Game-Day Green

Redheart · September 3rd, 2004, 09:33 AM

I am hoping that one of the largest improvements the Cardinals will bring to St. Louis will be the coaching staff.

Most would agree that last year's game planning and game-time adjustments were disappointing, often even embarrassing. The predictability and intractability were stunning; the looks on the faces of the coaching staff ranged from panic to puzzled disbelief, and in some cases, apathy.

Memories of last year’s preseason approach also seemed “confused” on what was important to accomplish in the pre-season; the coaching staff often used offensive and defensive schemes we would use in the regular season as we roared to a 4-0 record; the Koolaide was flowing and we were going to the playoffs.

During this year’s preseason, management ran vanilla schemes on both sides of the ball; there never seemed to be a question about that approach and what to use four “meaningless” games to accomplish. This year’s preseason results of 1-3 leaves the kindest observations to include things like “steady improvement”, “some players stepping up”, “some positions settling down”, and “some bright moments from our draft picks”. Unkind observations flow much more easily than Koolaide and season predictions are rightfully cautious, if not pessimistic.

Injuries, new faces, new positions for old faces, new schemes, tough schedule; so many ready-made excuses for a coaching staff to use to explain failure. Yet, the staff does not give the impression they are looking in that direction; they are acting like they know what they are doing and are working hard to obtain the goal; obstacles exist and must be overcome.

The next time the Cardinals play, it counts. We will get to see what our new coaching staff has been able to bring together to surprise St. Louis. We will also get to see our coaching staff tested as that battle is joined. We will see it in how our team comes to play, we will see it in the offensive play calls, we will see it in the defensive schemes; and if this game is close, we will see it in the game-time adjustments that gives the advantage to the winner.

We are about to get a peek at one of our most important off-season moves.

clif · September 3rd, 2004, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redheart

I am hoping that one of the largest improvements the Cardinals will bring to St. Louis will be the coaching staff.

Most would agree that last year's game planning and game-time adjustments were disappointing, often even embarrassing. The predictability and intractability were stunning; the looks on the faces of the coaching staff ranged from panic to puzzled disbelief, and in some cases, apathy.

Memories of last year’s preseason approach also seemed “confused” on what was important to accomplish in the pre-season; the coaching staff often used offensive and defensive schemes we would use in the regular season as we roared to a 4-0 record; the Koolaide was flowing and we were going to the playoffs.

During this year’s preseason, management ran vanilla schemes on both sides of the ball; there never seemed to be a question about that approach and what to use four “meaningless” games to accomplish. This year’s preseason results of 1-3 leaves the kindest observations to include things like “steady improvement”, “some players stepping up”, “some positions settling down”, and “some bright moments from our draft picks”. Unkind observations flow much more easily than Koolaide and season predictions are rightfully cautious, if not pessimistic.

Injuries, new faces, new positions for old faces, new schemes, tough schedule; so many ready-made excuses for a coaching staff to use to explain failure. Yet, the staff does not give the impression they are looking in that direction; they are acting like they know what they are doing and are working hard to obtain the goal; obstacles exist and must be overcome.

The next time the Cardinals play, it counts. We will get to see what our new coaching staff has been able to bring together to surprise St. Louis. We will also get to see our coaching staff tested as that battle is joined. We will see it in how our team comes to play, we will see it in the offensive play calls, we will see it in the defensive schemes; and if this game is close, we will see it in the game-time adjustments that gives the advantage to the winner.

We are about to get a peek at one of our most important off-season moves.

I agree with ya .

I'm telling you the St louis game is huge. I cant remember the last time game one meant so much. We need to show everyone we can compete from the start. I hope we come in and punch them in the mouth.

Skkorpion · September 3rd, 2004, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clif

I agree with ya .

I'm telling you the St louis game is huge. I cant remember the last time game one meant so much. We need to show everyone we can compete from the start. I hope we come in and punch them in the mouth.

No, no, no, no! Nonsense. This is a building year, and the offense and defense won't be settled for several games.

We could be blown out that first game and all it would mean is a 1 in the loss column.

Gnomad · September 3rd, 2004, 10:09 AM

amazing what a proven coach can do. he can come in and fix things that seem unfixable. gee, go figure that preseason wins are completely meaningless. yeah, we put points on the board, and did things well, or not. I'm actually happy about the excess of losses in the preseason. means he isn't giving up secrets just yet.

Redheart · September 3rd, 2004, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skkorpion

...We could be blown out that first game and all it would mean is a 1 in the loss column.

Important point...BUT...if the Cardinals stole a W there, it would be HUGE!

We will be the dogs in the game, probably more than a TD.

clif · September 3rd, 2004, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skkorpion

No, no, no, no! Nonsense. This is a building year, and the offense and defense won't be settled for several games.

