Bruce Arians: Accountability, Logic, and Reasoning

[RugbyMuffin]

What do I like most about Bruce Arians after a little more than a year ?

He doesn't care what you or the media thinks. He has his group of coaches, and front office men and he believes in them, himself, and that is it. Not only that, acts, and takes the responsibility that a Head Coach should take.

- He answers to whom the best rated player at such, and such position, have always been, to paraphrase, "I trust my coaches, and scouts, and their evaluations and don't pay attention to what outside sources say."

- His answer about Tyrann Mathieu. and Alameda Ta’amu rehab. Was logical, reasonable, and said with confidence.

“That’s strictly up to the doctors, trainers and them,” coach Bruce Arians said. “I’m not going to hurry them. We have plenty of time. If they aren’t ready for the first day of training camp — which I doubt anyway, because I’ve never thought that. I had Oct. 1, or after the (bye week) as the target date for me personally. If they do something better than that, God bless ‘em.”

Ahh. You may disagree with how he goes about his business. Say he is setting himself up for failure to not listen to the "advanced stats", or talking heads in the media. Or that his arrogance will eventually catch up with him, etc., etc.

That is cool. That is well respected by me, and probably by Arians.

But, he is still going to handle his business how he deems fit, and he is not going to sugar coat it. He will put it on the table (as long as it doesn't hurt the organization in the process [see lying in the draft]).

It is refreshing for me, at least. I always prefer a person whom will take on a job, and take full responsibility for success and failure, and regardless move forward afterwards. One of the nicer perks of having seasoned, older coaches, that could give a damn about losing their jobs as long as they stay true to their beliefs.

 

[BigRedRage]

old school.

 

[Catfish]

The players seem to be rock solid in their trust with him, and their support for him. They obviously like his approach, and the applications of his teachings.

 

[Solar7]

I'm really impressed, and amazed we got him.

It's funny, in his days with the Steelers, Browns, and such, I didn't have a tremendously high opinion of his offenses... but he strikes me as the kind of coach that can really run a team.

 

[kerouac9]

He doesn't care what you or the media thinks. He has his group of coaches, and front office men and he believes in them, himself, and that is it. Not only that, acts, and takes the responsibility that a Head Coach should take.

I dunno. I guess the only thing that I would add is that he didn't seem to take much accountability for the offense being entirely confused for 3/4 of last season. That was all on the players; none of the coaches were inferior teachers.

That's kind of nitpicky. Steadfastness and a bunker mentality is fine when you're 10-6 has a head coach; let's see what happens during the next three-game losing streak and Arians is saying his variation on "we know the system works."

 

[Jetstream Green]

I dunno. I guess the only thing that I would add is that he didn't seem to take much accountability for the offense being entirely confused for 3/4 of last season. That was all on the players; none of the coaches were inferior teachers.

That's kind of nitpicky. Steadfastness and a bunker mentality is fine when you're 10-6 has a head coach; let's see what happens during the next three-game losing streak and Arians is saying his variation on "we know the system works."

Actually if I may, he was right and it was on the players because his offense is not an easy one from what I understand. The players did not understand it early on, and it was on them. The coaches taught them and by season end they where performing much better... I think the chain of events where accounted accurately in my opinion

 

[52brandon]

old school.

exactly. He's a fantastic coach regardless. So his old school approach is just fine with me. He gets results, and that is all that really matters

 

[Jetstream Green]

But I do think K9 has a point. I really do not know of one coach that takes over and one does not like what is being said, and after winning so many games... it will be interesting to see how he reacts if we hit a losing stretch, true character and actions are most revealed in the worst circumstances and I hope Arians is who I think he is lol

 

[Darkside]

Not really related, but: On the radio this morning they were talking about BA and Keim with Mike Mayock who said AZ is one of the few orgs where the GM and coach were joined at the hip (which he claimed is necessary to win a championship). He also said he knows Keim really well and for a long time and believes in him 100%.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[CardNots]

But I do think K9 has a point. I really do not know of one coach that takes over and one does not like what is being said, and after winning so many games... it will be interesting to see how he reacts if we hit a losing stretch, true character and actions are most revealed in the worst circumstances and I hope Arians is who I think he is lol

You only have his last two years win loss record to convince me he's isn't going be worrying much about three game losing streaks

 

[kerouac9]

Actually if I may, he was right and it was on the players because his offense is not an easy one from what I understand. The players did not understand it early on, and it was on them. The coaches taught them and by season end they where performing much better... I think the chain of events where accounted accurately in my opinion

As a former educator, I can tell you that if one or two people aren't understanding what you're teaching, you can put that on the student. If the whole class is struggling to understand, then there's a problem with the teacher.

Go back to Arians first pressed, and he said that his offense was simple; when he took over the Pittsburgh offense, he reduced the play book from Whis's by two thirds.

If the offense is too complex and it's holding back the team, simplify the offense.

 

[Jetstream Green]

As a former educator, I can tell you that if one or two people aren't understanding what you're teaching, you can put that on the student. If the whole class is struggling to understand, then there's a problem with the teacher.

