Overall there was much that I was impressed with from this first episode of Hard Knocks.
I really like how head coach Bill O’Brien works on team building – asking the rookies if they know the other players names. The statement “get to know your teammates,” is great. Also, notice how O’Brien talks about getting “90 players on the same page.” It is important to notice what was not said – and is often said in this first meeting- the cut from 90 to 53 players. This is a wonderful change from what probably happens on most teams. O’Brien’s focus is getting the players to come together. The players all know there will only be 53 left when the season starts, and it is wonderful O’Brien keeps the focus on what each of the 90 players can do now to contribute. Also every reference to his time coaching with the Patriots is great.
Communication and teaching are such a huge, and often overlooked part, of coaching. Some examples: A good example – linebacker coach Mike Vrabel commenting on drills – “quicker.”
A not so good example is the next thing he says is “Don’t drop your head.” These are the small things that make a huge difference. Many coaches comment on what the athlete did wrong – instead of telling them the right technique they are looking for. “Keep your head up,” is a small – but huge change in communication. The same holds true in the scrimmage with the Redskins when Vrabel says “You stand straight up, and you’re soft- throw a marshmallow at him.” A much better comment would be something along the lines of “Keep your center of gravity lower, bend your knees more.” A comment about what you want done has much more impact than simply pointing out what they did wrong.
The same holds true when O’Brien is commenting on the quarterbacks throwing interceptions. Coaches need to make comments that are more insightful than anyone else can make. O’Brien says, “We can not throw interceptions like that, we have to take care of that right now.” Someone should point out why these interceptions happened. Yes, the quarterbacks may know – but they need to hear things like “that happened because you didn’t step into your throw.” “Your target needs to be one foot off the receivers outside shoulder – you threw to his inside shoulder.” I know many coaches don’t think about a player’s unconscious. Take the comment “Don’t throw interceptions.” If you take the word “don’t” out – the statement becomes “throw interceptions.” “See and hit your target,” or any comment along these lines has a much deeper and more meaningful impact on players over the long run.
With defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel after a poor practice: He yells at the team and simply says things like “until we decide to play all the time…” “Decide what kind of team you’re gonna have.” Sure, this is true – but a guy in the stands can say these things. What specifically went wrong?” “We need more intensity,” is too broad. To a specific player – or group of players, “Our first step off the ball needs to be quicker,” Explain how to improve their intensity as the practice wears on. Explain exactly how to fix what went wrong.
A bit on specific players:
J.J. Watt – in this one episode, it is obvious why he is such a great player. Notice how he encourages other players. It is impressive how he talks to the team after Crennel’s comments. Notice how the thanks the two guys for staying after practice who are running the ball machine for him. As far as him staying after practice to work on technique, the huge question to ask is why was he out there alone? Why wasn’t every defensive rookie out there with him? For that matter why wasn’t most of the team still out there.
Whoever was involved with drafting this group of rookies did a great job. Christian Covington is an impressive young man, hopefully he is as impressive on the field.
While Kevin Johnson seems like a nice young man, his behavior on the field is very concerning. In the Redskins scrimmage, after a good tackle he taunts the Redskins player, he does not respond to O’Brien’s command “get out of there.” Then a huge brawl takes place. The implications of this are huge. How will this young man keep his composure in a high pressure game? How will he keep his emotions from impacting his play? It is just as likely that he wins a game with his play – as that he causes the team to lose a game by not being able to control his emotions.