Mike
09-17-2012, 03:23 PM
Often we debate on this message board regarding players talents. Often debates fall into this 'chicken or egg debate. So, what comes first a good team that molds a player into what he is or a great player that takes his team to the next level? Is Payton Manning or Tom Brady or Brees the by products of great coaching, system, surrounding talent or where they destined to become great?
I think I have the answer, and it might surprise most of you. The is answer is both!?>! I would classify players into 3 distinct categories which will answer the question above:
Category #1 Mastery
- Good to Great Player that would excel no matter the circumstances or surrounding talent. Through out history there have been many HOF players that made it completely on their own, facing adversity even on their own team with sub par coaching, systems, and teammates. Some of those who play on poor teams overcome the odds and shine, they excel and make their teammates better than they really are.
- Barry Sanders, LT, Manning(s), Farve, J. Rice, A. Johnson, C. Johnson, Ed Reed, R. Lewis etc...
* This category may include just about anyone who excels on their own at a Pro Bowl level, even a A.Shobel or K. Williams, etc..
What Separates Them: These players tend to have an exceptional competitive advantage either mental or physical. They tend to be very talented individuals who work very hard both in the weight room and the film room. They are constantly striving to greatness and have a deep understanding of football.
Category #2 Systems
- A good percentage of the Pro Bowl players are by design. For instance look at how great Andy Reid is at developing a QB that plays well within his system only to get traded and not match the performance previously displayed under Reid. A good percentage of the Pro Bowl Players are Systems players. You take them away from the system -which includes coaching, teammates, etc- and they drop a level.
- Alex Smith, K. Warner, E. Manning, Whitner, Sproles, Cutler, etc...
What Separates Them: These players tend to have a specific skill set. They tend to be talented individuals who work hard both in the weight room and the film room. They have a great understanding of their role within the system.
Category #3 Filler
-This category is for the players that are average or that do not amount to anything special no matter the system.
- Maybin, (think of all the very big busts)
What Separates Them: These players tend to be one dimensional. In some cases they may be physically dominant but mentally weak. For many of them, their work ethic is a byproduct of the team requirements. They have a limited understanding of their role within the system or their role may not fit them.
* Good Systems Players may appear to be Filler players if system is not right for them. This is one reason why you see a player take the next step in his development when he changes teams or as he matures. Think of Rich Gannon.
In conclusion, most players will never about to anything special no matter the system or circumstances. Some players will only excel in great systems and others will excel no matter what.
I think I have the answer, and it might surprise most of you. The is answer is both!?>! I would classify players into 3 distinct categories which will answer the question above:
Category #1 Mastery
- Good to Great Player that would excel no matter the circumstances or surrounding talent. Through out history there have been many HOF players that made it completely on their own, facing adversity even on their own team with sub par coaching, systems, and teammates. Some of those who play on poor teams overcome the odds and shine, they excel and make their teammates better than they really are.
- Barry Sanders, LT, Manning(s), Farve, J. Rice, A. Johnson, C. Johnson, Ed Reed, R. Lewis etc...
* This category may include just about anyone who excels on their own at a Pro Bowl level, even a A.Shobel or K. Williams, etc..
What Separates Them: These players tend to have an exceptional competitive advantage either mental or physical. They tend to be very talented individuals who work very hard both in the weight room and the film room. They are constantly striving to greatness and have a deep understanding of football.
Category #2 Systems
- A good percentage of the Pro Bowl players are by design. For instance look at how great Andy Reid is at developing a QB that plays well within his system only to get traded and not match the performance previously displayed under Reid. A good percentage of the Pro Bowl Players are Systems players. You take them away from the system -which includes coaching, teammates, etc- and they drop a level.
- Alex Smith, K. Warner, E. Manning, Whitner, Sproles, Cutler, etc...
What Separates Them: These players tend to have a specific skill set. They tend to be talented individuals who work hard both in the weight room and the film room. They have a great understanding of their role within the system.
Category #3 Filler
-This category is for the players that are average or that do not amount to anything special no matter the system.
- Maybin, (think of all the very big busts)
What Separates Them: These players tend to be one dimensional. In some cases they may be physically dominant but mentally weak. For many of them, their work ethic is a byproduct of the team requirements. They have a limited understanding of their role within the system or their role may not fit them.
* Good Systems Players may appear to be Filler players if system is not right for them. This is one reason why you see a player take the next step in his development when he changes teams or as he matures. Think of Rich Gannon.
In conclusion, most players will never about to anything special no matter the system or circumstances. Some players will only excel in great systems and others will excel no matter what.