We could be blown out that first game and all it would mean is a 1 in the loss column.

come on!!! I NEVER EVER EVER go into a game thinking we will get blown out much less lose!! call me crazy call me a kool aider or whatever, but I dont EVER watch a game hoping they just show up. This is football and everytime they step on the field they have a chance. I dont care if they got a team from the local YMCA to suit up. I will ALWAYS expect them to win!!!

football karma · September 3rd, 2004, 10:19 AM

I agree with Skorp--

my heart tells me differently, but my head tells me that the regular season will be like the preseason in the regard that by week three we all could be thinking "how could this team get so bad", only to see steady improvement throughout the year, with the team playing pretty well in November and December.

Jttsaz · September 3rd, 2004, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by en fuego

I agree with Skorp--

my heart tells me differently, but my head tells me that the regular season will be like the preseason in the regard that by week three we all could be thinking "how could this team get so bad", only to see steady improvement throughout the year, with the team playing pretty well in November and December.

I can't really see how they could be worse than last year on the road but then again loosing Quan is big. Rams are beatable but if we can't muster any pressure on Bulger the Cards will be picked apart all day. This has to be goal #1....the Cards need to get to Bulger and force him to throw some Int's...I know it's a cliche but the Cards can't fall behind big early...the run threat needs to be there.....It will be interesting...

Gnomad · September 3rd, 2004, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jttsaz

...the run threat needs to be there.....It will be interesting...

assuming anyone will find the Cards running game threatening, anytime in the near future... I'll leave that one open to judgement for a few weeks.

schel · September 3rd, 2004, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gnomad

assuming anyone will find the Cards running game threatening, anytime in the near future... I'll leave that one open to judgement for a few weeks.

Yeah, that might be bad. If we can't run vs. the Rams, that's going to be a problem.

Redheart · September 3rd, 2004, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jttsaz

I can't really see how they could be worse than last year on the road but then again loosing Quan is big. Rams are beatable but if we can't muster any pressure on Bulger the Cards will be picked apart all day. This has to be goal #1....the Cards need to get to Bulger and force him to throw some Int's...I know it's a cliche but the Cards can't fall behind big early...the run threat needs to be there.....It will be interesting...

Agree Jttsaz, interesting is right.

The point of the thread is not really about the W or L. It is really about an assessment of the coaching staff under conditions that count. Players have to make plays, but the coaching staff has to do their part too.

Things to look for:

Will the players play hard and not mail it in?

Will the offensive and defensive game plan attack opponent's weakness and utilize our strenths?

Will the play calling be predictable or innovative?

Will special teams be prepared and be an asset or a liability?

Will we see good clock management or confusion?

Will penalties kill us, or kill them?

Will adjustments to the game plan be made as conditions and the opponent actions unfold?

These are some thing that will allow us to see what our Game-Day staff is made of.

In regards to evaluating the coaching staff in this first game, what do you think is important? (open question to all ASFN Head-Coaches

)

Skkorpion · September 3rd, 2004, 11:08 AM

That sums it up pretty well, Redheart.

Redheart · September 3rd, 2004, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skkorpion

That sums it up pretty well, Redheart.

Thanks Skorp!

Two things I really will be watching for:
Offensive play calling. So far, even though it has been pre-season vanilla, I think there has been a large improvement. I hope the days of run, run, pass, punt are gone.
Defensive Blitzing. I agree with Jttaz, I think the way to beat the Rams is to beat Bulger. If we can rattle him, we have a chance at the upset. Give him time and let him get comfortable and it will be a long game. So...how much and how will we come for him? Will we be agressive or conservative on this? I wan't to attack often and use more LB's while dropping our Lineman.

cheesebeef · September 3rd, 2004, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skkorpion

No, no, no, no! Nonsense. This is a building year, and the offense and defense won't be settled for several games.

We could be blown out that first game and all it would mean is a 1 in the loss column.

Skkorp - I think we finally see eye to eye on this club - where it's been and more importantly WHERE IT'S HEADED!

Temper your enthusiasm guys - and that's not to mean don't root this club on and hope for the best - hell I'd love a win opening week - but it would be something of a small miracle - but they will get better and THEY WILL GROW AND THEY WILL FINALLY BE A TEAM THAT WON'T EMBRASS EVERY SINGLE FREAKING WEEK OF THE YEAR - but give it time - Rome wasn't built in a day and we sure as hell aren't going to be built in one offseason (especially with the torrent of injuries suffered).

red desert · September 3rd, 2004, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clif

I agree with ya .

I'm telling you the St louis game is huge. I cant remember the last time game one meant so much. We need to show everyone we can compete from the start. I hope we come in and punch them in the mouth.

I could not agree with you more. Yes, all games are important, but this one will go a long way in determining wha sort of season we have.