You know, there are some situations in life when you wish people would take back what they might have said or done. This is particularly evident in those who relish in quick, critical judgment. The sad thing is, that even though time may prove or disprove what the judgment was, it's unlikely the naysayers will ever back down, or ever be in short supply. Nearly every decision or action in this day and age has the potential to raise a storm of criticism.
For most people in this country, Sunday's Superbowl LFGXIIF3 was a bitter disappointment. Dreams of a perfect season, dreams of cementing a dynasty, dreams of storybook endings of careers ended with the thump of Tom Brady's butt hitting the unforgiving and bitter desert field of Glendale, Arizona.
Hmmm... reminds me of something else... another team perhaps... perhaps a different previously undefeated team of 2007?
think...
think...
Oh yeah! there was only ONE other previously undefeated football team in 2007, the University of Hawaii Warriors! lol Now don't get me wrong, there are lots of incongruent circumstances that separate the New England Patriots (which may have been considered one of the best NFL teams of all time) and the Warriors from the lowly WAC (western athletic conference). But, but...look at the similarities! Both of course, had perfect records going in to the last game of the season. Both were playing teams that were not only good, but blazing hot during the latter half of the conference schedule and the playoffs. Both teams had record-setting offenses (although UH's record year was last year) lead by superstar quarterbacks (Brennan is a superstar in the Hawaii market, naturally). During the game, both teams' high-powered passing offenses were stifled by a quick, powerful, and relentless pass rush. Both quarterbacks basically got the snot kicked out of them, and were running for their lives the entire game.
So, my deal is this: if Tom Brady, who will arguably be one of, if not the greatest superstar quarterback ever, could look like a mere mortal (29/48 266yds 1 TD) when faced with a fierce and effective pass rush from basically the front four defensive linemen, is it any wonder that the record setting college quarterback Colt Brennan couldn't muster another game-saving comeback in the Sugar Bowl? Why do people rush to judgment? I don't put the Patriots or the Warriors loss on the shoulders of their respective quarterbacks, even though they, being leaders, will probably take them regardless. If anyone thinks someone else can do better, get someone, tie them in a car, crash it about 20-30 times at high speed, then put them behind center and see how they will do.
I put the blame/responsibility squarely upon the collective play or miss-play by the offensive line and the coaching staff. To a certain extent, if the offensive linemen don't have enough in their arsenal to deal with the physicality of pass rushers, well, there's not much that you can do on that side. However, on the coaching side, there are tons of things that you can do to attack that pass rush defense. Hawaii was clearly outmatched on the ends in the area of quickness. There is no way a guy can physically 'get faster' during the game by trying harder. He either has the speed and footwork, or doesn't. As a coach you know this. You see the tape, you know your own player's limitations. I am amazed that neither the June Jones, or Bill Belichick led coaching staffs could not come up with a better game plan to deal with/attack that pass rush. They chose instead to go with much of the same things they had done throughout the season.
I mean, c'mon! this is the LAST GAME! I know there can be something said about dancing with the girl you brought to the party. However, the coaches should have realized that it was a clear possibility that the pass rush would overwhelm the current personnel and tactics. There should have been at least a contingency plan in the books for : "what if" we can't stop their pass rush? what if we can't pick up their blitz package? Pull out all the stops! Run two, three back sets. Crack down with slotbacks, run a different variation of intermediate routes. There is a host of things that can / should have been done.
No, i don't blame Tom Brady or Colt Brennan for their lackluster production in the biggest games of the season. It was disappointing not to have lived to see an undefeated team in the crazy football year of 2007. The shame is that the coaches of the two respective teams, although geniuses in their own right. Let down their teams when it was needed most. June Jones is a winner, Bill Belichick is a winner. Both will be known, respected, and appreciated for all that they have done throughout their coaching careers. I won't remember Tom Brady or Colt Brennan for their final appearances of the season. They did the best they could with the situations which they were dealt. It's a shame those they played for let them down.
It's a shame also that people who are down on players will use those performances to support their negativity. Look deeper, look at the facts, wait for the test of time to take its firm grip. Then we'll see if Tom Brady will ever be the greatest of all time and if Colt Brennan will ever be effective in the NFL. Meanwhile we're lucky. We don't have to strap on pads, get beat up, work endlessly year-round, and sacrifice like they do. Let's be fans and enjoy the show!
