WADR, that means nothing at this point.

It may even mean the opposite with some players.

 

I really like Jenkins game, have liked it since we drafted him

 

That's weird. I thought Matthews was in Philbin's dog house last week.

 

It would be awesome if Jenkins turns into something special. Imo, the lbs are a definite weakness on the D. Hopefully some of what they're doing with Misi and the possibility of Jenkins stepping up can strengthen the group to be better against the run. Hopefully?

 

Word up.

 

Since I did not get to watch the mini-camp the past 3 days, I'll just take Philbin's statement at face value. Now if you got to attend and saw something different, then have at it.

 

Jenkins was a unanimous 5-star recruit out of high school, the consensus #1 OLB and top 10 overall nationally. Kid's got some talent to develop.

 

Just a guess but it seems like he's naming those guys for having improved from last year.

Guess #2 is that he's singling them out for good work in the film/weight/training rooms and overall adaptation to the pro level more so than what they're doing in these over hyped pajama parties, er I mean OTA practices.

 

As far as Rishard is concerned, it's Management 101. Shard was scolded in the media as being in the "doghouse"....that's likely not on accident. If you are going to malign a guy for something wrong you have to turn around and praise him when he does well or makes the correction. I think this is Philbin letting Shard know.....ok.....keep it up now that you know what you have to do to stay out the doghouse. When you give a guy a bad report at work you have to turn around and reinforce him/her when he/she makes the correction or else you will likely lose that employees motivation. Especially when it comes to young guys...motivation is easily lost.

 

Just my opinion here, but, I think what you are saying is for a real office work setting instead of a football player. If it's me, where Philbin is, I want that guy feeling like he has to prove himself every time he sets foot on the practice field. Then it gets to be second nature to him and a new work ethic is born. Then again, if it's me, where Philbin is, we are in trouble............

 

Well, considering those guys were all disappointments (save for Jelani, perhaps) if each of them steps up, we've got to be better. But, if Thomas and Taylor can force themselves into the starting lineup, that's gotta be good... With Matthews size, he could make a difference as well, even if not in a 'starting' role...

 

I would argue the inverse. Being a good manager which is what a Head Coach is....has very little to do with being proficient at your profession. The same positive reinforcement to go with constructive criticism is applicable to work, to your kids, to your relationships, to playing sports with your boys. It has very little to do with football vs. cement construction. It's human nature. If you constantly throw negative criticism without reinforcing the positive as well you aren't encouraging growth or an upward performance slope. People don't change just because they are football players. If someone feels that they can never quite do enough to prove themselves....while you may have an immediate increase in performance....the moment they identify that you will ride them regardless they will likely shut down. ESPECIALLY with the newer generation where it's not "tough it out" is the battle drum to which they march. It's essentially, I gave it a fair shot, it didn't work out....I'll just go somewhere else.

 

Agreed. This is this kind of praise that nobody remembers mid/late season. But he was asked.

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It really depends on the player. Jimmy Johnson was a master at this (no wonder since he had a degree in psychology). In his book he talks about how some players need to be coddle, constantly being told how great they are in order to build up their confidence while others need to be constantly challenged in order to keep them striving for excellence.

 

I think we are talking about two separate things. We are essentially discussing a carrot vs. stick approach and if there is a benefit in removing the carrot altogether. In either Jimmy Johnson approach, there is a "carrot". Jimmy was often considered a players coach. At the "U" some even said the inmates were running the asylum. While he challenged his players, they had a carrot in that they were free to express themselves and that he would have their back. What I think we are discussing is the assertion that "football" players shouldn't receive a carrot at all because it will keep them constantly challenged. You can challenge a player while still giving him "attaboys." If you don't give the "attaboy" you essentially don't communicate that the correction or desired result has been met. Some might argue that it's best to leave that open ended so the person is perpetually on their toes. However, that seldom works and is seldom in practice. It's essential Nick Saban school of management. A personal trainer isn't going to kick the crap out of you and never tell you that you are doing good. He wants you 1) motivated to keep working out (ie: giving them money) and 2) communicate that you are now doing something correctly. Leaving negative criticism open ended can yield immediate impact but after a while apathy and confusion will set in from my observations as a manager.

 

We know Jenkins has coverage tools, and we know Davis is quick as a whip. It's not that surprising that these somewhat undersized players looked good when they didn't have to shed full-on blocks, hold the poa, or actually make a tackle. And an OLineman 'standing out' when guys can't hit him full strength? Okay I guess. These are guys who struggled with physicality and the size/strength of NFL athletes. I'm not going to get all excited about this praise with no pads on.

