Coaches Q&A on NFL.com

[Razeyfingers]

. . .

college is paving the way for the pros, which is a shame but that's what happens when the bulk of the coaches are resistant to change of any kind and like/stick to the old tried and proven methods.

shanny is just one of a few old timer coaches who realizes that you've got to change up and adjust to the new football climate. that kind of dinosaur will live on for a while if they can adapt. the ones that can't go extinct.

I think they will try it as long as there is a set of data somewhere that proves it can be done. Football from the coaching perspective is very mathmatic I think. You play odds all day long. Risk vs reward. No one wants to be the first guy to try and fall flat on their face, but theyll gladly jump at being second as soon as they see its possible. Cam didnt neccessarily need to be as successful as he was with Chud in order to prove that point. He just went above and beyond that far.

As long as we ran our offense and it could be disected on film later. I think someone was bound to try it as long as they saw a way to make their pieces work with it. . . and coaches can be some egotistical fuggers.

[Frizzy350]

Much of the reason people thought the option and spread wouldn't work in the NFL is due to personnel. Most spread quarterbacks are only effective because they run the spread - basically using it as a crutch and falter when hitting the NFL because they just didn't see the need to fine tune everything else. Now when you mix an incredibly talented conventional passer (brees, brady) with the advantages and mismatches of the spread, you can get amazing results.

The same goes for the option. Most guys that ran it in college were either completely reliant on it, or not physically built to run in the NFL. Theres a reason you don't see Vick running the option all that much - he'll get demolished if he takes a head on collision with a linebacker. This is not the case with a guy like Cam.

[iamhubby1]

I hear ya Razeyfingers. Coaches have a fickle job. Win and we love you. Lose, and well... That is no way to foster an innovative phylosophy for your staff and players. Because if you try it and fail, you can lose your job. Coaches are just hesitant to go out on a limb. The consequences are severe when you fail. But truly monumental if you succeed.

It happens a lot, just mostly for new HCs and team on the rebound. I will say however, that the number of quality QBs coming out of college does give HCs a chance to actually pick the guy they invision for their scheme. Which may give them the incentive, when the time is right, to change things up and go with that QB of the future.

Even with all the hype. There were only two rookie QBs that played well last year. Ponder showed flashes of both good and bad. Gabby..., and a few others played, but to much mehness. So it is still not a given that your rookie QB is going to play well. HA HA to all those other teams, cuz our rookie QB kicked your rookie QBs ass, big time, fella.

Ah yeah, good times. And GOOOOOO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[edromeo]

I laugh at the irony of the 'pro-ready/pro-style' crap QB during every draft season.

When 'experts' start touting this non-sense about spread QBs not being 'pro-ready' I wonder if they realize that alot of fans watch more then their home town team.

Consequently we see the premeire passing offenses using alot of spread concepts.

So if the best offenses use the spread concepts how can a spread QB not be 'pro-ready/pro-style'.

SMH.

Re:Option

Kudos Bullethead527 people can say what they want about The Golden Calf of Bristol.

But the read option football got an 1-4 team to turn around their season and win a playoff game with a QB that can't throw.

Its kinda hard to take seriously any 'expert' that says the option football can't/doesn't/won't work in the NFL in light of the Bronco's success.

[-13 Amp-]

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[edromeo]

shanny is just one of a few old timer coaches who realizes that you've got to change up and adjust to the new football climate. that kind of dinosaur will live on for a while if they can adapt. the ones that can't go extinct.

Amen to that, Shanny was running option football with Cutler in Denver.

But the fear of some Burgundy and Gold fans is that Shanny Jr. isn't his fathers son when it comes to offense.

Mike Shanahan has talked about running some option and counter option concepts, Kyle hasn't come close to even mentioning it.

Hopefully he's keeping it a secret to surprise teams, but time will tell.

Griffin skillset lends to some outside the box thinking in terms of option football.

But, he's gonna have to learn to protect himself.

Compared to Cam, Griffin is a waif.

[iamhubby1]

I laugh at the irony of the 'pro-ready/pro-style' crap QB during every draft season.

When 'experts' start touting this non-sense about spread QBs not being 'pro-ready' I wonder if they realize that alot of fans watch more then their home town team.

Consequently we see the premeire passing offenses using alot of spread concepts.

So if the best offenses use the spread concepts how can a spread QB not be 'pro-ready/pro-style'.

SMH.

Re:Option

Kudos to the dude that mentioned of The Golden Calf of Bristol and the read option.

Say what you want about The Golden Calf of Bristol.

But the read option football got an 1-4 team to turn around their season and win a playoff game with a QB that can't throw.

Its kinda hard to take seriously any 'expert' that says the option football can't/doesn't/won't work in the NFL in light of the Bronco's success.

You and Frizzy hit it on the head. If you have a plan, and find players that fit that plan, it just may work. The problem comes with trying to fit round players into square holes. It is damm near impossible to make players fit a certain scheme. You need to be smart enough to grab players that fit, or it probably won't work.

IMO this phylosophy started with those option QBs that could not make the throws. Hence mobile QBs can't throw. In todays College spread QBs can make the throws, and some can actually run as well. But you can't make a QB mobile just because you want him to be. And you can't make a mobile QB a passer. Unless he actually has the skill set, you are wasting your time.

The College spread is making its way to the NFL, because these kids can throw the ball. But the true double threat type QBs are still a rare breed.

