But not all players feel that way. During his time with the Seahawks, DeeJay Dallas played in a few night games. He has grown used to playing at night, emphasizing “it’s normal ball. Somebody is going to kick the ball and somebody’s going to receive the ball.”
The major difference when preparing for a night game is how one spends time during the day. Safety Budda Baker said there may be a meeting added to the list, but overall, each player handles night games differently.
Rookie offensive lineman Isaiah Adams said he plans on adding a nap into the schedule, while linebacker Zaven Collins said the toughest part is getting his meal schedule situated.
“You got to force yourself to eat,” Collins said. “Because most time, whether you’re nervous or whatever you want to call it, butterflies or something like that, people don’t eat so you have to force yourself.”
Dallas, on the other hand, prepares for the game with the same mindset he has on kickoffs.
“I thrive in chaos, so I have my routine be as chaotic as possible,” Dallas said. “I thrive in chaos, and I create chaos on game day. I change it up week to week, hour to hour, minute to minute. “
It’s a unique approach, especially given how quickly things can change in the NFL. The Cardinals experienced it against the Commanders, followed by a bounce back win over the 49ers, before taking a step back last weekend against the Packers.
“When (expletive) hit the fan in that game against Washington when we got whooped, (the 49ers game) was one where you had your back and against the wall and the only thing right is to get it off and fight,” Murphy-Bunting said. “I think that’s the same thing we’re going into this week. We got whooped last week, and now, we just got to showcase again who we are.”
