If you are a fan of the old David Letterman show, and then you know over the years he had a pretty stupid bit called “Is this anything?” During the occasional bit, they’d open the curtain to reveal someone juggling or trying to cut themselves with a chainsaw or some other stupid thing. Then Paul would comment or they’d have someone else come out (or both) and comment on whether it was anything or not.
Sitting here thinking about Jacksonville, and watching PTI and Wilbon & Kornheiser get to this championship matchup. Neither of them think the Jags have a shot to beat New England, despite the D and despite the mention that, hey by the way, the guy who drew up the game-winning plan - twice - to beat the Patriots in pretty big moments, is at the table for Jax.
So Tom Coughlin, in the building this week, how much of a voice does he have heading into this game? Does he have any voice? Do the coaches reel him in and pick his brain? Or do folks ignore the elephant in the room and let others go do their jobs?
Is this anything???
My point? Marrone thinks of them as a team and not as two separate entities. He is constantly picking Coughlin's brain so you can bet that Coughlin and him have talked about the Pats and how to beat them. As Gilbride said, you have to be patient and just take what they give you on D. If you try to force the issue then they will bait you into mistakes. Just play the game as it unfolds and take your chances when they present themselves.
My point? Marrone thinks of them as a team and not as two separate entities. He is constantly picking Coughlin's brain so you can bet that Coughlin and him have talked about the Pats and how to beat them. As Gilbride said, you have to be patient and just take what they give you on D. If you try to force the issue then they will bait you into mistakes. Just play the game as it unfolds and take your chances when they present themselves.
I'd like to add to Rob's point. He makes it much more eloquently than I do, but it really is a team concept. Marrone and Tom are singing the same tune and reading from same sheet music.
I'm watching a Jaguars All Access show produced locally, and Calais was just asked about Tom's influence. He said that Tom is everywhere. Tom will approach players and coach them up as he sees it both personally and professionally. Tom also meets with the team captains each week. Calais didn't say what was covered in the meetings, but I presume it is to reinforce the team's message and game plan for each week.
Also, Doug looks up to Tom not just in a professional capacity but also as a mentor. Back when Tom and Doug were introduced, the local media had extensive coverage in which Doug reinforced their strong relationship. Back in his Buffalo days, Doug had a situation that he sought Tom's advice and counsel. Instead of calling or setting up a video conference, Doug drove from Buffalo to see Tom. Doug had emphasized that he valued Tom's insight.
With that background of their relationship, I would presume that Tom and Doug are in constant communication.
I think it's definitely possible that Brady and Belichick would have preferred to see the Steelers instead of the Jaguars.
I still think New England wins, handily, at Foxboro.
I think it's definitely possible that Brady and Belichick would have preferred to see the Steelers instead of the Jaguars.
I still think New England wins, handily, at Foxboro.
Yea, I don’t the Patriots are worried about facing Bortles instead of Brown, Ben and Bell because of Coughlin
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to sit back and watch from his office.
I think it's definitely possible that Brady and Belichick would have preferred to see the Steelers instead of the Jaguars.
I still think New England wins, handily, at Foxboro.
Yea, I don’t the Patriots are worried about facing Bortles instead of Brown, Ben and Bell because of Coughlin
The Patriots shouldn't be worried about facing Bortles, but rather facing the Sacksonville defense. I think the Patriots would had rather faced a Shazier-less Pitt defense.
Quote:
to sit back and watch from his office.
I think it's definitely possible that Brady and Belichick would have preferred to see the Steelers instead of the Jaguars.
I still think New England wins, handily, at Foxboro.
Yea, I don’t the Patriots are worried about facing Bortles instead of Brown, Ben and Bell because of Coughlin
New England has been 11-3 vs Pittsburgh since Belichick became HC.
Against Coughlin? Hmmm