A couple of responses

Going through the board today and saw lots to comment on, but here's a couple for now while I write today's story and watch the Sox.
1) It's fun to think of football movies, but it doesn't work like that often in real life where the coach makes some incredible halftime speech that rallies the boys... certainly not four weeks out of five. He might say a couple things, but most of those talks are general, about staying patient for example, and making adjustments.
2) To that point: The second half outbursts aren't because they're "waiting" to break out good plays. It's because they make adjustments and yes, wear the opposition down. It's an ugly way to win, but it works when you can run the ball this well.
3) And they did run the play action pass. It worked twice really well in the second half Saturday.
4) Coach Likens is still calling the plays, even in the 2nd half. At the home games he's in the next box over from the press box and we can see him. And a head coach would either take over calling the plays for a year or for a play or 2, he wouldn't do it for the 2nd half every week. If he did, the OC wouldn't be the OC anymore.
5) Speaking of Likens: Lemme preface this by saying I often disagree with his calls, so I'm not sticking up for him in that way. But I will say this. Watching him through the year, he does work hard. Saying he doesn't isn't fair. He's lost a ton of weight during the season from just working all the time. (I wish that worked for me!). I had a good chat with him the other day, and I assure you he's working his butt off.
Do I wish he'd let Hunter throw more? Yeah. But it's not because he's not trying or doesn't work hard.

1 comment:

  1. Good stuff Matt.

    I think from watching these games your point #3 is 100% right on. They are making the proper adjustments and have been leaning on a rushing game, that is quite honestly dominant. They have been mixing it up better this year, but I think the playcalling could still be improved. It seems the coaches are content to win by controlling the clock and wearing down opposing defenses in the 2nd half. It can be ugly, but so far it has worked.

    Two questions:

    1) How concerned are the coaches about penaties and the kicking game?

    2) Why won't Mac put the offense on the field first to jumpstart a first half, instead of defering on the coin toss.

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