If weather is a problem, Super Bowl date might change

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Last weekend's massive winter storm understandably revived talk about how the NFL would deal with something like that before or during Super Bowl XLVIII next Feb. 2 at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium -- the first outdoor Super Bowl in a cold-weather city.

The NFL says it's ready for the game, no matter the weather. Even if it means moving the game from its traditional Sunday spot.

Several published reports said the NFL has discussed changing the day of the game if weather complications arise. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy wouldn't offer specifics, but said Wednesday the league will make whatever changes are necessary.

"We have had contingency plans for the previous 47 Super Bowls," McCarthy said. "We expect to play all games, including the Super Bowl, as planned. ... We will be prepared if we have to make adjustments."

Changing the date of a Super Bowl could be dicey. If a blizzard hit on a Saturday, the day before the game, it might be possible to move it to the following Tuesday, allowing time to dig out roads and parking lots. If a storm was forecast for Super Bowl night, then perhaps playing Saturday would be an option. Compounding this would be travel, hotel and broadcast concerns.

The National Weather Service said the average high in nearby Newark, N.J., on Feb. 2 is 39.8 degrees and the low is 24.2. The average precipitation on that date going back to 1931 is about one-eighth of an inch.

Briefly

Vikings: Minnesota exercised a previously undisclosed one-year option that officially lengthened the contract of coach Leslie Frazier through the 2014 season. Frazier led the Vikings to a 10-6 records and a surprising playoff berth last season.

Giants: Former Cowboys place-kicker David Buehler signed with New York to provide some competition in training camp for Lawrence Tynes, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Bears: Receiver Johnny Knox, who had his contract terminated Tuesday after he missed last season recovering from a back injury, told the Chicago Sun-Times his career is over.

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