OpIv37
02-16-2007, 09:01 AM
ESPN did a segment this morning on Paul Poslznuzknlnski practicing the 40 and other combine events. In a way, this makes sense because NFL scouts use combine performance as a signficant factor in who they draft.
On the other hand, it feels like the sports equivalent of teaching to the test. Anyone who has ever taken the SAT or a NYS Regents exam knows what I'm talking about- you learn how to take the test without really learning any new information that helps outside of the test-taking arena.
While the combine drills are related to NFL skills and on-field performance, good combine scores don't always make good NFL players. Example: Antonio Brown had a lightning fast 40 time, but couldn't make cuts or control his speed on the football field. It's like Plato's Cave- the combine projects the image of the ability to play football but doesn't prove the ability to play football.
BTW this isn't a personal knock on Paul Posluznkniewiczski- it's more a commentary on putting too much stock in a player's combine performance.
On the other hand, it feels like the sports equivalent of teaching to the test. Anyone who has ever taken the SAT or a NYS Regents exam knows what I'm talking about- you learn how to take the test without really learning any new information that helps outside of the test-taking arena.
While the combine drills are related to NFL skills and on-field performance, good combine scores don't always make good NFL players. Example: Antonio Brown had a lightning fast 40 time, but couldn't make cuts or control his speed on the football field. It's like Plato's Cave- the combine projects the image of the ability to play football but doesn't prove the ability to play football.
BTW this isn't a personal knock on Paul Posluznkniewiczski- it's more a commentary on putting too much stock in a player's combine performance.