A look at Coach Golden's 8 pillars: Football Scenario

[LuCane]

First things first:

1) I don't wish to unnecessarily replay the brutality of Saturday's experience, but I need an example to spark the discussion.
2) I am NOT saying this would have made a difference in the outcome.
3) I am NOT making a conclusion for others here, but would just like to hear some opinions, especially from guys who've either played, coached or really appreciate in-game intricacies.

The scenario:

Down 42-24, Miami gets the ball at their own 37 yard line. They have 3 timeouts. They throw 3 straight incomplete passes and are 4th and 10 from the 37 yard line. Miami selects to punt the ball.

Was this the right or wrong choice in this scenario?

My instant opinion was to yell like crazy toward the sideline to say that it was a terrible analysis. I re-thought it after the game trying to consider all angles. I still find this to be the wrong decision, but I'd like to hear other perspectives. Let me explain.

A few things to consider --> VTech has a terribly erratic kicker who's shown that in even recent weeks. We presumably still wanted to win the game, or at least show we "were trying" or we wouldn't have used the timeouts later. Down 3 scores (the key point here), we needed 3 chances at a score with approximately 11 minutes left in the game.

If we go for it on 4th down (or more intelligently treat the possession or 3rd down like 4 down territory), let's say it is another incomplete pass. We give up the ball at the 37 yard line. We still have a chance to stop them to no points. Better yet, we still have a chance to even allow a quick first down, get a stop, and stop them to 3 points. That would have made it a 21 point lead - still a 3 score game. Sure, I understand some of the responses here will be "well, we couldn't stop them anyway." I get it. But, that didn't stop us from playing the rest of the game like we could stop them or were going to try.

So, the narrow point here is that I think this was a bad decision and a negative data point in terms of "in-game coaching."

The broader point is more important to me and probably more important to things going forward: it's my opinion that to win championships (our presumed goal), you need to be one step ahead of the competition these days analytically and from a prep/anticipation standpoint. Some of these decisions require extremely quick analysis. It's not clear to me that we have this type of person on staff. What do others think? If we do, some of our in-game decisions (especially when we're on the opponent's side of the field in no-man's land) have been curious during Golden's tenure. I think this absolutely will matter if we get a bunch of talent and end up in a 2-game series to win the Championship.

Is it experience? Is it just straight capacity? If there's a deficiency here, what will it take to bridge the gap?

Here are the 8 pillars of performance that our "organization" is based on:



Choices, Attitude, Partnerships, Gratitude, TeaM(e), Passion, Preparation, Empowerment.

Are our choices, attitude and our preparation missing proactivity, anticipation and innovation?

 

[Big Sky Cane]

I thought kicking the 49 yard field goal was a terrible decision.....even though we made it and yes I agree I would have gone for it.

 

[LuCane]

I thought kicking the 49 yard field goal was a terrible decision.....even though we made it and yes I agree I would have gone for it.

It just leads me to the discussion I think is worth having: if this in-game decision-making is an issue, how do we remedy this deficiency? Also, wouldn't it be indicative of the type of mentality going into game prep?

 

[Angry Ibis]

I thought kicking the 49 yard field goal was a terrible decision.....even though we made it and yes I agree I would have gone for it.

It just leads me to the discussion I think is worth having: if this in-game decision-making is an issue, how do we remedy this deficiency? Also, wouldn't it be indicative of the type of mentality going into game prep?

If they are analyzing being down three scores in the 4th quarter in game prep, we would be concerned about that too.

 

[LuCane]

I thought kicking the 49 yard field goal was a terrible decision.....even though we made it and yes I agree I would have gone for it.

It just leads me to the discussion I think is worth having: if this in-game decision-making is an issue, how do we remedy this deficiency? Also, wouldn't it be indicative of the type of mentality going into game prep?

If they are analyzing being down three scores in the 4th quarter in game prep, we would be concerned about that too.

