Packers Get Some Concrete Practice

The Green Bay Packers had to practice in a 1930s dirigible hangar at an old naval base at Moffett Field on Saturday because 3Com Park was too soggy for their walk-through workout.

The defending Super Bowl champions had to run around on what is essentially a huge driveway. The San Francisco 49ers had no such trouble because they did their walk-through on artificial turf at their practice facility.

“Interesting, very interesting,” was the impression of Packer defensive end Reggie White on the dark, dank hangar that was built in 1931.

But Coach Mike Holmgren said it certainly served its purpose.

“Sure, I mean, one thing, we got them out of the hotel today. And two, we got them thinking about football again a little bit,” Holmgren said.

“It’s not ideal conditions, but we kept them dry and we worked on our substitutions and we got our stuff done.”

Holmgren knew about the gigantic hangar from his days as an assistant in San Francisco.

“I remember when I worked with the 49ers, we came over here for something,” he said. “So, early in the week when I thought there might be rain, I had my assistant check on Moffett Field.”

The Packers worked out for about 45 minutes, and they were extra careful on the concrete.

One drill didn’t work out so well: An on-side kick bounced about 40 feet over the heads of the hands team, something that won’t happen today in the mush at 3Com Park.

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San Francisco tight end Brent Jones remained questionable for today’s game because of a pulled calf muscle.

Packer defensive end Gabe Wilkins (knee tendinitis) might play despite not practicing all week, and left guard Aaron Taylor (shoulder) is expected to play.

San Francisco running back Garrison Hearst, who sat out a month because of a broken collarbone, is ready to return.

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If there ever were two teams suited for the bad weather, it’s the Packers and 49ers.

“We don’t talk about the weather too much because we get used to playing in inclement weather late in the year,” Holmgren said.

San Francisco quarterback Steve Young said the rain that’s expected won’t serve one team over the other.

“We’re two outdoor teams that have slopped through a lot of games over the years,” he said. “So, I think it’s more how it affects particular guys on the field. I think sloppy fields affect pass rush, cornerback plays, stuff like that. Now, if it was a team coming out of a dome . . . “

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At the AFC championship game in Pittsburgh, neither team will feel out of its element.

After a week of steady rain and temperatures well above average, Pittsburgh is expecting more typical weather for the championship game. The forecast is for a high in the lower 30s with partly sunny skies.

In other words, it’ll be about what folks in Denver and Pittsburgh expect this time of year.

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The Steelers aren’t the only ones mystified by the betting lines. Denver quarterback John Elway can’t understand why the Broncos are a slight favorite to win, either.

The Steelers have won their last eight home games and 22 of their last 24. The streak includes a 35-24 victory over the Broncos on Dec. 7.

Asked Saturday about the Broncos’ favored status, Elway said, “I don’t know, especially when we’re coming in here and we got beat as bad as we got beat the last time we were in here. It’s tough to figure out.”

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All-American receiver Jacquez Green is skipping his senior season for the NFL, the third Florida receiver to turn pro early in the past two years.

Green, who had 61 catches for 1,024 yards and nine touchdowns, turned in his paperwork to the NFL on Thursday, but told no one until late Friday night.