we'll need a better effort from our coaches next year

[BackInDaDay]

i think that the talent level in the NFL is well disbursed. the problem coaches have, is that it's not evenly disbursed among positions. they must identify where their talent has the advantage over an opponent - on a week to week basis - and devise a game plan that creates the match-ups they seek. the inverse is also true. they must be aware of where the opponent has an advantage, and prepare to neutralize the match-ups the opposing coaches seek.

 

what frustrates a good coaching staff is, when after hours of careful examination and detailed planning, the execution of the gameplan is undermined by the mental mistakes of one player or another. advantages are exposed and lost. disadvantages are exposed and exploited.

 

the thing that we, as fans of the team don't know, is how prepared our team is to compete each week.

that is, does the coaching staff have the right to be frustrated with the execution of their plan, if it's not a well thought out one?

 

we can watch the contest and gain opinions on who had a good or bad day.

now, we can even go back and look at why something they did worked, or failed.

but it's hard to differentiate where the blame lies when the breakdowns occur.

 

why was a defender put in the position of trying to cover so and so?

why didn't a lineman get help pass blocking so and so?

why did the defender fill the wrong gap?

why did two receivers run routes that converged on each other?

 

are these mistakes the result of unfocused players, the result of ineffective coaching, or both?

 

for a team that has it's fair share of talent, and loses 2 of every 3 games it plays - either the coaches haven't instilled the sense of urgency they expect them to bring to each snap, or they haven't put them in the best position to succeed. in defense of the coaches, this team has remained competitive all season, but the fact is - our offense seldom makes big plays, and our defense gives up too many big plays. to me, that means the other teams have been matching up their talent to ours, better than we are to theirs.

 

i think rookie coach Marrone brings a lot of good qualities to the Bills. i'm hoping he and his rookie coordinators learn from this season, and plan on working harder next year. if they do, they have every right to demand the same from the players, but at this point in time - they shouldn't be casting stones.

 

ps - before we get into the obvious disadvantage our rookie QB poses for our coaches each week, he does have strengths and enough talent around him to create a few match-up problems - even with a mediocre O-line in front of him.

[The Big Cat]

nice post.

 

i think we'll take a big step forward this off season by having the coaches purge the players that aren't their guys.

 

look at the Pats* how many times have we heard everyone in the offseason gush about their big ticket FA's, only to watch them fizzle and die.

 

yes, talent is important, but if you don't conform to Bellicheat's standards, you won't succeed on his team.

 

i think Marrone will apply similar kinds of standards that'll separate the Bills from the non-Bills before April.

[BackInDaDay]

nice post.

 

i think we'll take a big step forward this off season by having the coaches purge the players that aren't their guys.

 

look at the Pats* how many times have we heard everyone in the offseason gush about their big ticket FA's, only to watch them fizzle and die.

 

yes, talent is important, but if you don't conform to Bellicheat's standards, you won't succeed on his team.

 

i think Marrone will apply similar kinds of standards that'll separate the Bills from the non-Bills before April.

 

thanks, Big Cat.. if you're going on the premise that it's all on the players, then yeah - bench or release the guys who've been killing you week after week, and get guys who're ready to commit. my problem with this, is that it's too easy for coaches to scapegoat players efforts and abilities. Marrone knows the deal.. he's been around the pro game long enough to know that nobody's on scholarships out there, but he has to know that he has to get guys he didn't recruit, on board.. and - in my opinion - do a better job prepping them. sometimes they looked like they went into games with suspect plan A, and a worse plan B. other times, it was all clicking and the ball didn't bounce right. either way, it's Marrone's team now, so i'll keep me fingers crossed.

[The Big Cat]

thanks, Big Cat.. if you're going on the premise that it's all on the players, then yeah - bench or release the guys who've been killing you week after week, and get guys who're ready to commit. my problem with this, is that it's too easy for coaches to scapegoat players efforts and abilities. Marrone knows the deal.. he's been around the pro game long enough to know that nobody's on scholarships out there, but he has to know that he has to get guys he didn't recruit, on board.. and - in my opinion - do a better job prepping them. sometimes they looked like they went into games with suspect plan A, and a worse plan B. other times, it was all clicking and the ball didn't bounce right. either way, it's Marrone's team now, so i'll keep me fingers crossed.

 

i didn't mean to imply it was a 'recruitment' thing. in Marrone's presser yesterday he talked about Jim Leonhard, and what it means to be a pro. i think they'll take a look at the roster not only from a standpoint of what happens on sundays, but who prepares week in and week out like the coaches expect them to. i think that's what they're referring to when they talk about accountability, and i can't foresee them keeping guys around who aren't putting in those hours. and i think it's those hours that they (rightly) believe ultimately separate the winners from the losers.