Yes, thank you. I figured someone would go down this path. The point is you add up a bunch of data points - this football scenario being one of them - and you ask what it means to the big picture. After I wrote the post, I thought of what it specifically meant to Golden's "8 pillars" approach. What do these seemingly narrow/small decisions (that add up to make a difference) mean in light of this framework he has in place?

I'm looking for a silver lining or, in its absence, a legitimate reason to even further lower my hopes and expectations.

 

[acento]

I think you can't ignore the fact that we couldn't stop anything that night and it was taken in to account for that decision. Had already given them 3 short fields.

 

[LuCane]

I think you can't ignore the fact that we couldn't stop anything that night and it was taken in to account for that decision. Had already given them 3 short fields.

If we couldn't stop anything, why even bother punting it to them? They'd presumably just march down the field and take up time like they had been doing, which lowers our already tiny chances. What was the play? To hope they fumbled the punt return? I really don't understand the decision.

 

[NateDogg]

Its a great post Lu, and is definitely a topic worth discussing. However, one of those pillars is 'choices', and before i can really start to determine if we have the people on staff who can make the right choices on game day...i am still reserving judgement as to whether we have a CEO (golden) that can start making difficult choices OFF the field.

If he cant do that, the choices in game will be irrelevant. At this point, adapting the defense to their audience instead of force feeding the same **** would be a step in the right direction. Most off us want heads to roll (me included) but my god, year 3 and our (HIS) defense is still demonstrating the same ineptitude.

If he looks himself in the mirror (teaM(e)) and is willing to adapt (choices) maybe we can start to show a little on defense.

 

[LuCane]

Its a great post Lu, and is definitely a topic worth discussing. However, one of those pillars is 'choices', and before i can really start to determine if we have the people on staff who can make the right choices on game day...i am still reserving judgement as to whether we have a CEO (golden) that can start making difficult choices OFF the field.

If he cant do that, the choices in game will be irrelevant. At this point, adapting the defense to their audience instead of force feeding the same **** would be a step in the right direction. Most off us want heads to roll (me included) but my god, year 3 and our (HIS) defense is still demonstrating the same ineptitude.

If he looks himself in the mirror (teaM(e)) and is willing to adapt (choices) maybe we can start to show a little on defense.

Brotha, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I believe it all comes together. I don't have an answer. I just have a ****load of questions.

 

[bobbydigius]

I thought kicking the 49 yard field goal was a terrible decision.....even though we made it and yes I agree I would have gone for it.

You never question taking the points, and that in its self was blip on the radar of problems Saturday.

 

[bobbydigius]

Its a great post Lu, and is definitely a topic worth discussing. However, one of those pillars is 'choices', and before i can really start to determine if we have the people on staff who can make the right choices on game day...i am still reserving judgement as to whether we have a CEO (golden) that can start making difficult choices OFF the field.

If he cant do that, the choices in game will be irrelevant. At this point, adapting the defense to their audience instead of force feeding the same **** would be a step in the right direction. Most off us want heads to roll (me included) but my god, year 3 and our (HIS) defense is still demonstrating the same ineptitude.

If he looks himself in the mirror (teaM(e)) and is willing to adapt (choices) maybe we can start to show a little on defense.

Well one of those tough choices will come this off season and he better know how important it is. IF this defense fails again next year, its a wrap, everybody will turn on Al. The toughest call in all of this will come from our AD if the right choices arent made by Al. I think we will know everything we need to know about this HC by next year, are we ready to make the tough call against a guy that could have bailed on us in our darkest hour but didn't? The one thing he has been able to do thus far is recruit, if he isnt the right guy, lets not let some of what he did right go to waste.....

 

[acento]

I think you can't ignore the fact that we couldn't stop anything that night and it was taken in to account for that decision. Had already given them 3 short fields.

If we couldn't stop anything, why even bother punting it to them? They'd presumably just march down the field and take up time like they had been doing, which lowers our already tiny chances. What was the play? To hope they fumbled the punt return? I really don't understand the decision.

I see what you're saying. I don't know. Like you said, just a ****load of questions.

