Let's start at the cornerstone, shall we? The “Parcells architecture to win” is based on a physically superior team. Hence the BIG DUDE directive and live in the weight room with lots of B-vites and energy drinks.

The problem with this schematic is (a) assembling a team of superior specimens who can actually play football and stay on the field and (b) the basic design is used by a number of other teams meaning (1) the crop of really BIG DUDES gets diminished and (2) you’re competing against your own plan in a number of instances.

This is a rather erecter-set formulaic approach to football. And it tends to produce a rather boring style of play. In addition, teams with superior team speed can circumvent your BIG DUDES with really slippery quick guys. So the “architecture” is not without its problems. However, it is fundamentally sound and has succeeded in bringing this franchise (and others) to relative respectability (hence the 500 record).

The implementation of project BIG seems more complete on the D side than the O side. As noted around here we are still lacking a dominate C (most critical to a power running game) and our G’s are not being confused for John Hannah – at least not yet.

Add in the fact that Ronnie has been unstable physically and seems to have lost his explosion (out of college the kid could take-off like a jet, he ain’t got that no more) and the closet thing we have to a perimeter threat is Ricky. He’s pretty amazing for almost 34 but he’s not close to his glory days either.

So we’re lacking the bold capital P in our power program on offense. That puts all the cards in the QB’s hands and this team is simply not constructed that way. Thus our O is essentially inept because the architecture and the personnel seem out of phase.

My biggest “issue” with project BIG and its associated architecture is the rather dull and bland evaluation questioner that comes with the territory. The first question is BIG. If a prospect misses that mark they are simply ruled out. No further investigation necessary. As I noted before, real football players like Zack (way too short) and JT (way too thin) would be rejected by this “mentality” 1000 times out of 1000.

In this way dudes like JJ are far superior personnel evaluators because he didn’t use a Mickey Mouse ruler and a protractor in rating prospects. JJ could actually project a kid based on intangibles and football smarts as much as height and weight. And JJ also knew the value of SPEED. A variable this regime seems to discount and/or ignore.

Nope. I’m not trying to hype JJ. Just attempting to point out the difference between a structured formula (like drafting all team captains) and the “art” of personnel evaluation. On the artistic side, the evaluator is more OPEN to possibilities. This means prospects that don’t fit the ideal spec (like Zack Thomas) are not automatically dismissed. Most important, the “artistic evaluation” tends to uncover a LOT more gold nuggets than the Mickey Mouse ruler protractor guys.

In summary, this team has been “erected” via a very specific formula; the “Parcells architecture to win.” And since Ireland and Sparano are of the same core philosophy, they’re essentially a matched pair. So if one goes bye-bye the odds seem fairly high the other goes as well.

So what’s the next step in project BIG?

BigNastyFish Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Let's start at the cornerstone, shall we? The
> “Parcells architecture to win” is based on a
> physically superior team. Hence the BIG DUDE
> directive and live in the weight room with lots of
> B-vites and energy drinks.
>
> The problem with this schematic is (a) assembling
> a team of superior specimens who can actually play
> football and stay on the field and (b) the basic
> design is used by a number of other teams meaning
> (1) the crop of really BIG DUDES gets diminished
> and (2) you’re competing against your own plan
> in a number of instances.
>
> This is a rather erecter-set formulaic approach to
> football. And it tends to produce a rather boring
> style of play. In addition, teams with superior
> team speed can circumvent your BIG DUDES with
> really slippery quick guys. So the
> “architecture” is not without its problems.
> However, it is fundamentally sound and has
> succeeded in bringing this franchise (and others)
> to relative respectability (hence the 500
> record).
>
> The implementation of project BIG seems more
> complete on the D side than the O side. As noted
> around here we are still lacking a dominate C
> (most critical to a power running game) and our
> G’s are not being confused for John Hannah –
> at least not yet.
>
> Add in the fact that Ronnie has been unstable
> physically and seems to have lost his explosion
> (out of college the kid could take-off like a jet,
> he ain’t got that no more) and the closet thing
> we have to a perimeter threat is Ricky. He’s
> pretty amazing for almost 34 but he’s not close
> to his glory days either.
>
> So we’re lacking the bold capital P in our power
> program on offense. That puts all the cards in the
> QB’s hands and this team is simply not
> constructed that way. Thus our O is essentially
> inept because the architecture and the personnel
> seem out of phase.
>
> My biggest “issue” with project BIG and its
> associated architecture is the rather dull and
> bland evaluation questioner that comes with the
> territory. The first question is BIG. If a
> prospect misses that mark they are simply ruled
> out. No further investigation necessary. As I
> noted before, real football players like Zack (way
> too short) and JT (way too thin) would be rejected
> by this “mentality” 1000 times out of 1000.
>
> In this way dudes like JJ are far superior
> personnel evaluators because he didn’t use a
> Mickey Mouse ruler and a protractor in rating
> prospects. JJ could actually project a kid based
> on intangibles and football smarts as much as
> height and weight. And JJ also knew the value of
> SPEED. A variable this regime seems to discount
> and/or ignore.
>
> Nope. I’m not trying to hype JJ. Just attempting
> to point out the difference between a structured
> formula (like drafting all team captains) and the
> “art” of personnel evaluation. On the artistic
> side, the evaluator is more OPEN to possibilities.
> This means prospects that don’t fit the ideal
> spec (like Zack Thomas) are not automatically
> dismissed. Most important, the “artistic
> evaluation” tends to uncover a LOT more gold
> nuggets than the Mickey Mouse ruler protractor
> guys.
>
> In summary, this team has been “erected” via a
> very specific formula; the “Parcells
> architecture to win.” And since Ireland and
> Sparano are of the same core philosophy, they’re
> essentially a matched pair. So if one goes bye-bye
> the odds seem fairly high the other goes as well.
>
> So what’s the next step in project BIG?

