Marty Schottenheimer had a new trick this season, a trick that would silence the Martyball critics and lead his team to playoff victory. Schottenheimer is known for becoming too conservative with play calling once his team gets to the playoffs. This season, however, Marty handed the play calling to his offensive coordinator, even during the regular season.
The difference was immediately noticeable. LaDanian Tomlinson broke several records as the play calls took the handcuffs off of him and the rest of the team. Even on nights when the dominant defense collapsed, the supercharged offensive found a way to win.
Enter Week Two of the playoffs. This is the time when old Marty would call conservative plays and ruin the game. Instead, the play calling was perhaps too gutsy, and probably lost the game for San Diego. A few examples:
Going for it on 4th and 11: In what realm does this make sense? I understand the Chargers were at that tricky spot where punting isn't a great option, but 4th and 11? It wasn't even 4th and 7, to show that the offense had made SOME progress: they had three downs to get progress and they LOST a yard.
The possession right after the Patriots tied the game: First down: Tomlinson, 6 yards. Second and Third downs: Incomplete pass. Conservative Marty would have run the ball two more times, and with the NFL MVP as your running back, you can't really blame him. If the Patriots had been able to stop LT--and that's a very big if--you say good effort by the Pats and move along. No one would criticize Marty for trying to use his best player to get the first down and move the ball. Instead, the Anti-Marty calls for two pass plays that STOP THE CLOCK and punt the ball away. Boo.
On the other hand, there were some player errors that come back to nerves or training, and that is a reflection on Marty (specifically, Parker trying to grab the muffed punt instead of fall on it). Brady's third INT that got them a new set of downs was a very strange situation, but all that needed to happen was for the player to either swat the ball away, or hold onto it. In both these situations, the conservative play--falling on the ball, swatting it away--would have been the better play.
Still, look at the two playcalling situations--the non-field goal, and the two passing calls on the last possession--and this game came down to two non-conservative calls that cost the Chargers the game.
Sometimes a little Marty goes a long way. But more importantly:
Just give the ball to LaDanian. Especially when you need the big play.
The difference was immediately noticeable. LaDanian Tomlinson broke several records as the play calls took the handcuffs off of him and the rest of the team. Even on nights when the dominant defense collapsed, the supercharged offensive found a way to win.
Enter Week Two of the playoffs. This is the time when old Marty would call conservative plays and ruin the game. Instead, the play calling was perhaps too gutsy, and probably lost the game for San Diego. A few examples:
Going for it on 4th and 11: In what realm does this make sense? I understand the Chargers were at that tricky spot where punting isn't a great option, but 4th and 11? It wasn't even 4th and 7, to show that the offense had made SOME progress: they had three downs to get progress and they LOST a yard.
The possession right after the Patriots tied the game: First down: Tomlinson, 6 yards. Second and Third downs: Incomplete pass. Conservative Marty would have run the ball two more times, and with the NFL MVP as your running back, you can't really blame him. If the Patriots had been able to stop LT--and that's a very big if--you say good effort by the Pats and move along. No one would criticize Marty for trying to use his best player to get the first down and move the ball. Instead, the Anti-Marty calls for two pass plays that STOP THE CLOCK and punt the ball away. Boo.
On the other hand, there were some player errors that come back to nerves or training, and that is a reflection on Marty (specifically, Parker trying to grab the muffed punt instead of fall on it). Brady's third INT that got them a new set of downs was a very strange situation, but all that needed to happen was for the player to either swat the ball away, or hold onto it. In both these situations, the conservative play--falling on the ball, swatting it away--would have been the better play.
Still, look at the two playcalling situations--the non-field goal, and the two passing calls on the last possession--and this game came down to two non-conservative calls that cost the Chargers the game.
Sometimes a little Marty goes a long way. But more importantly:
Just give the ball to LaDanian. Especially when you need the big play.
3 comments:
Either Way its messed up because If Marty Loses hes going to get burned. You Lost because you were too conservative... or you lost cuz you didnt stick to what you have always done. HAHA they contradict eachother... but im still with you there is Aggressive and then there is just plain ol dumb.
Gotta give it up to the Pats tho! a lot of the Chargers Mental Mistakes were caused because the Pats had them mentally beat. I heard Sean Salisbury say sumthin like that and i totally agree.
Hey BTW did you read Simmons Article on the SUNS? God I LOVED IT!!! made me feel all warm inside haha
ev
Hey were doing fantasy baseball this season right? havent heard anything about it, wel email me whenever its league time...etang650@yahoo.com
Ev
Update damn you.
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