Is Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh's Achilles heel? - New England Patriots Forums

***Tunescribe*** · 12-09-2007, 07:51 AM

He's a rookie head coach only 34 years old relying very, very heavily on the guidance of two coordinators old enough to be his father -- DC Dick LeBeau is 69 and OC Bruce Arians is 58. What does Tomlin do aside from stare at the field during games and talk to the press afterward? Without his handlers running the show, you've got to wonder about just what he's capable of. And today, he goes up against the best in the league. Somewhere along the way this will come home to roost, and no one knows how better to exploit it than BB.

JoePats · 12-09-2007, 07:58 AM

They are 9-3 you know...not sure if he's made any game management errors earlier in their losses though. But clearly he's doing an excellent job.

***Tunescribe*** · 12-09-2007, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoePats

They are 9-3 you know...not sure if he's made any game management errors earlier in their losses though. But clearly he's doing an excellent job.

You mean, he's doing an excellent job of not getting in the way?

RussFrancis · 12-09-2007, 08:10 AM

I think he's doing a fine job for a 1st year HC. But he did inherit a veteran, championship caliber team one year removed from winning a ring with a stud QB and a great D. That's a luxury 1st year HCs just dont see often. But he is a rookie HC, so he's not going to be the difference maker that a veteran with the experience of a guy like Belichick is going to be. Which would probably explain the 3 close losses on the road. I think it will factor in today as well.

fair catch fryar · 12-09-2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunescribe

He's a rookie head coach only 34 years old relying very, very heavily on the guidance of two coordinators old enough to be his father -- DC Dick LeBeau is 69 and OC Bruce Arians is 58. What does Tomlin do aside from stare at the field during games and talk to the press afterward? Without his handlers running the show, you've got to wonder about just what he's capable of. And today, he goes up against the best in the league. Somewhere along the way this will come home to roost, and no one knows how better to exploit it than BB.

As a first year coach he seems years beyond Cowher in the same position. From what I've seen he's well spoken and has performed quite well. Alas, he can't seem to keep some players from yapping.

NYCPatsFan · 12-09-2007, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fair catch fryar

As a first year coach he seems years beyond Cowher in the same position. From what I've seen he's well spoken and has performed quite well. Alas, he can't seem to keep some players from yapping.

Looks like he was blaming the press for his player's yapping. Read today's article on BH. But again, the media plays so fair and straight that they are never to blame, right?

It is his first year and as others point out, he is leading two other experienced men. Even if all he is doing is staying out of the way, he is doing a great job!

I respect what they bring on the field but want to beat them so badly today!

xmarkd400x · 12-09-2007, 09:06 AM

A head coach does what puts his team in the best position to win. If that includes deferring to the O Coordinator or D Coordinator much of the time, I think that is a positive attribute. I mean, should Tomlin do things that his assistants can do better just because he is the head coach?

A wise man knows what he does not know.

letekro · 12-09-2007, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunescribe

He's a rookie head coach only 34 years old relying very, very heavily on the guidance of two coordinators old enough to be his father -- DC Dick LeBeau is 69 and OC Bruce Arians is 58. What does Tomlin do aside from stare at the field during games and talk to the press afterward? Without his handlers running the show, you've got to wonder about just what he's capable of. And today, he goes up against the best in the league. Somewhere along the way this will come home to roost, and no one knows how better to exploit it than BB.

Like you said, he has two experienced coordinators. I see coaching as a strength for this team, not a weakness. I suppose his inexperience could come up in clock management, but I don't think they've had problems with that this year. Also, I don't think he's afraid to be aggressive, which is the way you have to be to beat the Patriots.

Remix 6 · 12-09-2007, 09:15 AM

i think Tomlin is doing a great job. Turned a team around..has some good players but made them even better and the average ones good. Taylor and Townshead are playing great..the same 2 punks who were on the verge of being cut after last year's performance. Hes a cool guy..good job. better than mangini in year 1

l8nite · 12-09-2007, 09:45 AM

Tomlin has done a very good job for a first year coach. Much better than I had hoped. He came in and did not clean house like many coaches do. He kept a few of the old staff onboard. He likes to play a 4-3 defense but went along with the original 3-4 and kept the defensive coaching staff prett much together. In other words, he did not impose his will just because he was the head coach.

I think todays game will be close. I really don't see a blow-out for either team. Pittburgh will try to be very physical and run the ball on offense. Clearly, they would like to wear down the Pat's defense in the later stages of the game. I do not want to see them panic and start throwing all over the field. We will NOT beat the Pats in a shootout. On defense I am hoping we can mount a good rush on Brady. Get in his face and pop him a few times. Keep pressure on him and force the short throws. If he get time to throw long, it's all over for us. Our defensive backs must punish the Pats recievers. Give them something to think about. If we are not able to do that, again, it's all over for us. I don't know if we win or not but I sure would like to see us give you a good game. Best of luck....