Dan Bailey prepared to kick in cold weather
January, 10, 2015
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- Dan Bailey has kicked in cold weather before.
It was 8 degrees at kickoff when the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Chicago Bears 45-28 at Soldier Field on Dec. 9, 2013.
Well, he kicked but he did not have a field goal attempt. He did have a bruise thanks the ball feeling more like a rock in the cold weather.
"I pretty much had a bruise on my foot from hitting the ball on the sideline and obviously in the game (kicking off, point after attempts)," Bailey said. "It’s just part of it."
Temperatures are forecast for the low 20s on Sunday when the Cowboys play the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round at Lambeau Field. When the Cowboys stop at the stadium after arriving today, Bailey might take notice of the field and wind conditions more than most players.
"Obviously it affects the distance and it doesn’t seem to travel as well, but the good thing is it’s the same thing for both teams, so you just kind of have to deal with it and make the most of it."
Bailey said he has to be more mindful of his technique, especially on kickoffs, because the harder he might try to swing at the ball, the worse the kick might be.
His pregame warm-up will also be important.
"I try to keep it the same," he said. "If you’re struggling to make it from 45, there’s no reason to back up to 55. You kind of have to cut your losses there if that’s the case. But if you’re feeling good and the ball is traveling well, yeah, you just try to keep it as normal as possible."