Looks like there’s a possibility we may be seeing Chad Ochocinco kicking field goals in the Pro Bowl. I hope so. And, I hope they run the triple-option with him.
Belichick doesn’t just work his players hard. He works them smart.
As I’ve read about Bill Belichick, I’ve become more impressed with what he’s accomplished and how he goes about to accomplish it (quick link to his influence on the Baltimore Ravens draft strategy). Much of his preparation in practice is based on situational work.
“He just does his homework, and puts players in those uncomfortable situations in July and August, so in October, November, December, when the games mean the most, it’s not the first time they’ve been in them and it’s second nature.”
I think this type of practice (among a dozen other methods) is what sets the Patriots apart from most NFL teams. I will say though that it takes time to implement this sort of thing and part of the reason why many of the Belichick coach disciples have flamed out so quickly.
Living in Denver, it’s been interesting watching Josh McDaniels take over the Broncos. I thought he came on too strong at first and I think learned his lesson with the Cutler thing and has balanced his “Belichick Influences” quite well (hence the 5-0 start).
I finally got around to reading The Blind Side (it’s being made into a movie) by Michael Lewis. I wasn’t blown away like I was with Moneyball, but if you like Lewis’ writing (which I do) and sports (again, I do), you’ll enjoy this book. It follows the journey of Michael Oher (who was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft – wish the Bengals took him) and uses his story to demonstrate the importance of the Left Tackle in football, aka the blide side. Not a lot of quotables or anything, but the book left me with a real interest in finding out more information about Bill Walsh (his strategies, philosophy, etc) and the term “systematic opportunity”.
With the NFL draft upcoming, I’ll point you to The Ballad of Big Mike by Michael Lewis. In this article, Lewis covers one of the 2009 Draft’s prospects well before he was considered a First Round lock. The article ties in nicely to the Lewis penned book, The Blind Side, which I haven’t read (but is high on my list)
Found this little nugget of wisdom from Ozzie Newsom, Baltimore Ravens General Manager, in an article detailing their draft strategy (a lot was taken from Bill Belichick).
“A lot of people spend time trying to find things without knowing exactly what they’re looking for,” Newsome, the Ravens’ general manager, said. “We start by saying, ‘This is what we would like to have in a linebacker, in a left tackle.’ Then the picture becomes clear.”
Esquire reminded me about what a fall from grace Todd Marinovich has had. Check out the tag from TMZ with his name on it, then read his wikipedia page. Follow all that up with the original Sports Illustrated article that featured the high school star.
