LIKING THIS STAFF: It's very refreshing to see a coaching staff actually do what it says it will. Most coaches in the league say they're going to give their players the best chance to succeed on the field, but it doesn't always happen. Some coaches get too caught up in their scheme and try to put square pegs into round holes. I remember when Kevin Gilbride tried to do that in the 2003 season. He kept trying to hit big plays down the field knowing he didn't have the kind of offensive line that could hold up. He tried to force Josh Reed into becoming a full time outside receiver.
This year we've already seen signs of the coaching staff's ability to utilize the strengths of their players and they're not even fully knowledgeable of all that each of their players are capable of.
"We’re still learning about them," said head coach Dick Jauron. "But they respond really well and work really hard. Those are two great attributes, but it’s still really early.”
Some examples of how the staff has used the strengths of their personnel to their advantage. Coy Wire was used this past week on defense whenever the Dolphins went to a two tight end alignment. They took Terrence McGee off the field since there was only one wideout and made Wire a third safety with Whitner and Simpson.
Since a lot of teams run out of that 'Ace' formation Buffalo's defense is stronger against the run with Wire in there. He's the team's biggest and strongest safety and his greatest strength is his run stopping ability. That's using a player's strengths to the team's advantage.
They used Kiwaukee Thomas as their slot corner in the nickel package this week. Since they liked the matchup of McGee outside on Chris Chambers better than Greer, who would've been outside in nickel situations on Chambers with McGee in the slot had he been part of the nickel package, they put their next best slot corner after McGee (Thomas) on the slot and left McGee outside. Chambers had four catches in the game.
On offense with Evans getting double teamed so much, Steve Fairchild got Roscoe Parrish on the field more often to work the underneath zones, knowing he could get consistent separation from just about anybody. Parrish got the most playing time he's seen on offense to date last week and helped. Heck he would've had a touchdown if not for a penalty.
To see these adjustments from the coaching staff is a very encouraging sign to me. They not only make adjustments with their schemes, they also make them with their personnel. Too many coordinators in this league are too pigheaded to alter their approach or philosophy. Seeing how open minded and creative Fairchild and Fewell have been is a breath of fresh air.
Much like people are realizing what a strong draft class Buffalo has assembled, they'll also soon realize what a strong staff Jauron has assembled as well.
Some say it's way too early to get ahead of ourselves and celebrate, but this coaching staff has made a believer out of me. They're the anti-Mularkey, Gilbride, and GW. How could you not see it? This team gave NE a battle, and they beat another "super bowl contender" on the road in back to back games. The chance to be 3-1 after the Vikings game is absolutely there just because of the talent and coaching. I haven't seen a coach get rookie players on defense play this well since Jimmy Johson's tenure in Miami. I don't like jj, but he was a pretty good head coach.
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Originally Posted by Mr. Miyagi
