There was not as much coach-player interaction during this episode.
The past two weeks I have talked about linebacker coach Mike Vrabel. This week we see the General Manager, Rick Smith trying to work out a deal with the Denver Broncos for a linebacker. The question is – why haven’t the linebackers improved under Vrabel? Vrabel does not give instruction. How much of the lack of improvement falls on Vrabel’s shoulders? He has been working with these guys for months and they are not improving – why? One misconception is that the players should know what to do and do not need to be shown and taught technique work. It is obvious that players can get by in college by being bigger, stronger and faster. In the pro’s this alone does not work – they need much more technique work. There needs to be a learning curve – and there has not been obvious improvement in the linebackers over the course of the Hard Knocks series. They are dealing with the same issues this episode as they were dealing with two and three weeks ago.
In the game against the Saints, Kourtnei Brown is having a hard time setting the edge. At this level it may be expected that everyone know how to set the edge and keep the play from getting outside. The T.V. commentators said Brown got “cracked down.” The wide receiver made a block on Brown and the running back was able to get outside. Notice Vrabel does not talk about this at all. He does not explain why the edge was not set – or what he could have done on that play to set the edge – or what he should do in the future. Once again there is no coaching going on here. The look on Brown’s face at this time really says it all – he looks like he does not know what to do and knows that he will probably get cut again – he looks lost.
Starting linebacker Brian Cushing misses an interception that goes right through his hands. Does Vrabel have the linebackers working on catching balls – as we see J.J. Watt practice every episode? If not – why? Bill O’Brien starts this episode by saying they don’t want to be the “almost” team – Cushing almost caught the ball.
A couple of thoughts:
It is very nice to see how the players all congratulate Charles James on his 73 yard touchdown run. James clearly adds something to this team.
I am impressed how Bill O’Brien handled the cuts – very truthful and respectful.