Just my thoughts. And GOOOOO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[iamhubby1]

Griffin skillset lends to some outside the box thinking in terms of option football.

But, he's gonna have to learn to protect himself.

Compared to Cam, Griffin is a waif.

Of all the things Cam does that amaze me, his ability to sense the exact right moment to dive is the main one. He has that uncanny ability to know exactly where everyone is. And the dna makeup to eke out every last second before knowing when to shut it down.

I watched Lance Briggs barrel down and launch himself at Cam. He flew right over Cam, never touching him. And it looked on camera as there was no way Cam even saw him. So I am not concerned about his running. It is those leaps! Those things scare the beegees out of me. He can stop those anytime and it won't hurt my feelings.

Hopefully, with another year of wisdom, Cam will learn that the leap is for moments, not just a fun way to finish a run.

As for Griffin, I saw him in four games, and the only time he didn't really slide, he got popped by a DB. He hopped right up and all. But I agree, with his size, he had better learn when the play has come to a conclusion and get down. He put up some very good numbers, hope they translate. As he does have some skills.

[pOpCoRnPoPpEr]

Paging Dr. fine young male

Keeps calling me a fine young male, why, you want my number?

[pOpCoRnPoPpEr]

that's weird, i've heard from a reliable source that the words "cam" and "newton" have never been uttered in sequence by anyone in the redskins organization.

Oh i'm sure they mentioned him as well as other quarterbacks around the NFL. But Cams not the reason Washington drafted RG3. I'm sure if they had the 1st over all pick they would have drafted Luck. As any team would.

[iamhubby1]

Keeps calling me a fine young male, why, you want my number?

Coming from a guy whose location is prison?!

I know this is none of my business, but this is the webz.

[pOpCoRnPoPpEr]

haha its a joke but i wouldn't be the one getting pounded.

[edromeo]

Of all the things Cam does that amaze me, his ability to sense the exact right moment to dive is the main one. He has that uncanny ability to know exactly where everyone is. And the dna makeup to eke out every last second before knowing when to shut it down.

Hopefully, with another year of wisdom, Cam will learn that the leap is for moments, not just a fun way to finish a run.

Good point, this is a very underrated part of Cam's game.

And imo it was even evident at Auburn.

Cam has always been very situationally aware about when to where to expose his body to punishment.

Take Cam's game against my Burgundy and Gold for example Cam only exposed himself to big hits in the red zone and on he goalline when he was trying to get a TD.

Other times he went down or out of bounds in time to avoid unneccesary contact.

As for Griffin, I saw him in four games, and the only time he didn't really slide, he got popped by a DB. He hopped right up and all. But I agree, with his size, he had better learn when the play has come to a conclusion and get down. He put up some very good numbers, hope they translate. As he does have some skills.

Watched almost every Baylor game last year and as a runner Griff isn't on Cam's level yet (especially in regards to avoiding contact.)

Griff's a tough runner to the point of recklessness, (imo kinda like Locker in that regard).

My completely unfounded mind read is that Griffin was going overboard in college to show that he was a tough runner and not just a speed/track guy.

But, I agree about the skillset.

To me Griff's skillset (not saying he's as good as these guys just talking physical skillset) is more like a combo of Vick+Bradford then Cam.

[iamhubby1]

Good point, this is a very underrated part of Cam's game.

And imo it was even evident at Auburn.

Cam has always been very situationally aware about when to where to expose his body to punishment.

Take Cam's game against my Burgundy and Gold for example Cam only exposed himself to big hits in the red zone and on he goalline when he was trying to get a TD.

Other times he went down or out of bounds in time to avoid unneccesary contact.

Watched almost every Baylor game last year and as a runner Griff isn't on Cam's level yet (especially in regards to avoiding contact.)

Griff's a tough runner to the point of recklessness, (imo kinda like Locker in that regard).

My completely unfounded mind read is that Griffin was going overboard in college to show that he was a tough runner and not just a speed/track guy.

But, I agree about the skillset.

To me Griff's skillset (not saying he's as good as these guys just talking physical skillset) is more like a combo of Vick+Bradford then Cam.

Now that you've rang my bell, I can recall more than a few times he almost seeked out the contact. TCU game, I think it was a burgundy team, 3-12, he has one guy to beat on the outside. But he turned it up to run over him. It still worked, barely. So maybe there is something to your acsertion. He was trying to show how tough he can be? He is strong as an Ox. Just not very big.? I mean, 6-3 isn't bad, but only coming in at 200lbs is a little lite.

I like the Bradford analogy, but I am not sure he is quite the runner Vick is. Vick almost has RB ability. Not sure RG is that good. I do know this. If he can stay away from that big hit down field, he has a real chance to be better than mobile. Not sure what I am looking for? He does not seem to have that shiftyness like a RB, but he seems to get yards by the bunches.

I hope Shanny uses him wisely. Cuz it is damm hard finding a Franchise type QB.

As an aside. I have been a Lions fan for a LONG time. We have had Heisman winners and runner ups, we have had a Super Bowl hero from Miami who had a bigger arm than brain. We have had running QBs, and a few who could scramble. But we had never been blessed with a Franchise QB. Until now.

Without a Franchise QB your window of opportunity is very limited. Once you have your QB, screw the window and kick out the door. For the next 15 years or so, I am going to be in football HEAVEN. Panthers, Lions, and Spartans all look good. I deserve this!

Even marriage can't kurb my giddy. And GOOOOOO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1