[CardinalScotts]

you crazy - they have done a great job to be competitive almost every game

[2003Contenders]

Let's bear in mind that the coaching staff is fairly young in NFL terms. Hackett especially -- and I certainly believe that he has progressed during the course of the year. Hopefully, he will continue to do so as he gains experience. Same with Pettine. Remember, he was a DC in name only under Rex in New York. Marrone himself has made some rookie mistakes this season, but I like his demeanor, and I think he has brought a level of toughness to this team that we haven't seen in a lo-o-o-o-ng time. As the young players gain experience -- and missing pieces of the puzzle come into play -- I think the coaching staff will also be rewarded with better performances.

[Luxy312]

Interesting question from the OP, but I would counter with a simple observation. You say that we need more effort from the coaches next season. However, you don't address the fact that there's one huge issue that's squarely on the players. Turnovers. The Bills DST is 7th in turnovers caused. They're #1 in sacks and #1 in interceptions. Clearly, they're getting pressure on almost every QB they face. However, on the flip side, the Bills are the 6th worst team in the NFL at giving the ball away. Let's not pretend that turnovers don't matter. They're the single greatest predictor of success in the NFL and by a long shot. If the playoffs were to start next weekend, there would be only 1 team participating that isn't in the top half of the league in turnover margin. Interestingly, here's how they stack up:

 

AFC BYE - DEN (#29), NE (#10)

AFC WC - MIA (#13) v. CIN (#16)

AFC WC - KC (#1) v. IND (#9)

NFC BYE - SEA (#2), NO (#15)

NFC WC - SF (#8) v. PHI (#7)

NFC WC - CAR (#5) v. CHI (#11)

 

Statistically speaking, the fact that 11 of the 12 playoff teams fall within the top half of turnover ratio, or top-16, says an awful lot about what is going on with the Bills. Even if you looked solely at turnovers given (versus the net), 10 of the 12 teams above are in the top-16. So that poses a question. Is it really coaching or execution that is the problem? I would contend that if you stripped out a dozen turnovers that this team would probably be sitting on 3-4 more wins right now notwithstanding the coaching "effort". I will say I agree there should be more aggressive play calling, but will stop in saying that that's the biggest reason this team lost some games.

[BigBuff423]

i think that the talent level in the NFL is well disbursed. the problem coaches have, is that it's not evenly disbursed among positions. they must identify where their talent has the advantage over an opponent - on a week to week basis - and devise a game plan that creates the match-ups they seek. the inverse is also true. they must be aware of where the opponent has an advantage, and prepare to neutralize the match-ups the opposing coaches seek.

 

what frustrates a good coaching staff is, when after hours of careful examination and detailed planning, the execution of the gameplan is undermined by the mental mistakes of one player or another. advantages are exposed and lost. disadvantages are exposed and exploited.

 

the thing that we, as fans of the team don't know, is how prepared our team is to compete each week.

that is, does the coaching staff have the right to be frustrated with the execution of their plan, if it's not a well thought out one?

 

we can watch the contest and gain opinions on who had a good or bad day.

now, we can even go back and look at why something they did worked, or failed.

but it's hard to differentiate where the blame lies when the breakdowns occur.

 

why was a defender put in the position of trying to cover so and so?

why didn't a lineman get help pass blocking so and so?

why did the defender fill the wrong gap?

why did two receivers run routes that converged on each other?

 

are these mistakes the result of unfocused players, the result of ineffective coaching, or both?

 

for a team that has it's fair share of talent, and loses 2 of every 3 games it plays - either the coaches haven't instilled the sense of urgency they expect them to bring to each snap, or they haven't put them in the best position to succeed. in defense of the coaches, this team has remained competitive all season, but the fact is - our offense seldom makes big plays, and our defense gives up too many big plays. to me, that means the other teams have been matching up their talent to ours, better than we are to theirs.

 

i think rookie coach Marrone brings a lot of good qualities to the Bills. i'm hoping he and his rookie coordinators learn from this season, and plan on working harder next year. if they do, they have every right to demand the same from the players, but at this point in time - they shouldn't be casting stones.

 

ps - before we get into the obvious disadvantage our rookie QB poses for our coaches each week, he does have strengths and enough talent around him to create a few match-up problems - even with a mediocre O-line in front of him.

