The Washington Football Team will be in Denver Sunday for the first time since 2013. Playing in Denver’s high altitude can be an adjustment for visiting players. Thus, Washington will take a peculiar approach to handle their conditioning for the game.
“There’s a study that tells you that the elevation doesn’t really get into you until after 24 hours. We’re trying to go on that science. Hopefully that’s what it is. Again, we’ll have the oxygen on the sideline, we’ll have all that stuff,” Washington head coach Ron Rivera told reporters, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
According to their own research, Washington believes it will take them 24 hours to fully get the effect of the Mile High altitude. Thus, Washington plans to arrive in Denver around 7:00 pm local time Saturday evening and then play Sunday afternoon within that 24-hour window.
Kickoff will be at 2:25 mountain standard time.
Rivera also leaned on suggestions from Washington’s defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and linebackers coach Steve Russ. Del Rio was the Broncos defensive coordinator for three seasons. He also was head coach of the Raiders, the Broncos’ divisional rivals.
Meanwhile, Russ played collegiately at the Air Force Academy located in Colorado Springs.
Playing in Denver has been problematic for visiting players with underlying conditions. Former NFL safety Ryan Clark oftentimes was held out of games playing at Denver due to his sickle cell condition.
Washington star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who is asthmatic, will be playing his first game in the Mile High air. He has brought up concerns and looked for expertise to gauge what to expect and prepare for.
The 2-5 Washington Football Team is looking to snap a three-game losing streak. At 3-4, the Broncos will hope to snap a four-game losing streak. Denver hasn’t won a game since starting the season 3-0.
Despite a clear home advantage with the altitude, the Broncos have won 3 of their last 11 home games, according to ESPN’s John Keim.
