Originally posted by Oakland-Niner:
Nice write up. Looking forward to this thread every week.
Terrific write-up and can't wait for you (JD) and thl408 to break this down!
As to execution, I agree...but paramount to execution, we've had huge changes in both offensive and defensive philosophies from last year and it showed in the formations. The 'identity' of the team remains the same as does the formula for winning: top 5 defense, excellent ST's, controlling the TOP, winning the TO battle and all coupled with a strong, smart, conservative yet, efficient passing game (with a few splash plays thrown in there).
These changes in philosophy and scheme made the execution soooo much easier esp. for CK.
Philosophy/Scheme Changes:
Defense: Still use pattern-match coverages building off Mangini's experiences in NE but also Fangio's success here. In addition, Mangini is huge on personnel matchups...best DB's to match the oppositions strengths (hence Acker starting, using 4-saftey looks, Johnson coming into the games, Brock sliding over into the slot at times, etc.). In addition, there is now a monster shift in
pre and post-snap confusion on both disguising the blitzer(s) and coverages. Bowman was quoted as noting the biggest difference between Fangio and Mangini is that we now dictate the offense vs. reacting to them trying to dictate us. 180-degree philosophical change in mentality and scheme.
Offense: Huge focus on first down production. FINALLY. I can't stress that enough...and I have...for over 5 years now in NT! QB-friendly schemes. WCO is back, clearly. There was a nice piece written yesterday about how every time CK comes off the field, Logan and a hoard of others (including the OL) are reviewing film and making adjustments and communicating with each other (that didn't happen under HaRoman as Harbaugh controlled the huddle). CK is also, for the first time ever, now given full autonomy in the huddle and up at the LOS to audible. The other changes have resulted in working hard to correct the grocery-long list of issues we had under HaRoman. Another huge shift is the move to the ZBS and getting rid of the power OL for smaller, smarter and more athletic OL.
Special Teams: Make teams start at the 20 every time. With Pinion's leg and hang time, McCray and Ward are ready to force one fair catch after another or risk being decapitated if you are the returner. The return game is now looked upon as a
weapon vs. the conservative fair catch with nobody within 15 yards of the returner.
Coaching: The "team" is now central as is the "family" theme. Bethea's quote yesterday pretty much summed it up for every player. Big shift here!
While execution (or non-execution) is typically the
end-result, we shouldn't ignore the HUGE philosophical/scheme changes that are now putting our players in the best places to succeed.
With that...bring on the
end results!
[ Edited by NCommand on Sep 16, 2015 at 7:38 AM ]
we need one or two deep throws I know it did not work on Monday but More practice and getting used to each other I think 82 & 85 should give other teams nightmares with 28 ! good game plan OC . I was more worried on the offense than the D.