 

The only point I would disagree with, and it's used frequently, is the term or phrase of "working harder". I don't think the coaches are lazy or apathetic toward wanting to produce a winning team or in their desire to produce a good, quality team. I think they're working very hard, watching film, doing drills, comparing notes and strategies, meeting with players, devising game-plans, etc. I think my issue would be working "smarter". The nuance here for me would be spending all that time watching film and the aforementioned many duties they do on a weekly basis, but then game time comes and all that information and preparation is not be utilized properly. Yesterday, wasn't too bad...but in a number of other games Hackett just did not seem to call a good game. I've been a critic of Hackett's for some time now, so my bias should be taken into consideration, but to me the biggest issue on this team is Special Teams as a whole (kicker not withstanding) and Offensive play-calling. Tampa Bay game they were flat as a group, but in most other games the passion and zeal was there...it was the direction of the Offense. And yes, the Defense needs to get better against the run, but primarily it's the Offensive play-calling that I think has cost the BILLS several games this year. And so, I don't think working "harder" per se is the answer, it's the "smarter" aspect that disturbs me more.

[John from Riverside]

I try to remind myself that sometimes you have to be patient even with new Rookie OC's like Hackett.....

 

Did you see him out their with his 2 TE sets and running/throwing to Frank Summers?

 

Last week he had Summers DEACTIVATED

 

Running 2 TE sets and playing that tank I have been begging for that all season.......

[BackInDaDay]

The only point I would disagree with, and it's used frequently, is the term or phrase of "working harder". I don't think the coaches are lazy or apathetic toward wanting to produce a winning team or in their desire to produce a good, quality team. I think they're working very hard, watching film, doing drills, comparing notes and strategies, meeting with players, devising game-plans, etc. I think my issue would be working "smarter".

 

i can't agree or disagree with this. i just don't know. i know that it's the expectation of fans - that our coaches are doing their best to win games. i just don't know if our current coaches' best is going to be good enough to beat other coaches with similar talent. they should assume that the guys they're facing have been turning their playbooks and personnel inside out to find where they can get the advantage over us, and do the same. that's all we can ask. it's just my opinion that i don't think they're there yet.

[C.Biscuit97]

I really don't have a problem with any of the coaches except STs coach Crossman. that unit has been far and away out worst unit. We have very dangerous KR/ PR who have done nothing. IMO, he deserves to be replaced.

[BackInDaDay]

I try to remind myself that sometimes you have to be patient even with new Rookie OC's like Hackett.....

 

i agree, but when reports of the staff's displeasure with the effort and/or talent on the current roster surface in the media, we have to call them on it.

if those reports were fabricated, then guys like me will be happy to shut up and let the coaches figure it out.

if not, then they should be ready to address questions regarding their own preparedness.

 

Did you see him out their with his 2 TE sets and running/throwing to Frank Summers?

 

Last week he had Summers DEACTIVATED

 

Running 2 TE sets and playing that tank I have been begging for that all season.......

 

sorry, John.. i missed this week's game. my wife and i lost a kid a year ago last Sunday, so we went into the city yesterday to lose ourselves a little.. i was happy to see EJ's draw from the 8, on the highlights - and the finding Summers on that pass. nice bit of coaching there - guessing we went against our tendencies

Edited December 16, 2013 by BackInDaDay

[BackInDaDay]

you crazy - they have done a great job to be competitive almost every game

 

from what i've seen - the effort has been there, week after week.

when we had our worst games, our poor play - like most NFL teams that don't execute well - snowballed on us.. but even then, i don't recall anyone quitting. this post was directed at what's behind the poor play.

[The Big Cat]

i agree, but when reports of the staff's displeasure with the effort and/or talent on the current roster surface in the media, we have to call them on it.

if those reports were fabricated, then guys like me will be happy to shut up and let the coaches figure it out.

if not, then they should be ready to address questions regarding their own preparedness.

 

i must have missed something--which reports are we talking about?

[BackInDaDay]

i must have missed something--which reports are we talking about?

 

the answer to a personnel question that Chris Brown gave in the Inside The Bills' Fan Friday report. it's the subject of the "interesting" topic up on the board. Brown responded as if quoting the head coach. it may be BS, but if Brown isn't authorized to speak on the subject, he's risking the deep freeze - so many think he's been put up to pointing Marrone's finger for him.

[BigBuff423]

i agree, but when reports of the staff's displeasure with the effort and/or talent on the current roster surface in the media, we have to call them on it.

if those reports were fabricated, then guys like me will be happy to shut up and let the coaches figure it out.

if not, then they should be ready to address questions regarding their own preparedness.