On a seperate note, do you think if Coley doesn't fumble that punt, but instead takes it to the house and we go up 14-0, do we still lose that game? This has nothing to do with what you're asking, just curious to get your thoughts on this.

 

[NVA CANE]

Lu, of those 8 pillars I would say Attitude, Passion, Preparation and Empowerment are missing from this team.

Attitude - Team has none, they don't have that edge to them that makes them enjoyable to watch. They show up play and everything seems like its suppressed.
Passion - Don't see this either, seems to me like guys just go through the motions on the field very robotic like
Preparation - See GT, UNC and Wake game. I think for UF and FSU and VT we actually came out prepared but for the last two we just unraveled.
Empowerment - I think Golden and coach D do not empower their guys to bring the best out of them. I believe they micro manage and suppress the natural athleticism and instincts the players may have

All of the above is reflected on game day and some of the poor choices that are made such as punting the ball in the scenario you mentioned above.

 

[D.L.I.N.K.D.A.GR8]

Lu what about the way we started the 2nd half.. can we discuss that as well?

1&10 - Va Tech encroachment
1&5 - Crawford rush middle for 3 yards
2&2 - Morris Incomplete Pass
3&2 - Edwards stretch right 0 yards...
4&2 - Punt

If your the OC beggining the 2nd half down 14 given 5 yards would you use the same strategy on 2&3rd down????

 

[LuCane]

I think you can't ignore the fact that we couldn't stop anything that night and it was taken in to account for that decision. Had already given them 3 short fields.

If we couldn't stop anything, why even bother punting it to them? They'd presumably just march down the field and take up time like they had been doing, which lowers our already tiny chances. What was the play? To hope they fumbled the punt return? I really don't understand the decision.

I see what you're saying. I don't know. Like you said, just a ****load of questions.

On a seperate note, do you think if Coley doesn't fumble that punt, but instead takes it to the house and we go up 14-0, do we still lose that game? This has nothing to do with what you're asking, just curious to get your thoughts on this.

I don't know. I definitely thought about it while I was at the stadium. My thought then is the same as now, though. What would have changed that would have stopped their QB from going 81% on us? Would we have suddenly brought in our pass rush personnel on earlier downs in anticipation of more throwing? Would our guys have tackled better as they frantically chased down crossing routes or WRs running free between our zones? Football is a crazy momentum game, so I guess we can hang our hat on that. I don't see a technical change that would have happened had we gone up 14-0, though. Maybe Mcnally doesn't nervously under snap the ball.

Would everyone feel completely different about Golden and crew if we had squeaked out a W? Because, frankly, that's where I disagree. I'm not bothered or affected by the long-term ramifications of Saturday because I still have the same questions --> Can we maintain over the course of the season and win a 2-game playoff series? (I asked that all week before the VTech game in those defense threads)

 

[DapperSlapper]

Golden is not innovative in the least - he is also extremely conservative. He is one of the many "lose less badly" coaches coaching. They are a dime a dozen, and they almost never win. In football, you must take chances to win, especially when you are behind. The football gods smile upon the brave. Anyone who has read enough of Gregg Easterbrook's columns on football has seen enough statistics on taking chances versus "playing it safe" (which is actually not playing it safe, but playing to lose while mitigating the difference in the final score). Playing it safe is a loser's mentality that will not win championships.

 

[LuCane]

Lu what about the way we started the 2nd half.. can we discuss that as well?

1&10 - Va Tech encroachment
1&5 - Crawford rush middle for 3 yards
2&2 - Morris Incomplete Pass
3&2 - Edwards stretch right 0 yards...
4&2 - Punt

If your the OC beggining the 2nd half down 14 given 5 yards would you use the same strategy on 2&3rd down????

Ewf. 1st and 5 from a nice spot and we go into a shell. That was ******* brutal.

No, I don't even use that approach on 1st and 5. In the first half, we threw the ball 5 out of 11 times on first down. As the game got tighter and VTech took the lead, we went back to running the ball on 1st down. Remember that pass to Hagens against UNC that Morris missed? That's the specific play I call on 1st and 5.

