Michael Oher couldn’t get grip on turf during Super Bowl 50
Workers install sod on the field at Levi's Stadium in preparation for Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 11, 2016. Credit: AP / Jeff Chiu
The NFL pulled out all the stops in its efforts to ensure a good playing surface for Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. After the 49ers were forced to change the playing surface six times during the regular season, the league installed new turf a month before the game.
It didn’t do the trick.
Players on both the Panthers and Broncos changed cleats during the game after complaining of footing issues, CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson reported during the broadcast.
A Vine video posted by Charlotte Observer Panthers beat writer Jonathan Jones shows just how much of a struggle players had getting traction.
The video shows Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware pushing back Panthers left tackle Michael Oher as if the 315-pound lineman was wearing sneakers on a sheet of fresh ice.
Oher and the rest of the Panthers’ offensive line had their worst collective performance of the season against Denver and surrendered a season-high seven sacks, a number that can be attributed more to Denver’s pass rush than the playing surface conditions.
'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.
'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.
