NFL players are creatures of habit. Most players I’ve spoken with over the years refrain from using the word “superstitious” and, instead opt for “routine” when describing their respective game-day habits.
To that end, players from Miami to Seattle and all points in between have a preferred start time.
“There’s always a love for the Sunday home noon game,” Packers Hall-of-Famer Mark Tauscher tells Wisconsin’s Afternoon News.
Tauscher is also the co-host of “Wilde & Tausch” with Packers reporter Jason WIlde on 94.5 ESPN-Milwaukee and 100.5 ESPN-Madison. Hear the show weekdays from 9-NOON.
Given the Packers position among the NFL’s best, the Sunday noon kick off is a rarity. Networks will go to great lengths to make sure the Packers are featured in prime viewing windows.
Exhibit A: back-to-back weeks with a night game at Lambeau Field
First up is a rare Saturday night contest against the visiting Carolina Panthers.
“I actually think the Saturday night game, from a players perspective, is fantastic. You shorten up your practice week. Especially late in the season when you’re beat up…and you get a little extra rest on the other side of it.”
Tauscher will take a Saturday night game over a Thursday night contest any day of the week.
“The Thursday is great when you’re done with it, but it’s a bear to get to it. I think most players would tell you ‘hey Saturday night football…lets do it’ you’re the only game in town. Eyes will be on you. It’s prime-time. For this time of the season, I think the guys are going to be really excited about it.”
Some might view it as a nuisance. Others may view prime-time as a badge of honor. Regardless, as long as the Packers remain relevant, the schedule will reflect it.