I agree but wouldn't call it the 'Parcells architecture'. It's just the old NFC east power football scheme: dominating defense, consistent power running game and safe, efficient QB who doesn't beat you with mistakes. I'm not against this type of team, arguably the 71-74 Dolphins were similar with the No Names, Csonka, and Gresie. In my mind the difference was they could open it up on the rare occasions they needed to with Warfield and Morris.

I will say the pure NFC East formula makes some assumptions; You won't be playing from far behind, Your opponent won't score many points, you can control the clock and win TOP, and you won't turn the ball over. Any part of this formula breaks down and your done. Like when the '85 bears ran into Marino's Dolphins.

As far as JJ goes, I agree with everything you said but only on the defensive side of the ball. The offense he tried to pound in to the same NFC east mold you were talking about earlier. I Dallas he got plain lucky with Emmit Smith.

BigNastyFish Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Larry Brown, Daryl
> Johnston, Steve Wisniewski, Mark Stepnoski, Alvin
> Harper… and get the picture? No way that’s
> “luck” my friend.
>
> JJ was so far ahead of the pack it was silly. What
> he did in Dallas was nothing short of amazing IMO.
> He redefined what the draft was all about.

The "luck" part comes with:

1. Taking over a team with the overall #1 pick in the draft.

2. Getting a ridiculous number of picks in exchange for Hershell Walker.

Drafting for Dallas was like Christmas for JJ. It was hard NOT to pick a good team from what he had. It also didn't hurt that he was coming from college and had intimate knowledge on players (like Emmitt Smith) that scouts just don't get.

BigNastyFish Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> montequi Wrote: The "luck" part comes with:
>
> 1. Taking over a team with the overall #1 pick in
> the draft.
> 2. Getting a ridiculous number of picks in
> exchange for Hershell Walker.
>
> Drafting for Dallas was like Christmas for JJ. It
> was hard NOT to pick a good team from what he had.
> It also didn't hurt that he was coming from
> college and had intimate knowledge on players
> (like Emmitt Smith) that scouts just don't get.
>
>
> So in your opinion making great deals and great
> picks based on insight and knowledge is "LUCK?"
>
> For real?

Why did he have no such luck in Miami? If it was skill, then at least ONE of his draft trades would have worked out.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/21/2010 07:21AM by montequi.

Love this topic, it is awesome.

The problem is it seems that Parcell's formula is dated. It worked in the past, but with the way NFL offenses are going toward the passing attack, it's losing it's value.

Like you said, what good is "big" if opponents can run around it? What good is "big" if you don't have the minimum speed requirements for stretching the field?

I say go BIIIIIIG on the lines, and then go for speed on the outside and in the backfield. Look at the Patriots...look who is running behind that line! Danny Woodhead is TINY!!! Players don't need to fit a mold...they need to get the job done.

Futt,

Exactly. And as much as I despise Billy Goat’s shtick the dude uses his brain in very effective ways.

There’s another point to consider – adapting your “system” to the personnel available and exploiting the “system” others are using.