 

 

 

sorry, John.. i missed this week's game. my wife and i lost a kid a year ago last Sunday, so we went into the city yesterday to lose ourselves a little.. i was happy to see EJ's draw from the 8, on the highlights - and the finding Summers on that pass. nice bit of coaching there - guessing we went against our tendencies

 

Dude, let's stop the train for a moment. And let me offer my heart-felt sympathy for the loss of a child. I cannot imagine your grief or sorrow and while gathering from what you wrote, a little time has passed, I can only begin to fathom that coping with the pain is more the issue than the pain losing it's sting. And while I know you didn't intend for it to take sad turn in the thread, unfortunately your unheralded comment goes a long way in reminding us - even amidst a Buffalo BILLS debate - what is truly important. The value of our loved ones and those we cherish. Thank you for sharing and sincerely, no matter the hardship or where it stems from, I hope you can find the joy in the people you still have in your life and the moments yet to be lived.

Edited December 16, 2013 by BigBuff423

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

Dude, let's stop the train for a moment. And let me offer my heart-felt sympathy for the loss of a child. I cannot imagine your grief or sorrow and while gathering from what you wrote, a little time has passed, I can only begin to fathom that coping with the pain is more the issue than the pain losing it's sting. And while I know you didn't intend for it to take sad turn in the thread, unfortunately your unheralded comment goes a long way in reminding us - even amidst a Buffalo BILLS debate - what is truly important. The value of our loved ones and those we cherish. Thank you for sharing and sincerely, no matter the hardship or where it stems from, I hope you can find the joy in the people you still have in your life and the moments yet to be lived.

 

I will +1 this big time.

 

Sorry for your loss, BackinDaDay.

[BackInDaDay]

Dude, let's stop the train for a moment. And let me offer my heart-felt sympathy for the loss of a child. I cannot imagine your grief or sorrow and while gathering from what you wrote, a little time has passed, I can only begin to fathom that coping with the pain is more the issue than the pain losing it's sting. And while I know you didn't intend for it to take sad turn in the thread, unfortunately your unheralded comment goes a long way in reminding us - even amidst a Buffalo BILLS debate - what is truly important. The value of our loved ones and those we cherish. Thank you for sharing and sincerely, no matter the hardship or where it stems from, I hope you can find the joy in the people you still have in your life and the moments yet to be lived.

 

I will +1 this big time.

 

Sorry for your loss, BackinDaDay.

 

thanks guys..

[BADOLBILZ]

i think that the talent level in the NFL is well disbursed. the problem coaches have, is that it's not evenly disbursed among positions. they must identify where their talent has the advantage over an opponent - on a week to week basis - and devise a game plan that creates the match-ups they seek. the inverse is also true. they must be aware of where the opponent has an advantage, and prepare to neutralize the match-ups the opposing coaches seek.

 

what frustrates a good coaching staff is, when after hours of careful examination and detailed planning, the execution of the gameplan is undermined by the mental mistakes of one player or another. advantages are exposed and lost. disadvantages are exposed and exploited.

 

the thing that we, as fans of the team don't know, is how prepared our team is to compete each week.

that is, does the coaching staff have the right to be frustrated with the execution of their plan, if it's not a well thought out one?

 

we can watch the contest and gain opinions on who had a good or bad day.

now, we can even go back and look at why something they did worked, or failed.

but it's hard to differentiate where the blame lies when the breakdowns occur.

 

why was a defender put in the position of trying to cover so and so?

why didn't a lineman get help pass blocking so and so?

why did the defender fill the wrong gap?

why did two receivers run routes that converged on each other?

 

are these mistakes the result of unfocused players, the result of ineffective coaching, or both?

 

for a team that has it's fair share of talent, and loses 2 of every 3 games it plays - either the coaches haven't instilled the sense of urgency they expect them to bring to each snap, or they haven't put them in the best position to succeed. in defense of the coaches, this team has remained competitive all season, but the fact is - our offense seldom makes big plays, and our defense gives up too many big plays. to me, that means the other teams have been matching up their talent to ours, better than we are to theirs.

 

i think rookie coach Marrone brings a lot of good qualities to the Bills. i'm hoping he and his rookie coordinators learn from this season, and plan on working harder next year. if they do, they have every right to demand the same from the players, but at this point in time - they shouldn't be casting stones.

 

ps - before we get into the obvious disadvantage our rookie QB poses for our coaches each week, he does have strengths and enough talent around him to create a few match-up problems - even with a mediocre O-line in front of him.

 

It's a passing league but they need to run the ball 60% of the time to win because their passing game is from the 1970's mostly due to poor QB play. The players on this offense were assembled to play in a pass heavy attack. I think the Bills do want to be a team that throws the ball a lot more......you really have to in the NFL of today.......but they have to protect EJ Manuel.