The Green Bay Packers are preparing for another shot at the Minnesota Vikings, in what’s become one of the most difficult facilities to play in.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome has been a real pain for visiting teams and a real advantage for the guys in purple. In fact, since the stadium 0pened in 1982, the Vikings have gone 155-80. Since 2000, the Packers have managed a .500 record against the Vikings at the Metrodome (5-5).
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy on handling the crowd noise at the Metrodome :14
Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said he’s not as worried about the veteran players who have already been through some difficult Minnesota road games. But McCarthy said the coaches have to work hard to get young players ready for this most difficult environment.
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy on getting young players ready for dome noise :19
Bryan Bulaga has been starting at right tackle for a few weeks, but he’ll be making his first start at Minnesota.
AUDIO: Bryan Bulaga on his first trip to the Metrodome :12
The Vikings are certainly considerably more comfortable at home. They’re 0-5 away from the Metrodome, but 3-1 at home this season.
For the Packers to be successful offensively, they’ll need to make some changes. Wide receiver Greg Jennings said they have to go to silent counts and watching the snap of the ball. He said he absolutely can’t here the snap count being barked out by Aaron Rodgers.
AUDIO: Jennings said he can’t hear Rodgers at all :20
The Packers may be able to dampen the spirits of Vikings fans and control the noise a bit by starting fast and getting out in front. If that doesn’t happen, the players may want to join their coach in taking a couple Advil and hoping for the best.