The elements play a big role in football games, and anyone who watched Sunday’s Raiders-Browns game knows that to be true.
It was 37 degrees at kickoff for the game at FirstEnergy Stadium, with swirling winds sweeping in as well. The 25-35 mph gusts had a huge impact on the game, as did the mix of rain and snow.
And while the entire game wasn’t marred by precipitation, the wind sure made its presence felt. Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson sure felt it, when his 41-yard field goal attempt looked good at first glance, but was then blown wide left by the wind.
The wind literally grabbed that kick and pulled it wide. Call it home-field advantage.