That 3 and out was a killer.

 

[LuCane]

Lu, of those 8 pillars I would say Attitude, Passion, Preparation and Empowerment are missing from this team.

Attitude - Team has none, they don't have that edge to them that makes them enjoyable to watch. They show up play and everything seems like its suppressed.
They have an attitude. It's just to "stay in the bunker; good things will happen" approach. I think that's reflected in almost everything we do. I think this is what Golden will notice and try to change.
Passion - Don't see this either, seems to me like guys just go through the motions on the field very robotic like
See above.
Preparation - See GT, UNC and Wake game. I think for UF and FSU and VT we actually came out prepared but for the last two we just unraveled.
My biggest concern is that Coach Golden's coaching tree has a very rigid approach and methodology. That's always been a concern for me. I do realize he's a practical guy, it seems, so I'm hoping that is what saves us.
Empowerment - I think Golden and coach D do not empower their guys to bring the best out of them. I believe they micro manage and suppress the natural athleticism and instincts the players may have


All of the above is reflected on game day and some of the poor choices that are made such as punting the ball in the scenario you mentioned above.

Good discussion. My thoughts in red.

 

[D.L.I.N.K.D.A.GR8]

Lu what about the way we started the 2nd half.. can we discuss that as well?

1&10 - Va Tech encroachment
1&5 - Crawford rush middle for 3 yards
2&2 - Morris Incomplete Pass
3&2 - Edwards stretch right 0 yards...
4&2 - Punt

If your the OC beggining the 2nd half down 14 given 5 yards would you use the same strategy on 2&3rd down????

Ewf. 1st and 5 from a nice spot and we go into a shell. That was ****ing brutal.

No, I don't even use that approach on 1st and 5. In the first half, we threw the ball 5 out of 11 times on first down. As the game got tighter and VTech took the lead, we went back to running the ball on 1st down. Remember that pass to Hagens against UNC that Morris missed? That's the specific play I call on 1st and 5.

That 3 and out was a killer.

YES!!!! Thank you! I wanted to vomit when i saw those three plays...

1st and 5 im definitely using play action with hagens slipping out to the flat... Or i would of dialed up the quick screen coley scored on to hurns to show them we're still running our offense you're going to have to stop us. I felt as if Coley lost hope in the unit as a whole with the play calling when we had good position and they gave us 5 yards to start the 2nd half smh

 

[acento]

I think you can't ignore the fact that we couldn't stop anything that night and it was taken in to account for that decision. Had already given them 3 short fields.

If we couldn't stop anything, why even bother punting it to them? They'd presumably just march down the field and take up time like they had been doing, which lowers our already tiny chances. What was the play? To hope they fumbled the punt return? I really don't understand the decision.

I see what you're saying. I don't know. Like you said, just a ****load of questions.

On a seperate note, do you think if Coley doesn't fumble that punt, but instead takes it to the house and we go up 14-0, do we still lose that game? This has nothing to do with what you're asking, just curious to get your thoughts on this.

I don't know. I definitely thought about it while I was at the stadium. My thought then is the same as now, though. What would have changed that would have stopped their QB from going 81% on us? Would we have suddenly brought in our pass rush personnel on earlier downs in anticipation of more throwing? Would our guys have tackled better as they frantically chased down crossing routes or WRs running free between our zones? Football is a crazy momentum game, so I guess we can hang our hat on that. I don't see a technical change that would have happened had we gone up 14-0, though. Maybe Mcnally doesn't nervously under snap the ball.

Would everyone feel completely different about Golden and crew if we had squeaked out a W? Because, frankly, that's where I disagree. I'm not bothered or affected by the long-term ramifications of Saturday because I still have the same questions --> Can we maintain over the course of the season and win a 2-game playoff series? (I asked that all week before the VTech game in those defense threads)

Based on what we've seen thus far, I would have to say no. Will/can that change? I would like to think yes. How? I sure as **** don't know. And I guess that's the big question.