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Seahawks enjoying warmer temperatures in second consecutive Super Bowl appearance

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Monday, Jan. 26, 2015
By Nick Krueger
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The high in Newark, N.J., Sunday, not far from where Super Bowl XLVIII was played at MetLife Stadium last year, will be 28 degrees. The Seahawks found success there in the cold temperatures, winning the franchise’s first Super Bowl.

They are back for a repeat but in the desert this time. The high in Glendale Sunday for Super Bowl XLIX is expected to be 72 degrees. The Seahawks are trying to adapt to the warmer climate while not changing their weekly schedule.

“We have our way that we do things,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “For us, the discipline of staying the same is what the challenge is. It’s to not change. What we’ve done in the past and leading up to this game is what has gotten us here so it’s not that time for us. We want to do things as much the same as possible in relationship to the last time here.”

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

“You don’t prepare any differently,” said right defensive end Cliff Avril. “We just prepare like any other week and are just glad we have great weather.”

Dry, warm temperatures are typical for Phoenix in the winter months. By contrast, Seattle is rainy and cold. Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner embraces the dramatic change.

“It’s a lot better than playing in that blizzard last year and it being that cold,” Wagner said. “I don’t expect it to be negative something degrees. I’m looking forward to playing in the heat.”

The trip meant lighter luggage. Seattle center Max Unger wore a T-shirt during media availability Monday.

“This one has a different vibe to it for sure,” Unger said. “I didn’t pack a lot of jackets. When we played Kansas City, it was like 10 degrees but I don’t think we’re going to get that down here.”

Seattle must strike a balance between changing what they wear and not changing how they prepare this week. It rained in Seattle at the beginning of the NFC Championship Game and the Seahawks trailed the Packers 16-0 at the half.

Rain isn’t expected Sunday.

Whatever the weather, it’s not about the temperature. It’s about the scoreboard.

“I don’t believe that (the weather) gives us an advantage. This is something new for us,” linebacker K.J. Wright said. “We’re playing a new team so it’s going to be different.’’