Go back to Arians first pressed, and he said that his offense was simple; when he took over the Pittsburgh offense, he reduced the play book from Whis's by two thirds.

If the offense is too complex and it's holding back the team, simplify the offense.

I'm a former professor, and if a joint project concerns the whole class in a unified effort and two or three people do not get it... then that can effect the whole and everyone will appear to be lost because the actions of the whole are unable to coincide. I did not see the whole Cardinal offense team struggling. I saw the natural progression of a new QB with WRs in a new system which always takes awhile but still good enough to win. I know you can say that the defense carried them but that does not float because we had a great defense before which could not carry the offense. There was a OL which seemed to take a Herculean effort to make just below average from being horrible, and that was an accomplishment even if it took half the season lol

 

[kerouac9]

I'm a former professor, and if a joint project concerns the whole class in a unified effort and two or three people do not get it... then that can effect the whole and everyone will appear to be lost because the actions of the whole are unable to coincide. I did not see the whole Cardinal offense team struggling. I saw the natural progression of a new QB with WRs in a new system which always takes awhile but still good enough to win. I know you can say that the defense carried them but that does not float because we had a great defense before which could not carry the offense. There was a OL which seemed to take a Herculean effort to make just below average from being horrible, and that was an accomplishment even if it took half the season lol

You were a professor and you're writing's like this? I don't generally compare professors (which are their own important thing), with educators. Those Venn diagrams overlap, but not as much as we would have liked.

Carson Palmer is a 10-year NFL veteran; if he can't get on the same page with your offense, that may be the offense's problem. Fitz, Roberts, Housler weren't rookies. If they can't get the offense, it might be too complex, or it's being taught wrong.

 

[52brandon]

You were a professor and you're writing's like this? I don't generally compare professors (which are their own important thing), with educators. Those Venn diagrams overlap, but not as much as we would have liked.

Carson Palmer is a 10-year NFL veteran; if he can't get on the same page with your offense, that may be the offense's problem. Fitz, Roberts, Housler weren't rookies. If they can't get the offense, it might be too complex, or it's being taught wrong.

obviously Arians is trying to pull some tricky things with the offense. it seemed like it was a bit complex by player interviews. Specifically WR/QB. More specifically, Fitz. Palmer seemed to be on the same page as Floyd much more often. I think Fitz was more of an example of teaching an old dog new tricks. He was learning all WR positions and routes and he and Palmer didn't synch well through most of it. I'm assuming/hoping things will be much improved this season with more time with each, other and the playbook. Not to mention, a lot more talent blocking

 

[Catfish]

Carson Palmer is a 10-year NFL veteran; if he can't get on the same page with your offense, that may be the offense's problem. Fitz, Roberts, Housler weren't rookies. If they can't get the offense, it might be too complex, or it's being taught wrong.

OR

There is also the possibility that the 'complexity' of the offense may just be the beauty and the ultimate success of it. Last year it was discussed quite often, that it was understanding that each pass play had several route adjustments that a receiver, (and the QB), needed to learn; and that these were based upon how the defense reacted to them. That seemed to be the major difference facing the players, and that is what caused them to be slow to adapt to its nuances.

Ultimately, however, that is also what separated this offense from the norm, and was the difference maker, (especially in the situational football that BA covets). The fact that the adjustments were made by the players, (albeit rather time consuming), is testament to the fact that they recognize the brilliance of it, and that they were willing put forth the time and effort to learn the nuances that made it special. They all bought into it, and even BA says that this year is far different, in that the returning vets have retained that knowledge, and have actually gone about helping the newbies to absorb its complexities.

The roster is now poised to enter TC, and according to both Palmer, and BA, the players 'get it'. Proof of this came with the apparent ease with which they conducted 'Mini Camp'. They worked quickly and efficiently, and they completed their tasks in much shorter time than was expected by even the Staff.

It is because of this that I am not about to begin calling out BA, or his staff, for making it too complex or too tough to absorb. I believe that it is a little too early for that. Thus far, the Staff has not shown reason for any distrust in their teaching methods, or the content of their plan. They finished with a 10-6 record last season, and have expanded the roster to include more talent, more depth, and more speed.

I believe that, (rather than calling them out for failures they have not yet suffered), they should be given the benefit of the doubt. I believe that based upon what they have said they would do, (and what they have already done), that they have 'earned' our trust. There should be a level of confidence in their actions and plans, at least until they actually do fail to achieve their goals, or to enact their plan successfully.

I am not a former professor, but I feel that they should not be judged for failure, at least until they fail to do something that they said they would. Thus far they have succeeded quite well.

 

[oaken1]

OR

There is also the possibility that the 'complexity' of the offense may just be the beauty and the ultimate success of it. Last year it was discussed quite often, that it was understanding that each pass play had several route adjustments that a receiver, (and the QB), needed to learn; and that these were based upon how the defense reacted to them. That seemed to be the major difference facing the players, and that is what caused them to be slow to adapt to its nuances.

