Winning The Close One

[KendrickPanther]

In the first two years of Ron Rivera's tenure he took a great deal of criticism for not being able to pull out close wins. We lost 13 times in 1 score games. In the next two seasons we lost 4 of them and none in 2015 thus far. He's taken some credit for turning that around. I have a different take on it. Ron has made small strides from a game management perspective. However our personnel has made large leaps in Football IQ/Experience.

In the past 4 seasons the average age of our roster has climbed from 25.7 to 26.8.

The average years experience has climbed from 2.8 to 4.8.

It's not just that our players are growing up. We've inserted battle tested veterans in each position group to help with the process. Whether it's Ryan Kalil, Roman Harper, Jerrico Cotchery, or Charles Tillman, we've added veteran savvy. Right now 2nd year Defensive End Kony Ealy has been a liability in crunch time. We've gone out and picked up another battle tested veteran in Jarred Allen. Not because he has tons of upside, because we can count on him to do the right things when the game is in the balance.

Ron Rivera hasn't really made sweeping changes in his coaching style, he just has the personnel to execute it now.

[Jackofalltrades]

The last 3 games would likely have been losses 3 years ago. They have the mental fortitude to stay composed and battle back. 

I feel like we're just a few pieces away.

[2jakefansinva]

They might not make all the plays but, they know where to be and can

keep gains minimal.

[LUUUUUKE]

I agree with OP on everything except for no major coaching philosophies

RiverBoatRon didn't exist his first year

 

I like him far better than stoic Ron

[the butch]

The FO has made a very direct effort to add playoff experience to our roster.  As for the early mistakes, I would rather be making them now [and winning those games] than be making them late in the season and potentially missing a playoff spot because of it.

[Khaki Lackey]

 

We all knew he was a defensive genius, but his game management skills and situational football management has been really good lately. He has learned the art of the timeout, and how to use the clock as an asset and a weapon.

Now if we can just get someone to hide his challenge flag...

[the_philosopher]

I wish Harper would learn how to use that veteran savvy and leadership to make a tackle in space.

[Sam Mills Fan]

I do like that we're winning, but we're incredibly close to being 1-2. I don't like the trend of "Carry small lead into the 4th quarter. Score touchdown. Think game is over now that lead is up to double digits. Go into soft defense, opponent scores touchdown. We go 3 & out. Hold on for dear life as opponent drives with under 2 minutes left." 

 

This has been going on ALL the time under Rivera. Thankfully, we've gotten better at the holding on for dear life part.

[JawnyBlaze]

Now if we can just get someone to hide his challenge flag...

his challenging skills have been fine so far this year, for the most part.  he was right to challenge both of the ones he did against NO, not his fault the refs are blind, deaf and dumb.  I don't think I've disagreed with any of his challenges this year.  His clock management and decision making to end halves though....

[JawnyBlaze]

I do like that we're winning, but we're incredibly close to being 1-2. I don't like the trend of "Carry small lead into the 4th quarter. Score touchdown. Think game is over now that lead is up to double digits. Go into soft defense, opponent scores touchdown. We go 3 & out. Hold on for dear life as opponent drives with under 2 minutes left." 

 

This has been going on ALL the time under Rivera. Thankfully, we've gotten better at the holding on for dear life part.

a fuging men

[Jackofalltrades]

Technically, we're not. They're just injured; Benjamin & Alexander. 

 

KB maybe, don't  see Alexander as an answer.