The Giants said no, even though at kickoff the air quality index was at 161, which the EPA considers “unhealthy,” and got worse throughout the contest. It was a level at which the EPA recommends people “reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.” Smoke from the devastating Camp Wildfire in Northern California blanketed the Bay Area since last week. Many players said they could smell the smoke, but very few had any difficulty breathing during the game. A coughing Odell Beckham Jr. was one of the few who publicly showed signs from the thick air.
“Coming here, we knew that was the narrative,” Giants coach Pat Shurmur said of the breathing conditions.