All week long, the NFL has had its field experts and groundskeepers on the, um, ground to make sure Lamar Jackson can run and cut like he typically can.They want Dak Prescott knowing his receivers will come out of their breaks without breaking their necks.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.
If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.And that required some extreme work.The main entrance of Maracana stadium displays banners announcing the upcoming NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys on Sept.
27 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(AFP via Getty Images)NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL CONFIRMS LEAGUE WANTS MULTIPLE TEAMS BASED OUTSIDE THE US: 'NO DOUBT'Workers were still trimming the turf on Saturday.
The Associated Press reported some were using scissors to level the high grass.No, seriously.Scissors.The NFL also gave the field an application of fiber using the new GrassMaster Stitch Machine.So, these guys are trying everything.Earlier reports had players from both teams showing concern about the field and the NFL Players Association issuing a statement expressing its concern.Sounds like a player injury waiting to happen.Ultimately, NFL Field Director Nick Pappas said Saturday, "Things check out.No need to worry." He even posted a video of the field at 12:54 Sunday morning that shows how nice it looks.But even that video is problematic.Posting it at that time is evidence of how late it was before the league thought the field ready for play.And, of course, the field looking good before a player steps on it on Sunday is not a predictor of how well it will hold up.Earlier this week, Pappas offered a more sobering message about this field in particular and international fields in general.Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Te...