The Raiders have a Gruden problem

[The Franchise]

Article seems pretty accurate now.

[Randallflagg]

Originally Posted by The Pest

Article seems pretty accurate now.

I would agree with the article except for this one point - yes, it isn't 1998 any longer. it is, indeed, 2018. So what?

The game of football is EXACTLY the same as it was in 1998. It is still played on a 100 yard field. Still played by teams with 11 men on the field. 11 on Offense and 11 on Defense.

So, for the author to state that the game has somehow "magically" transformed from what it was in '98 to something completely different in '18 is ridiculous.

True - Gruden is an "old school" coach. So what? Is he competent (too early to tell) or is he a complete buffoon (too early to tell). We'll soon know, however. Hopefully he falls flat on his face. But the game, however, will STILL be the same.

[WhiteWhale]

Originally Posted by Randallflagg

I would agree with the article except for this one point - yes, it isn't 1998 any longer. it is, indeed, 2018. So what?

The game of football is EXACTLY the same as it was in 1998. It is still played on a 100 yard field. Still played by teams with 11 men on the field. 11 on Offense and 11 on Defense.

So, for the author to state that the game has somehow "magically" transformed from what it was in '98 to something completely different in '18 is ridiculous.

True - Gruden is an "old school" coach. So what? Is he competent (too early to tell) or is he a complete buffoon (too early to tell). We'll soon know, however. Hopefully he falls flat on his face. But the game, however, will STILL be the same.

How often do you think sub packages were used in 1998 as opposed to 2018? Did they use a lot of RPO's and read options in 1998? Were shotgun spread formations one of the most popular formations in the NFL? How about the rules? Have they changed at all?

I'm pretty sure NOBODY is claiming the NFL is an entirely different sport. It's changed a lot in 20 years.

[Randallflagg]

Originally Posted by WhiteWhale

How often do you think sub packages were used in 1998 as opposed to 2018.

I'm pretty sure NOBODY is claiming the NFL is an entirely different sport. It's changed a lot in 20 years.

Sub packages were being used when I played football for the University of Louisville in the 70s. Nothing new there.

Look at Bob Sutton (example). The game hasn't passed him by. His philosophy has passed HIM by. He refuses to leave what doesn't work (putting LBs 30 yards down the field in coverage when they aren't fast enough to be doing that) and has forgotten that with an attacking defense - the offense is always on the back foot.

If Chuckie comes out attacking - watch what happens. QBs will be running for their lives all day. If a QB is constantly having to leave the pocket (especially BEFORE he is ready) - he is doomed and we all know it. I have watched game after game, season after season (since Sutton came) and I can call the EXACT Defense that will be called from one play to the next. If I (an old man) can do that - what do you suppose every other team in the NFL is doing?

Football has always been (and will always be) a simple game of Chess. The board doesn't change. The field doesn't change. Sometimes, it pays to go "back to the future"…if you know what I mean….

Hell, I want Chuckie to fall flat on his face - but until the NFL figures out what he is doing from one week to the next - it won't happen. So, at least for this year, odds are, he is safe. But by next year, the "computer models" will be all over him…

THAT is what has changed about the NFL.