games each year in East Rutherford, Buffalo and Foxborough, but he also spends most of his time hitting deep shots against Tyreek Hill under the hot Florida sun.

What Factor Does Health Play?

Injuries to the Packers defense will undoubtedly determine the Dolphins’ game plan. Tyreek Hill, of course, has had a lot of success not just running in bursts, but using his Dolphins lateral speed in creative ways. If Tua manages to keep things tight in short and medium throws, the absence of Jaire Alexander and Edgerrin Cooper will be felt in this regard. But from the outside looking in, I’m going to predict that Tua will find little to no success in the deep passing game on Thursday night against Xavier McKinney on a bitterly cold night.

As a result, the Dolphins’ recent shortcomings in cold weather will pose no problem. real He’s a relief for the Packers, but will likely impact defensive game plans as well. The primary focus should be on eliminating easy completions and containing the run game. Jonnu Smith has emerged as a primary target for the Dolphins offense, and his inclusion could make or break this game. If Tua decides to throw deep, the Packers will almost always have the advantage in this scenario, regardless of schematic choices.

Kickoff for the Dolphins @ Packers will be at 7:20 PM Central Time on Thanksgiving night.