Of course, weather conditions can affect the game. SKYWATCH Meteorologist Chris Justus has that part of the story. How is the game changed when the thermometer drops? Well, that depends on the Titans player you speak with. Fact or fiction: Does cold air affect the game of football? Ask Titans Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and he'll tell you there's no doubt!

"For sure, if you're loose and you're feeling good, the weather's warm, you're gonna be able to have a little more zip on the ball," says Hasselbeck (#8).

Injured Quarterback Jake Locker doesn't see it that way!

"Do you notice a difference with your ability to be looser?" asks Locker (#10). "Nah, not really. Fortunately I'm still pretty young, so I get to get warmed up pretty quick."

Youth may not have a lot to do with it. We looked at Locker's college years, and as the temperature dropped, so did his passing yards. He averaged about 65 fewer yards per game in November compared to September. The answer may come down to physics. During the warmer games, the air is much less dense, so the ball is able to travel further down the field, but once the temperatures start to cool, the air is so dense, the ball doesn't travel as far, so look for the Titans strategy to change from more of a throwing game to a running game. That isn't the only part of the game impacted by cold weather. Titans Kicker Rob Bironas is ranked 3rd in NFL history, but he'll even admit, he can't kick as far in cold temperatures.

"It's just like the skin on your hands, but on your body it's just a little tougher, a little bit harder to get worked in when it's colder weather," says Bironas (#2).

Meaning weather could affect the decision to go for a potential game winning long field goal! Now, the Titans' first real weather test comes in December. Temps at 2 home games will be in the 40s and only 26 degrees during the Packers game in Green Bay.
CLASH ON THE CUMBERLAND: Weather and Sports