When it comes to coaching...

[Mr. Scot]

...knowing how to properly use a player to maximize his strengths and minimize his weaknesses makes a difference.

 

As evidence of the truth of that idea, I offer this from the Kansas City Star:

 

Chiefs receiver Avant winning over his new team

 

Jason Avant was in the middle of a dig route when he locked eyes with Alex Smith, who was rolling to the right.

This was Dec. 7, the third quarter of the Chiefs’ 17-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and what happened next — a midplay adjustment that led to what was then the Chiefs’ longest pass of the season — might have been easy to overlook, considering the outcome of the game.

“They had a better defense for that play, and that happens sometimes,” Avant said. “He looked at me during the play, and to me that meant to take it high ... that’s what his eyes told me and that’s what I did, and he just threw it.”

Avant’s resulting 41-yard catch — in which he took off deep and Smith actually threw it up to the 6-foot, 210-pounder in single coverage — was a textbook example of all of Avant’s strengths. Strong hands. Veteran savvy. Good focus.

 

[PantherWake]

Basically we have an average team with a pathetic coaching staff.

[London Loves Luke]

Its not hard to shine as a receiver in Kansas City at the moment. Just by walking onto the field I'm pretty sure he became their #1 receiver. 

[csx]

What does the communication between Avant and Smith and  them adjusting a route mid play have to do with a coach maximizing strengths? He's played under Reid is entire career. There is no mystery as to why he has grasp of the nuances of his offense.

[CubsWin]

I just don't know about this.. Lafelle has found beast mode and Smitty, well, he is ripping chit up and now Avant? 

 

It can't all be coincidence. 

[Cary Kollins]

I just don't know about this.. Lafelle has found beast mode and Smitty, well, he is ripping chit up and now Avant?

It can't all be coincidence.

And Kelvin Benjamin is set to have a better season than all of them.

[Servant of Cthululelei]

What does the communication between Avant and Smith and  them adjusting a route mid play have to do with a coach maximizing strengths? He's played under Red is entire career. There is no mystery as to why he has grasp of the nuances of his offense.

 

 

I really don't know.  Avant was criminally underproductive here though.  Could've been his own play.  Could've been the way the coaches were using him.  Could've been that Cam just never threw it to him when he was open.  No matter which it was (or some combination of the three), I don't see how a 41 yard reception for the Chiefs proves much of anything.

[csx]

I really don't know.  Avant was criminally underproductive here though.  Could've been his own play.  Could've been the way the coaches were using him.  Could've been that Cam just never threw it to him when he was open.  No matter which it was (or some combination of the three), I don't see how a 41 yard reception for the Chiefs proves much of anything.

 

Yeah...I just didn't see the connection between maximizing strengths of a player and the on field communication between Avant and Smith.

[VerticalThreat]

The more this season goes on the more I understand that these last two years were seasons in which the team made a commitment to the cap and future of the team. I don't believe that this is going to be a long term plan (getting guys on the cheap), but we got guys who we thought could be serviceable, might have a few "moments" throughout the season, but for the most part would play hard and be a model for the young guys.  Jason Avant is that example, however, when a guy, that you've told all of the young players to mimic, comes out and speaks (although truthfully and accurate) against the team/coach/play calling, you have to move him along.  Not saying that Jason was wrong but we're building for the future (and it's bright) and you have to set an example.  

 

It's funny because both of the last 2 seasons in which it seemed that we (as a front office) were looking to field an average team, the players have stepped up and overachieved.  To me, that says a TON about the backups we have and the stars like (1, 88, 95, 59, 58, etc). We've seen that even when our backups get consistent playing time they get to be comfortable and actually play (dare I say) well.  

[Bj-Monster23]

I really don't know. Avant was criminally underproductive here though. Could've been his own play. Could've been the way the coaches were using him. Could've been that Cam just never threw it to him when he was open. No matter which it was (or some combination of the three), I don't see how a 41 yard reception for the Chiefs proves much of anything.

The coaches used Jason Avant wrong here in Carolina.

[CubsWin]

And Kelvin Benjamin is set to have a better season than all of them.

That's not the point the OP was trying to make.  

[Cary Kollins]

That's not the point the OP was trying to make.  

 

 

oh yeah

 

 

There is no doubt Shula is one of the worst coaches in the league.

[csx]

As bad as we think we are, there are still  worse offenses in the NFL. Significantly worse.

[PiratePanther189]

As bad as we think we are, there are still  worse offenses in the NFL. Significantly worse.

 

Like Kansas City's, for example. Who recently had their longest pass of the season (41 yards in WEEK 13) caught by a player signed off the street 3 weeks ago.