That’s the #1 sign of really great coaching and superior “architecture” that can adapt and thrive.

We’re in a sort of blind fog that way. And there’s ZERO creativity from all angles.

No real creativity on the personnel side.

No real creativity on the strategic side.

No real creativity on the tactical side.

Just a canned football formula.

BigNastyFish Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> JJ was no where near as successful here on the
> offensive side, but he built a championship
> caliber defense here that carried the team for
> years.


Whatever else he was or wasn't Jimmy Johnson could build a D.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/21/2010 09:14AM by KB.

BigNastyFish Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> In summary, this team has been “erected” via a
> very specific formula; the “Parcells
> architecture to win.” And since Ireland and
> Sparano are of the same core philosophy, they’re
> essentially a matched pair. So if one goes bye-bye
> the odds seem fairly high the other goes as well.
>
> So what’s the next step in project BIG?


Well, there was Devone Bess. My guess is they’re open.

What if Ireland moved Sparano? Could you imagine? Ireland promotes Nolan, brings in OC?

> I’d say 50/50 Ireland survives. Sparano is in a much more precarious position with dudes like Cowher and Gruden wanting the job (if indeed that’s the case – as it has been reported).

> Last, the empty seats and growing fan-base erosion is going to force Ross to make a significant move. And in hindsight, Ross may have set the table for a change when he declared the team “SB ready.” That’s a pretty high bar and this regime has missed it by a wide margin.

> One other point…I think it’s a GUARANTEE Sparano is gone if we lose this last home game.


And then there's Jim Harbaugh.

Jim Harbaugh...

Humm. Can he still play QB?

BigNastyFish Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Jim Harbaugh...
>
> Humm. Can he still play QB?


I didn't know he ever could?

Just say no to hotshot college coaches.

Harbaugh though, seems intriguing. He had a successful career as a QB in the league, not too long ago. The Dolphins might be able to use some Captain Comeback. Who knows.

He's a former QB coach. Comes from coaching lineage, brother is doing pretty well, he's schooled Luck pretty well, I mean, all things considered, Harbaugh should get some credit for that, yes? I know Luck's history, but still.

If they're going to make a change, a coordinator coach would be nice. I know Cam failed, but that doesn't mean that Harbaugh would.

Nolan might not stay in that case though.

I don’t think Harbaugh would be a better solution than Gruden, who I believe would be a very nice fit on a number of fronts. Specifically, the dude is exciting, he’s proven to be solid with NFL QB’s, and he’s a bright Offensive mind. His talents teamed with Nolan would be quite interesting IMO.

Of course anyone we bring in needs a QB solution first and foremost. And Gruden understands that fact very clearly (as does Cowher, or Harbaugh etc.). That’s a very significant issue working against us because a smart coach won’t be super excited about coming here with no answer on the roster at QB.

Guys like Cowher and Gruden are proven commodities and would risk a lot of cache coaching a team with the most important component missing. Therefore IMO they would have to have a fairly solid QB idea if they made the move. It would be different if we had a top 5 pick, but whoever takes over isn’t going to have that luxury.

In all seriousness, the Miami Dolphin HC job is not like the hottest job prospect in the NFL. The franchise has struggled for years, the fan-base is pretty disgusted and impatient, we don’t have loads of talent on the offense, no QB, and so forth.

It’s a possibility this franchise gets used as leverage by guys like Cowher to get the job he really wants. As some have noted, maybe the Giants, maybe Carolina. But Dallas is even a possibility, though Garrett looks like he’s earned a shot.

Whatever. We’re not in a commanding position IMO.

BigNastyFish Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don’t think Harbaugh would be a better
> solution than Gruden, who I believe would be a
> very nice fit on a number of fronts. Specifically,
> the dude is exciting, he’s proven to be solid
> with NFL QB’s, and he’s a bright Offensive
> mind. His talents teamed with Nolan would be quite
> interesting IMO.
>
> Of course anyone we bring in needs a QB solution
> first and foremost. And Gruden understands that
> fact very clearly (as does Cowher, or Harbaugh
> etc.). That’s a very significant issue working
> against us because a smart coach won’t be super
> excited about coming here with no answer on the
> roster at QB.
>
> Guys like Cowher and Gruden are proven commodities
> and would risk a lot of cache coaching a team with
> the most important component missing. Therefore
> IMO they would have to have a fairly solid QB idea
> if they made the move. It would be different if we
> had a top 5 pick, but whoever takes over isn’t
> going to have that luxury.
>
> In all seriousness, the Miami Dolphin HC job is
> not like the hottest job prospect in the NFL. The
> franchise has struggled for years, the fan-base is
> pretty disgusted and impatient, we don’t have
> loads of talent on the offense, no QB, and so
> forth.
>
> It’s a possibility this franchise gets used as
> leverage by guys like Cowher to get the job he
> really wants. As some have noted, maybe the
> Giants, maybe Carolina. But Dallas is even a
> possibility, though Garrett looks like he’s
> earned a shot.
>
> Whatever. We’re not in a commanding position
> IMO.



