Kevin Stefanski Calls Timing Right as Atlanta Falcons Arrive in Madrid
Puede que sea pronto, pero parece el momento correcto. Hemos estado en Londres varias veces en mi carrera y hemos llegado más pronto aún. El que juegue mejor gana independientemente de cómo se afronte el partido. Entiendo los beneficios de llegar antes, aclimatarse al horario, estar más tiempo juntos…
said Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski on Tuesday as his squad adjusted to European time during the NFL International Games buildup in Spain.
Domestic flights in the United States rarely exceed eight hours unless headed to Hawaii or Alaska, turning regular NFL travel into a massive logistical hurdle for teams crossing the Atlantic. When elite athletes measuring nearly two meters and weighing over 150 kilograms spend hours in transit, standard business-class amenities offer limited relief. For physical sports like American football and rugby, managing these transoceanic shifts requires meticulous cross-departmental planning that can directly dictate on-field performance.
Zac Taylor Sets Cincinnati Bengals Routine at Ciudad del Fútbol
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor outlined a strict schedule aimed at neutralizing jet lag after his team touched down in Spain hours after their opponents. Operating out of the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas as their training base, Taylor emphasized a swift transition to local working hours.
Es el tiempo justo para venir aquí y tener tiempo para acomodarnos. Creo que es el timing perfecto para nosotros. Ayer (martes) tuvieron la oportunidad de ver la ciudad y cenar por ahí. Hoy (por el miércoles) ya tenemos entrenamiento real. Es un día normal para nosotros. Estamos siguiendo la agenda,
Taylor stated during his Wednesday press briefing, pointing out the challenge of managing dietary adjustments and disrupted sleep cycles.
Dexter Lawrence and Tee Higgins Highlight Physical Toll of Travel
Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, listed at 1.96 meters and 154 kilograms, offered a lighthearted assessment of the overseas trip alongside the physical reality of shifting time zones. Me gusta comer, así que me gusta España,
Lawrence remarked, before adding, Echo de menos mi cama. Costó estirar las piernas. Tuvimos que hacer un día de activación y es complicado.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins echoed the sentiment, noting that while touching down felt positive, moving around inside cramped aircraft cabins takes a toll on massive frames.
Historical precedent across previous International Games shows varied approaches to travel windows. Earlier in the season, the Los Angeles Rams opted to arrive in Australia just 24 hours before kickoff against the San Francisco 49ers, who spent a full week acclimatizing and training at the Melbourne Cricket Ground before securing a 27-7 victory. A similar quick-turnaround strategy was utilized by the Philadelphia Eagles for an October 11 matchup in London, resulting in a narrow 17-19 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Preparation Outweighs Travel Schedule on Sunday
Stefanski underscored that preparation ultimately outweighs the logistical debates surrounding arrival windows. Estamos haciendo todo lo posible por mantener la normalidad, como si fuera cualquier otra semana. Sus cuerpos están ajustándose aún. Es la razón por la que venimos aquí lo antes posible. No creo que hayamos hecho muchas concesiones respecto a nuestra rutina,
he noted, thanking the operational staff for establishing a comfortable environment.
With both squads through their initial training blocks at Valdebebas and Las Rozas, Sunday’s contest will hinge on which roster executes their game plan more effectively and manages the physical recovery process best in Madrid.
