"Rewrite that article"

by yoyoyoyo | 7 years ago | 1 Comments

New York Jets’ Head Coach Gregg Popovich seems to have stirred some feelings regarding his last article, in which he identifies some under, over, and appropriately performing teams around the league. I’m told that one head coach had much contention with the comments regarding his team and staff—so much that he accosted the East Rutherford honcho immediately.

When asked about the reaction, Popovich welcomed further discussion, saying “Let’s talk about it, then.” In an unprecedented move, the coach has invited SFL fans, the media, coaches, and GMs across the league into an open film session—focusing on the aforementioned disgruntled coach and organization.

Here’s what he had to say:

“After reviewing two of the Titans’ last three games (the most recent clash with the Colts was deleted or not archived), here is evidence of this malfunction and dysfunction within the organization’s coaching ranks.

In route to a 23-point loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator called 21 play-action passes throughout 11 possessions—an average of approximately 2 PA passes per possession. QB Marcos Mariota was sacked 7 times on such plays. Despite constant pressure from the Chargers’ front line, the Titans offense continued to call play-action passes in 2^nd and 3^rd and long (to go) situations: 2^nd & 17, 3^rd & 20, 3^rd & 13, and 3^rd & 12.

The lack of play-calling variety from the Titans may be more puzzling and troubling. Against the Chargers, the Titans ran 11 plays multiple times throughout the game—including, running three different plays three times each and one play, four times.”

“Before you choose to dissent, let’s take a look at the game against New England (one week prior),” Coach Popovich exclaimed.

“Against the Patriots, the Titans, again, called 21 play-action passes but throughout 14 possessions. The quarterback turned the ball over or was either sacked or hit (for an incompletion) on 7 of these plays. The Titans ran 15 plays multiple times—including running one play 7 times (4 of which from the same formation), one play 6 times, and three plays 3 times each.”

Coach Popovich tells us that the Titans have "too much talent to play this way". After finishing 8-8 two seasons ago, the Titans finished 9-7 last year, after starting the season 9-0. Right now, they sit 31^st in the league standings with a record of 1 win and 9 losses. This is the home Jeff Fisher built.