Jags to make Cowboys wear dark jerseys in opener
Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- For the second consecutive season, Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio will try to use Jacksonville's heat and humidity to his advantage in the home opener.
Del Rio said Monday he will make the Dallas Cowboys wear their blue home jerseys on the road Sunday, hoping the dark shirts will cause more sweat for players unaccustomed to dealing with the sweltering Florida sun.
"I just like Dallas' dark jerseys," Del Rio said sarcastically. "I like those white helmets they wear with those dark jerseys. I think they're pretty classy. We'll let them wear them here."
All three Florida teams -- Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and Miami -- typically wear white jerseys at home during the first month of the season and make opponents wear dark jerseys.
When Del Rio took over in Jacksonville in 2003, he had Buffalo wear dark jerseys for the home opener. But the Bills hammered Jacksonville 38-17, and Del Rio didn't force the jersey swap the following year. He went back to it last season against Seattle, and although temperatures were relatively mild, the Jaguars won 26-14.
Del Rio believes the jerseys can make a difference.
"It can if it's a scorcher," he said. "If it's really hot I guess it could. But I think the jersey thing is a little overdone. The team that plays well is not going to feel the heat. If you're not playing well, it's going to be hot as hell. I don't put a lot of credence into it. You make a decision and do what you feel comfortable with and go."
The NFL allows home teams to choose their jerseys, either white or dark, and the road teams must wear the opposite color.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- For the second consecutive season, Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio will try to use Jacksonville's heat and humidity to his advantage in the home opener.
Del Rio said Monday he will make the Dallas Cowboys wear their blue home jerseys on the road Sunday, hoping the dark shirts will cause more sweat for players unaccustomed to dealing with the sweltering Florida sun.
"I just like Dallas' dark jerseys," Del Rio said sarcastically. "I like those white helmets they wear with those dark jerseys. I think they're pretty classy. We'll let them wear them here."
All three Florida teams -- Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and Miami -- typically wear white jerseys at home during the first month of the season and make opponents wear dark jerseys.
When Del Rio took over in Jacksonville in 2003, he had Buffalo wear dark jerseys for the home opener. But the Bills hammered Jacksonville 38-17, and Del Rio didn't force the jersey swap the following year. He went back to it last season against Seattle, and although temperatures were relatively mild, the Jaguars won 26-14.
Del Rio believes the jerseys can make a difference.
"It can if it's a scorcher," he said. "If it's really hot I guess it could. But I think the jersey thing is a little overdone. The team that plays well is not going to feel the heat. If you're not playing well, it's going to be hot as hell. I don't put a lot of credence into it. You make a decision and do what you feel comfortable with and go."
The NFL allows home teams to choose their jerseys, either white or dark, and the road teams must wear the opposite color.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:18 PM
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