Isn't it little strange how guys with arguably two best Offensive Lines in NFL (Raiders and Titans) end up with both of their QB's legs broken, yet guys like Bortles who get sacked 50+ times past two years (this year was better) come away with just minor scratches. I know there are reports of "dislocated" shoulder but still...
A high caliber Offensive Line wasn't enough to keep Tony Romo in one piece with the Cowboys either.
Quote:A high caliber Offensive Line wasn't enough to keep Tony Romo in one piece with the Cowboys either.
Good point
At the time (back in the day), Tom Brady had one of the very best O-lines in the league. That didn't prevent him from being severely injured by that Chiefs player (Pollard maybe,, iirc) and getting knocked out for the whole season.
It happens.
When people start talking about who is a good coach, etc., no seems to ever discuss luck. In a game like football it's all about who is available when.
Five years from now people will forget about Carr being unavailable to Jack Del Rio and just think "he couldn't get them over the hump" or some such.
It's a shame. I always want to see the best v. the best during the playoffs.
Quote:When people start talking about who is a good coach, etc., no seems to ever discuss luck. In a game like football it's all about who is available when.
Five years from now people will forget about Carr being unavailable to Jack Del Rio and just think "he couldn't get them over the hump" or some such.
It's a shame. I always want to see the best v. the best during the playoffs.
Among other teams, the Lions are a prime example of what you mentioned. If the Lions injury situation was currently the same as it was going into the game at New Orleans in early December, a deep playoff run would have been a very realistic possibility. That afternoon, the Lions looked like a Super Bowl caliber team. Because of injuries, realistically, a 4th straight loss when the Lions and Seahawks play in Seattle in the first round of the playoffs is likely.
Quote: Among other teams, the Lions are a prime example of what you mentioned. If the Lions injury situation was currently the same as it was going into the game at New Orleans in early December, a deep playoff run would have been a very realistic possibility. That afternoon, the Lions looked like a Super Bowl caliber team. Because of injuries, realistically, a 4th straight loss when the Lions and Seahawks play in Seattle in the first round of the playoffs is likely.
What a weird way to make a living. As a head coach you have your whole future resting on the health of someone's knees.
Quote:What a weird way to make a living. As a head coach you have your whole future resting on the health of someone's knees.
What you mentioned in this thread ties in greatly to what Jim Caldwell said yesterday regarding being a NFL HC, when his job security came up during a media session;
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/li.../96145948/
"You know what, it’s not about me," Caldwell said. "I’m more interested in this team and that focus. In our business, our business is always skepticism and those kinds of things. It’s a challenging business. That’s what makes it fun. It’s not for the faint of heart. You better be willing to take on challenges and understand that you’re expected to win.”
I think it really brings to light on the importance of making sure you have sufficient roster depth and that they are coached up as well as the starters. Head coaches that have been able to find balance in coaching up all their players recognize minimal drop off in overall team performance when a player gets injured. As much as I dislike the dude, ol' hoodie comes to mind. Of course there are those times when a wave of injuries just can't be overcome.
Quote:What a weird way to make a living. As a head coach you have your whole future resting on the health of someone's knees.
I think a lot of it is having a gambler's mindset. It hit me at one point that if you want to not lose your mind while gambling, you have to accept that you could lose before the cards are even dealt. For a lot of situations, there's nothing you can do that can pull out a win and you have to be okay with that while still preparing to withstand those losses when they happen.
If you can't deal with that reality, then coaching probably isn't for you.
If this is the case. Why don't teams with cap room. Have quality vets as backups then?
My guess is most quality vets don't want to sit on a bench regardless of paycheck. Besides, even with a large salary cap there is a balance between making it rain for vets and stashing cash for young, front line players for the future and stability of the franchise.
Quote:My guess is most quality vets don't want to sit on a bench regardless of paycheck. Besides, even with a large salary cap there is a balance between making it rain for vets and stashing cash for young, front line players for the future and stability of the franchise.
Makes sense. Fair enough.