The reason Harbaugh could be better is, I don’t know, he scares the hell out of me. Call it early instinct scouting then. And he’s gonna be in the league soon. And the Dolphins are gonna have to play his ass. He is close, close to the action on the field. It’s really hard to beat that if it’s good. And he’s hungry, might not quit on the Dolphins. Good grief.

I like Gruden a lot, and I love the West Coast offense, and if it were to keep Nolan, good stuff.

Cowher, not so exciting, but, can’t really argue against him. Probably offers more stability than Gruden, is close with Shula, yeah, there’s lots of good there. Good man for sure.

BigNastyFish Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> In all seriousness, the Miami Dolphin HC job is
> not like the hottest job prospect in the NFL.


PS - Don't kid yourself though; the Dolphins HC job will be hot if it comes open. So far, a great franchise to work for, everyone knows that.

seadevil Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BigNastyFish Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > In all seriousness, the Miami Dolphin HC job is
>
> > not like the hottest job prospect in the NFL.
>
>
> PS - Don't kid yourself though; the Dolphins HC
> job will be hot if it comes open. So far, a great
> franchise to work for, everyone knows that.

I don't know about the franchise itself, but you have:

1. Nice weather
2. No state/city income tax
3. A solid defense
4. The best LT in the game
5. Some solid WRs

There are probably a lot of coaches that would go for that!

Not saying it's a "bad job." And your positive points are noted.

But good coaches know what it takes to win in the NFL, and right now we don't have that key puzzle piece.

But yes, it's still a great franchise with a LOT to offer. We have to hope that offsets what we're obviously lacking.

montequi Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> seadevil Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > BigNastyFish Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> >
> > > In all seriousness, the Miami Dolphin HC job
> is
> >
> > > not like the hottest job prospect in the NFL.
>
> >
> >
> > PS - Don't kid yourself though; the Dolphins HC
> > job will be hot if it comes open. So far, a
> great
> > franchise to work for, everyone knows that.
>
> I don't know about the franchise itself, but you
> have:
>
> 1. Nice weather
> 2. No state/city income tax
> 3. A solid defense
> 4. The best LT in the game
> 5. Some solid WRs
>
> There are probably a lot of coaches that would go
> for that!

There are also a lot of distractions for 20 Something millionaires.
May be part of the problem...

KB Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> montequi Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > seadevil Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > BigNastyFish Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > >
> > > > In all seriousness, the Miami Dolphin HC
> job
> > is
> > >
> > > > not like the hottest job prospect in the
> NFL.
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > PS - Don't kid yourself though; the Dolphins
> HC
> > > job will be hot if it comes open. So far, a
> > great
> > > franchise to work for, everyone knows that.
> >
> > I don't know about the franchise itself, but
> you
> > have:
> >
> > 1. Nice weather
> > 2. No state/city income tax
> > 3. A solid defense
> > 4. The best LT in the game
> > 5. Some solid WRs
> >
> > There are probably a lot of coaches that would
> go
> > for that!
>
> There are also a lot of distractions for 20
> Something millionaires.
> May be part of the problem...

True, but I think most coaches would rather coach in Miami than, say, Green Bay.

Project BIG is hereby a certified FAILURE!

Parcells + Ireland + Sparano = 1 lucky season with Chad P falling into their lap – culminating with an absolute disgraceful abomination in Patsies land.

Yo Bill, you didn’t do CRAP for this franchise. Nothing special at ALL…

You leave us with pure GARBAGE at the QB position and a bunch of BIG sow dudes with a history of MAJOR SURGERY in college. Thanks for fixing our injury problem – you fat ass fraud Tuna…

And Sparano, take your ”OK’s” and stupid play count stats back to division 1 where you belong. For Jeffy “you momma was a ho” Ireland, you suck no worse than the rest of the crap “culture” you installed.

Bye bye and don’t the door hit you in the ass…



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/02/2011 10:28AM by BigNastyFish.