Commanders Post at The Warpath - View Single Post

BrudLee · 10-27-2005, 08:50 AM

Typically during coaching changes, there is also an emphasis change. A defensive minded head coach is replaced by an offensive minded head coach. This happened in Buffalo, and (with more spectacular results) in Tamp Bay a few years ago. Since there is more history in Tampa, let's examine the results:

Last year under Dungy: Great defense, predictable offense.
First year under Gruden: Still great defense, much better offense (Super Bowl champions).
Second year under Gruden (Deteriorating defense - since the "mastermind" has left, the lessons are being forgotten, good offense.
Third year under Gruden: Roster reshaped to suit coach's liking.

Often (and especially with defense) there is a momentum that carries through seasons. Buffalo's defense, despite not having GW there to direct it, knew the system enough that they could manage the scheme. As vital parts are lost to free agency and injury, there are fewer players with that knowledge, and the memory of the lessons fades in those that remain.

That's why the NFL is, and always will be, a coach's league.

10-27-2005, 08:50 AM	#8
BrudLee Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE Posts: 3,494	Re: Buffalo Bills Followers?? Typically during coaching changes, there is also an emphasis change. A defensive minded head coach is replaced by an offensive minded head coach. This happened in Buffalo, and (with more spectacular results) in Tamp Bay a few years ago. Since there is more history in Tampa, let's examine the results: Last year under Dungy: Great defense, predictable offense. First year under Gruden: Still great defense, much better offense (Super Bowl champions). Second year under Gruden (Deteriorating defense - since the "mastermind" has left, the lessons are being forgotten, good offense. Third year under Gruden: Roster reshaped to suit coach's liking. Often (and especially with defense) there is a momentum that carries through seasons. Buffalo's defense, despite not having GW there to direct it, knew the system enough that they could manage the scheme. As vital parts are lost to free agency and injury, there are fewer players with that knowledge, and the memory of the lessons fades in those that remain. That's why the NFL is, and always will be, a coach's league. __________________ There's nowhere to go but up. Or down. I guess we could stay where we are, too.