So in yesterday's press conference Reese said he had a countdown clock installed into the players locker room to give the players a sense of urgency.
Coughlin seemed to give only a half ass buy in to the idea in his presser and it seemed to me he wasn't particularly thrilled with the idea. Of course that is pure speculation by me and TC often comes off like a curmudgeon regardless of the topic.
Not that this is a huge deal by any stretch, but personally I think its a bit of an overstep from the GM. I think motivational tactics should come from the coaching staff.
I feel that the front office is a behind closed doors kind of deal
I like it, in that it may serve as a reminder that even the early games factor, when a team is down to the last two weeks, fighting for a playoff berth. It seems obvious, but some of the players - and perhaps more of the younger ones - may not see the first quarter of the season with as much urgency as the latter portions.
The clock idea sounded weird to me for a couple of reasons. One, you always hear the cliche one game at a time. When you see that clock up there you can now overlook the current game. Two, it is well known that it is Reese's decision and that does sound like he is over stepping his boundaries.
With that said, it will accomplish what Reese wants and that is a sense of urgency. Every day you walk in you will see the days are counting down until a Super Bowl is played in your stadium. They have the opportunity to play there but that is up to them to get there.
Reese, isn't a GM type that is calling plays on the field or after every game. So I think Coughlin is even grateful for that as he has mentioned. And he has respected Coughlin's input during the draft process.
He gave a mission plan/goal for the season. One that I assume was given to him by his boss which he is relaying to the entire organization.
If that is the case then why have it up in the first place? And I am sure Reese has the exact opposite opinion otherwise he wouldn't have put it up.
The relationship between GM and coach here is more collaborative than it is a linear chain of command. They both answer to Mara.
I'm just wondering......can we get a Countdown Clock on the BBI Home Page ?? There must be Clock Apps all over the net.
How difficult would it be to put something together ???
Yes, the message usually comes from the head coach. But when it comes from the GM, the message is even stronger. In well run organizations such as this, that only happens when they mean business. Over the past few weeks we heard it from the players, and now from the staff and FO. I think Reese has just given notice.
In 2 of the 3 playoff years, we turned it around and extended our season by several games (4). By playing so well in those extra 4 games -- not to mention what those wins mean (championships) -- it masks that pattern continued in those SB winning years. In a 3rd playoff year, we flamed out in the first game, serving to highlight it.
In the non-playoff years, the season ended without the team having earned a playoff berth and thus a chance to turn it around.
Now, schedule aside -- and no one in the organization will blame the schedule because its an external factor due to chance, despite it being a strong part of this -- why the pass defense falls a cliff? I don't know. Injuries? Our scheme is solved by the opposition by the time the second half rolls around?
The key will be the first four games. If Fewell can't improve this defense, then a coaching change on defense has to happen. The key here is that the players have to believe that the system works...if they lose confidence, they're done, and we'll miss the playoffs again.
I know it's not fair, but that's how it is in the NFL. Yes, Perry had a hot streak in 2011, but if a player had 6 outstanding games in a 3 year career, but was at the bottom ranking for the rest of the time, he wouldn't survive camp cuts. Perry may be a very good coach, but if he can't reach this group of players, then X's and O's don't mean much.
in 2011, yes they got focus with the flip of a switch in that jets game. the rest is history.
why in the world the team cant gut a few of these tough games out during the regular season, i'll never know. other teams considered great tend to be in every game.
That's generally a sound philosophy I think, but we've collapsed in the mid season grind pretty regularly lately. Its pretty easy to get excited at the beginning of the season and for a playoff push, but it the middle of the season its easy to see how that myopic routine could lose motivating force. Maybe Reese thinks they need to compliment it with some big picture motivation to avoid the mid season doldrums?
Competitors need to focus on their next play, their next practice, or their next game.
This isn't a Taco Bell franchise.
Antonio pierce said it was stupid (obviously I'm para-phrasing). The only thing on their mind should be winning the division. I agree with him. The SB shouldn't even be a thought right now, let alone something that is standing out in the locker room. I flat out don't like the idea. The ultimate idea every year is to win the SB. To put added pressure on the team because it's in NJ is just wrong, IMO.
When the season gets tough, when its seems like you are swooning.. theres is a sign that reminds you that "winters coming" aka the Superbowl.
The Giants have the choice to either host and play in a Superbowl in their house or just rent out their lockers to others who are more deserving.
I find nothing wrong with it.
As a rah rah guy, i think this idea is stupid with a capital C.