I need to take a moment and highlight our coaching staff on material improvements in their growth from Year 1 to Year 2. After studying our game film in the off season, seeing the gaps we had in coaching, missed opportunities to coach certain players up, and assignment misses, I was not sold on many of our assistant coaches and their contributions to "championship" football.
BUT, I've seen material growth in their progress as coaches and it's very apparent in the game film. I'm not sure if it was year 1, inheriting players who were not bought into Elko/staff, or just needing two years to fully install their game plan, but its a glaring difference.
From how we block, to our strength gains, to our hand motions, to our gap assignments - we are vastly improved from last year to this year. No, we are not perfect (no one is), but where we might be grading out in low 60's last year, we are in low 80's this year.
We are seeing elite play from many players who were previous backups - and surprising play I didn't anticipate from certain personnel groups. DL - improved, OL - much improved, DB's - approaching elite on many plays, TE's - engaged/effective now on plays, RB's - more diverse in ability/playmaking across the board, and of course WR's - we know those guys are playing at Superstar levels. We could use more speed at LB, but getting great productivity out of what we have.
I was not high on many of the coaches, including the OC in the offseason. I didn't think they had enough upside to "get us there" but they have grown tremendously. I hope they all continue to grow, reach their goals on coaching their own team (some day, not soon), and I'm very happy to have been proven wrong about their upside.
Kudos to the coaching staff - you've clearly worked hard to take important strides, alongside our players!
BUT, I've seen material growth in their progress as coaches and it's very apparent in the game film. I'm not sure if it was year 1, inheriting players who were not bought into Elko/staff, or just needing two years to fully install their game plan, but its a glaring difference.
From how we block, to our strength gains, to our hand motions, to our gap assignments - we are vastly improved from last year to this year. No, we are not perfect (no one is), but where we might be grading out in low 60's last year, we are in low 80's this year.
We are seeing elite play from many players who were previous backups - and surprising play I didn't anticipate from certain personnel groups. DL - improved, OL - much improved, DB's - approaching elite on many plays, TE's - engaged/effective now on plays, RB's - more diverse in ability/playmaking across the board, and of course WR's - we know those guys are playing at Superstar levels. We could use more speed at LB, but getting great productivity out of what we have.
I was not high on many of the coaches, including the OC in the offseason. I didn't think they had enough upside to "get us there" but they have grown tremendously. I hope they all continue to grow, reach their goals on coaching their own team (some day, not soon), and I'm very happy to have been proven wrong about their upside.
Kudos to the coaching staff - you've clearly worked hard to take important strides, alongside our players!