With the "new" field turf surfaces used now across the league the impact is negligible. These aren't the "Astro Turf" fields of the olden days where it was like playing on a carpet.
These newer artificial surfaces are more "grasslike" than anything. The blades of turf are as long as most grass fields. And with all the rubber pellets used it actually plays slower in most cases. If you've ever been on one you'd understand. In fact, many of the natural grass fields May in fact play "faster" than the Field Turf surfaces.
That same article that states turfs are a little quicker, also goes on to state the type of shoes is as big difference as the field itself. And that will certainly be key.Playing surface is more mental than anything I believe. This is where the equipment guy earns his keep. Put the players in the right cleats and keep it off their minds. If you enter a game thinking about the turf, you are behind the eight ball.
The "fast" or "slow" track thing is more accompanied to the hardness of the ground on most natural fields. Things like moisture content in the soil, how established the turf is and types of grass used can be a factor as well. In Field Turf fields ... the length of the blades and how compact the sand/rubber media is plays a part. but like coach says. .. .it's not the difference as it was back when the Rams had the GSOT days. That was basically carpet on concrete. That was why it was so fast.While I understand the "it affects both teams" concept, but the confidence of "having an advantage" is a strong motivator. But Coach O is correct. (great to hear from you Coach....). They have changed turf very much over the years. But you still hear the concept of "fast track" or "quick track" used in regards to some fields. But is the field in the coliseum a "fast track" or a "lucky to be alive" track (i.e. Santa Clara......one of the newest fields but one of the worst....).