 

As soon as we drafted him I was pumped with the value. If he can out-play Wheeler or Ellerbe (possible) that could save us a ton of money, and set us up with a good core of guys.

 

Remember though, that unless someone is willing to trade for Wheeler, we gain nothing from cutting him, even after next offseason. Ireland went totally all in on his contract. We could save about 60% of Ellerbe's 10 mil number if needed. Here's hoping that they both up their game this season.

 

I NEVER get too excited about how players perform in these off season practices because there is no contact and football gets real only when the pads are put on.

I do hope that Davis and Taylor step it up once the real season gets here because I just don't have a lot of faith in Finnegan as a starting CB on this defense.

Matthews is battling for the fifth WR spot, as far as I am concerned. He isn't going to beat out any of the top three WR's and Landry obviously is going to make the team as a second round draft pick. I really don't see Matthews getting a lot of playing time unless there are more injuries at the WR position during the season.

Hopefully Jenkins can be effective once the season begins. With the LB's we now have starting, this group is a real concern heading into the season.

I have no idea what to expect from Thomas this coming season. He didn't look like much last preseason and I'm not sure how you can judge how effective an offensive lineman plays when he really can't block anyone during these practices. I will wait to see how he looks once the preseason games begin.

While you obviously have to take Philbin's views of his players during the off season practices with a grain of salt. I do find it interesting that Dion Jordan was not one of the players he noted in listing players who impressed him the most. Hopefully this doesn't mean that Jordan still hasn't shown the skills he was projected to have when the Dolphins traded up to draft him in 2013.

 

I hope your right about Matthews, but I think if he is healthy, Gibson is one of the top slot receivers in the entire NFL. In fact I like Gibson far more than I like Hartline as a WR, especially in the opposing teams red zone. IF Matthews does step up this year and earn more playing time. I hope he takes playing time away from Hartline and not from Gibson.

 

I'm not going to go all in on this debate here but it seems to me you are putting all players in the same category. People are different and some NEED to be challenged, more so than others. I'm thinking Parcell's was one of many that treated his players differently. Some got special treatment, some were ridden hard. Some guys need a constant kick in the pants while others can succeed with no outside help. I honestly believe SOME guys WANT to be pushed, without the feel good moment from the coach.
As you said, you are a manager. There are many types of management styles and there are many coaching styles. To say it has to be one way is closed minded, IMO. You will eventually come across and employee that will not respond to YOUR mgmt. style and you will lose him if you can't change your style, for him. People are different and NEED to handled differently.
I worked at my POE for over 30 years and have seen that people need to be handled differently. You can act like a friend to some, and they take advantage of you, while others do their job either way. Do difference........
This isn't a big deal for me, so I'm ok with you believing what ever you like. I know what I know.........I expect, so do you......Just don't act like there is only one way to do it. That's what I disagree with here.

 

Yeah, I think we are tracking two different things. I'm not referring to management style. Management style is different. Mike Tomlin, Tony Dungy, and Andy Reid all have different management styles. What I am discussing is the fundamental need in a carrot AND a stick in any management relationship. How you stylize that carrot and stick be it "Heavy Stick" and "Light Carrot" or the inverse is stylistic in nature. However, the premise of the statement is you have to have them BOTH. You cannot perpetually ride a player without ever providing praise. You can read virtually any management or leadership book in existence and they will all discuss the need for it. Praise is hardwired into our DNA. How you wish to implement that is "stylistic"

You can take Mario Chalmers as an example. Chalmers is a player that requires constant focusing and refocusing. I don't know, he might have ADD or something. Lebron James, Spo, DWade, and Allen all have different leadership styles. DWade is more up and personal and has been seen ripping Chalmers. Lebron is stern, but is more of a big brother type. Spo is your typical coach and Allen rips into Chalmers. One thing that is consistent, when Chalmers does good EVERYONE praises him. If you want Chalmers to continue to do well you have to praise him. Whether you ride him a lot or a little...again...that's stylistic...but that doesn't escape the fundamental need for praise.

And if we are using Parcells as an example, he's admitted himself that his model of coaching can't be used anymore. He recognized his leadership style was outdated. His disciples...Tom Coughlin had to make the same adjustments. The "old school" method of management....which essentially wasn't management it was a dictatorship was not motivating players. Coughlin won when he changed as a coach. Parcells was unable to make that change and as a result he had some issues adjusting to today's game that requires management....not a King or dictator.