Tweet
Certainly it's far too early in M3's head coaching career to draw any concrete conclusions. However, three games into the regular season, here are four things I like about M3:
1. His handling of Favre.
The early evidence says he's had a very positive impact on Brett's game. Calling more short to intermediate routes, allowing him room to audible, preaching check downs and control when the play's not there to be made. It seems every series, good or bad, M3 is there to talk with Favre immediately to counsel, cajole and discuss what just occurred. What a refereshing change from the past few years when Favre would shuffle to the bench with nary a word from the HC. Looking at sky shot photos of defensive alignments with Darrell Bevell didn't seem to do much either. It's apparent Favre needs a more "hands on" approach to being coached. As a coach's son, he grew up expecting it. Hell, he ran the wishbone offense in high school b/c his dad/coach thought it best.
The more communication with Favre, the more he is held to account, the better this team and season will be.
2. No huddle offense.
This shows a willingness to think outside the box and dictate tempo to the opposing defense. It is a tatic that can be employed at a moment's notice. If they see defensive groupings on the field that are mismatched to the personnel the Packer offense has, they have the ability to go right to the line of scrimmage and not allow substitutions. If the D tries, they will snap the ball and try to get a 12 men on the field violation. This keeps the defense on their heels and gives the opponent one more thing to think about in game prep.
3. Play calls on wrist bands.
Not a huge thing but something that seems effective. The new terminology M3 had brought is something that can confuse an offense, especially the QB who was used to a certain way of calling plays for years. "Black 54 Y stick" from last year could be "Blue 45 zebra jet" this year. Now, Favre gets the play, say it's "21". He calls 21 in the huddle and Jennings, Driver, etc.. look at their wrist band to get on the same page. It cuts through the muddle and eliminates misinterpratation. This is especially true in a loud dome on the road. I don't recall the Packers burning any timeouts for improper formations or getting penalized for such last week. Every one on O seemed to be on the same wave length.
4. Willingness to use trick plays.
Again, nothing earth shattering. Still, having the stones to call a fake punt or something along those lines convey a feeling to the players that he'll do what it takes to win the game. Bill Cowher has done this for years and when done properly can be huge.
This is not to say gadget plays should be used every game. They should only be used when a flaw is discovered through game film study of the opponent and there is a high probability it will be successful. The use of trick plays also gives your opponent just one more thing they have to be aware of and study for in game prep, and that takes away from meat & potato game planning they would likely much rather use time on.
Well, there you have it. I'm not trying to say that M3 is on the way to greatness or anything like that. Just a little early season observations, IMO.
1. His handling of Favre.
The early evidence says he's had a very positive impact on Brett's game. Calling more short to intermediate routes, allowing him room to audible, preaching check downs and control when the play's not there to be made. It seems every series, good or bad, M3 is there to talk with Favre immediately to counsel, cajole and discuss what just occurred. What a refereshing change from the past few years when Favre would shuffle to the bench with nary a word from the HC. Looking at sky shot photos of defensive alignments with Darrell Bevell didn't seem to do much either. It's apparent Favre needs a more "hands on" approach to being coached. As a coach's son, he grew up expecting it. Hell, he ran the wishbone offense in high school b/c his dad/coach thought it best.
The more communication with Favre, the more he is held to account, the better this team and season will be.
2. No huddle offense.
This shows a willingness to think outside the box and dictate tempo to the opposing defense. It is a tatic that can be employed at a moment's notice. If they see defensive groupings on the field that are mismatched to the personnel the Packer offense has, they have the ability to go right to the line of scrimmage and not allow substitutions. If the D tries, they will snap the ball and try to get a 12 men on the field violation. This keeps the defense on their heels and gives the opponent one more thing to think about in game prep.
3. Play calls on wrist bands.
Not a huge thing but something that seems effective. The new terminology M3 had brought is something that can confuse an offense, especially the QB who was used to a certain way of calling plays for years. "Black 54 Y stick" from last year could be "Blue 45 zebra jet" this year. Now, Favre gets the play, say it's "21". He calls 21 in the huddle and Jennings, Driver, etc.. look at their wrist band to get on the same page. It cuts through the muddle and eliminates misinterpratation. This is especially true in a loud dome on the road. I don't recall the Packers burning any timeouts for improper formations or getting penalized for such last week. Every one on O seemed to be on the same wave length.
4. Willingness to use trick plays.
Again, nothing earth shattering. Still, having the stones to call a fake punt or something along those lines convey a feeling to the players that he'll do what it takes to win the game. Bill Cowher has done this for years and when done properly can be huge.
This is not to say gadget plays should be used every game. They should only be used when a flaw is discovered through game film study of the opponent and there is a high probability it will be successful. The use of trick plays also gives your opponent just one more thing they have to be aware of and study for in game prep, and that takes away from meat & potato game planning they would likely much rather use time on.
Well, there you have it. I'm not trying to say that M3 is on the way to greatness or anything like that. Just a little early season observations, IMO.
Comment