OT - Transitioning to the NFL
Living in the DC area and reading about the MSU corner having issues, as well as Space Coyotes’ input about Alabama corners (which I have followed for years), brings this question to light. How difficult is it to change your style of play once you get to the NFL level?
Becoming “great” in college at a particular position, ie RG3, and then having to retool for the NFL doesn’t seem to pan out very well. I’m of the belief that it is too difficult to re-train yourself at that level and to excel, but this would only be the 5th thing I’ve been wrong about today. I am inundated with RG3 talk about “if he could just get back to what he did his rookie year, then he would be ok.” But it’s much easier said than done. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/06/30/mark-brunell-doesnt-think-rgiii-can-succeed-in-the-nfl/
Alabama (Nick Saban) corners don’t learn to back pedal, which has been well-documented, and requires some teaching at the NFL level. http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/film-study-examining-alabama-truly-nfl-talent-cornerback/
That being said, I think changing positions is easier, oddly enough, than re-learning your current position. Changing positions doesn’t allow you to rely on persistent/bad habits. Which is why a Denard can being a successful running back, but I think we'd all balk at his chances of playing QB.
Marcus Mariotta is the test for this year, as he will have to learn how to be an “NFL quarterback” instead of a system guy.
What do you think? Is there a precedent for said success? Are there players who have totally dissappointed and redeemed themselves later in their career? Are there certain issues that are labeled as overcomeable and some that early on are a death knell? And for some of the coaches, what do you see from certain players that let you know they can't play a certain position?
August 10th, 2015 at 12:30 PM ^
have just asked this in the MSU DB's struggle thread.
August 10th, 2015 at 12:37 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
August 10th, 2015 at 1:15 PM ^
August 10th, 2015 at 12:32 PM ^
August 10th, 2015 at 12:45 PM ^
To combine a few threads into one: He's going to be a fantasy sleeper! He sucked in transition to the NFL game, but now he's got a chance to play in a college system again where he'll turn his career into a Hall of Fame inductee!!!
Okay, so not really.
August 10th, 2015 at 1:03 PM ^
Ok, I will be that guy, but who is your avatar?
August 10th, 2015 at 1:16 PM ^
August 10th, 2015 at 1:27 PM ^
Elle Johnson I believe.
She poses in (or out of) a lot of UM gear. This one is pretty much the most covered one I could find. Lol.
August 10th, 2015 at 1:38 PM ^
looking for a most covered picture?
August 10th, 2015 at 1:49 PM ^
I wasn't. Just that the rest were, well, NSFW. Didn't want to get anyone, or myself, in trouble. But google is your friend if you're curious.
August 10th, 2015 at 4:35 PM ^
Thanks HJ, wonder what her affiliation with us is, doesn't really matter just glad it is there. Here is a link of a gallery of hers wearing other Michigan stuff.
http://bustedcoverage.com/2013/10/01/19-best-elle-johnson-photos-michig…
August 10th, 2015 at 12:45 PM ^
tl:dr
August 10th, 2015 at 12:55 PM ^
but Chip Kelly is showing that that 'system' works at all levels and the Norv Turner's and other crusty antiquated farts are making it too difficult to play QB. It doesn't have to be that hard.
The NFL has long been (and continues to be) a league of "Do what's safe, don't take chances" so they use shit that is either 1) ancient, harder to teach, harder to learn or 2) things that have had success for a long time elsewhere.
They creates a lot of these "transition problems" themselves.
August 10th, 2015 at 1:14 PM ^
I have to disagree about Chip. Even though he swears it doesn't, his offense lives and dies by the quarterback.
Year 1: Nick Foles threw 27 TDs and only 2 INTs. Unreal numbers. Eagles make the wild card.
Year 2: Foles goes 13TD-10 INTs. Eagles go 5-5 after he gets hurt and miss the playoffs.
Year 3 is where we will find out if it works, Defensive coordinators have plenty of film, however Kelly has completely changed the roster. Interesting story to follow for 2015.
August 10th, 2015 at 1:43 PM ^
tough to compare years because for large chunks of last year you and I would have started on the Eagles OL. IDGAF what system you run if you don't have a line or have many injuries to it, forecast: pain.
August 10th, 2015 at 1:53 PM ^
Is there an NFL offense that doesn't live and die by the QB? Especially now that NFL rules so favor the offense having an elite QB is pretty much a necessity.
August 10th, 2015 at 12:59 PM ^
Football is just a weird sport. Can you think of another sport where the skill set taught in college can actually be a liability at the pro game, or where all your knowledge entering the pro game potentially means nothing?
Baseball players have five tools which do not change.
Basketball players run, jump, play zone and man d, shoot, screen, etc.
Hockey and soccer players might learn new systems or styles of play but the fundamentals remain the same (you must have technical ability on the ice or the field, be fast, skilled, tactically sound, etc.)
Gymnastics, figure skating, swimming, etc., no functional difference.
Football, though, sometimes requires a years-long transition in some circumstances for players to learn intricate systems. You end up seeing an amazing athlete like Denard thrown into a different position and going to a new team that throws away all of the skills he has developed during his time in college. And had he stayed at QB, well, a new 2,000 page playbook to learn!!
Such a weird sport.
August 10th, 2015 at 1:08 PM ^
Well in basketball the NBA doesn't allow zone defenses so if a kid plays in a zone defense heavy scheme isnt' that a liability. Although let's be honest defense isn't important in the NBA, if you can score you will play.
August 10th, 2015 at 1:15 PM ^
The NBA lifted the ban on zone defenses roughly 15 years ago.
August 10th, 2015 at 1:17 PM ^
Well up until 15 years ago then.
August 10th, 2015 at 1:28 PM ^
I don't know how much of his issue is adjusting and how much is injury. He ran a 4.4 at the combine and has not looked anywhere close to that since his rookie year. His strength came in large part because he could make plays with his legs and that threat opened things up in the passing game. Without that threat he has struggled. If he gets healthy again I think he can be the same solid player he was as a rookie, but if he can't it will be an uphill climb.
August 10th, 2015 at 3:08 PM ^