Ultimately, however, that is also what separated this offense from the norm, and was the difference maker, (especially in the situational football that BA covets). The fact that the adjustments were made by the players, (albeit rather time consuming), is testament to the fact that they recognize the brilliance of it, and that they were willing put forth the time and effort to learn the nuances that made it special. They all bought into it, and even BA says that this year is far different, in that the returning vets have retained that knowledge, and have actually gone about helping the newbies to absorb its complexities.

The roster is now poised to enter TC, and according to both Palmer, and BA, the players 'get it'. Proof of this came with the apparent ease with which they conducted 'Mini Camp'. They worked quickly and efficiently, and they completed their tasks in much shorter time than was expected by even the Staff.

It is because of this that I am not about to begin calling out BA, or his staff, for making it too complex or too tough to absorb. I believe that it is a little too early for that. Thus far, the Staff has not shown reason for any distrust in their teaching methods, or the content of their plan. They finished with a 10-6 record last season, and have expanded the roster to include more talent, more depth, and more speed.

I believe that, (rather than calling them out for failures they have not yet suffered), they should be given the benefit of the doubt. I believe that based upon what they have said they would do, (and what they have already done), that they have 'earned' our trust. There should be a level of confidence in their actions and plans, at least until they actually do fail to achieve their goals, or to enact their plan successfully.

I am not a former professor, but I feel that they should not be judged for failure, at least until they fail to do something that they said they would. Thus far they have succeeded quite well.

great post...well stated position.....kinda wasted on K9 though...you couldn't get that much positive position into K9 with KY jelly and a water hose

 

[CardNots]

OR

There is also the possibility that the 'complexity' of the offense may just be the beauty and the ultimate success of it. Last year it was discussed quite often, that it was understanding that each pass play had several route adjustments that a receiver, (and the QB), needed to learn; and that these were based upon how the defense reacted to them. That seemed to be the major difference facing the players, and that is what caused them to be slow to adapt to its nuances.

Ultimately, however, that is also what separated this offense from the norm, and was the difference maker, (especially in the situational football that BA covets). The fact that the adjustments were made by the players, (albeit rather time consuming), is testament to the fact that they recognize the brilliance of it, and that they were willing put forth the time and effort to learn the nuances that made it special. They all bought into it, and even BA says that this year is far different, in that the returning vets have retained that knowledge, and have actually gone about helping the newbies to absorb its complexities.

The roster is now poised to enter TC, and according to both Palmer, and BA, the players 'get it'. Proof of this came with the apparent ease with which they conducted 'Mini Camp'. They worked quickly and efficiently, and they completed their tasks in much shorter time than was expected by even the Staff.

It is because of this that I am not about to begin calling out BA, or his staff, for making it too complex or too tough to absorb. I believe that it is a little too early for that. Thus far, the Staff has not shown reason for any distrust in their teaching methods, or the content of their plan. They finished with a 10-6 record last season, and have expanded the roster to include more talent, more depth, and more speed.

I believe that, (rather than calling them out for failures they have not yet suffered), they should be given the benefit of the doubt. I believe that based upon what they have said they would do, (and what they have already done), that they have 'earned' our trust. There should be a level of confidence in their actions and plans, at least until they actually do fail to achieve their goals, or to enact their plan successfully.

I am not a former professor, but I feel that they should not be judged for failure, at least until they fail to do something that they said they would. Thus far they have succeeded quite well.

My nomination for the best post of the month!

 

[cardncubfan]

great post...well stated position.....kinda wasted on K9 though...you couldn't get that much positive position into K9 with KY jelly and a water hose

This made me Lol.

 

[Duckjake]

great post...well stated position.....kinda wasted on K9 though...you couldn't get that much positive position into K9 with KY jelly and a water hose

No because K9 doesn't take the Kool Aid Intravenously. The Cards beat a bunch of weak teams last season, only won 3 games vs teams that ended the season with winning records, were 2-4 in the division, and benefited greatly from the collapse of Atlanta and Houston, having to come from behind and then hang on to beat the worst team in the NFL in the Texans, at home! They let Case Keenum of all people throw 3 TD passes. And still can't beat the 49ers.

Now the Cards have lost both starting ILBs, have a bunch of prayers and hopes in the defensive secondary outside of Peterson, and will have an almost entirely new offensive line with a gimpy rookie, hopefully, starting at LG and no real depth at RB.

If its really Jimmy's and Joe's not x's and o's we're screwed.

 

[desertdawg]

Good thread.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

As a former educator, I can tell you that if one or two people aren't understanding what you're teaching, you can put that on the student. If the whole class is struggling to understand, then there's a problem with the teacher.

Go back to Arians first pressed, and he said that his offense was simple; when he took over the Pittsburgh offense, he reduced the play book from Whis's by two thirds.

If the offense is too complex and it's holding back the team, simplify the offense.

+1, good points.

I think Todd Bowles can be brought into the conversation as well. Even though I believe talent is way more important than coaching, you still need the coaching to execute its job.

Bowles has said many a time he bases his scheme on what the players do best, well he has a couple areas that have vastly changed. This year will see if that mantra will actually come to pass.

Its only year 2, so it should be interesting.