The Next Ernie Adams?

[cmasspatsfan]

As a former Tufts grad myself, I took special enjoyment from reading this article. The difference is when I was there (65-69) the "commuter lab" consisted of huge machines that could sort data entry cards really fast. My how far we have come in just one lifetime.

One of great things about being a "boomer" is that we have had the opportunity to watch how technology has EXPLODED over the past 70 years. I remember vacuum tubes in radios, when TV was just black and white and what a revelation it was when color TV's were developed. I remember party lines on telephones. When a portable transistor radio was high technology I had a car phone when they first became popular, and was always amazed by how a phone signal could find me speeding down a highway a 70mph. I bought my first computer (an Apple 2c) for $2400 (in 1983 money) This was the era of foppy discs and if you put 2 discs worth of data, at the same time you could freeze the machine. The first "portable" computers (Compac) needed strong men to carry them, and now we carry many times the computer power in our pockets. Then came the internet and you know the rest. Now we can speak to computer and they talk back. All pretty cool, btw.

So much for my trip down memory lane, but getting back to the OP, this was a great piece that tells us something new about the Pats and introduces us to someone we didn't know existed. It also makes me more comfortable that the Pats "next man up" philosophy is not limited to the field, but on the coaching staff and other football operations areas like scouting and player personnel.

Now did I ever tell you about how the Tufts got their nickname, the Jumbos......

I remember all that stuff too, damn I'm old

 

[PatsBoy12]

d%#*!@t, is Ernie up for a coaching gig too?!

 

[pazrul72]

Just going to echo other posters fantastic article that tells you about a interesting guy you have never heard of. It'd be great if everyone here emailed Sham with a link to this saying "real investigative reporting, you should try it." Only problem with it is this only makes hardcore pats fans happy and will get 100 clicks. That BSPN thread is still going strong

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Have the Patriots found Ernie Adams 2.0


Patriots won't say what Sean Harrington does; meet 'genius' who rejected Google for New England's scouting department

A teaser:

Harrington holds the distinct job title of Senior Software Engineer in the Patriots player personnel department (which otherwise is comprised of pro and college scouts). Many teams employ analytics specialists or software developers. Based on a review of media guides across the NFL, Harrington is the only engineer working in player personnel in the entire league.

 

[p8ryts]

Good find, I think this is a critical component of hat they need when the post Belichick regime takes over. I think it will be Caserio in charge but HC will largely be determined by availability. I don’t expect the kind of success they have enjoyed with Belichick and Brady, but I do expect them to continue to succeed and contend. I’m not worried about it at all and I actually think it will be really interesting to follow.

Not to worry. Jonathan takes over for Robert, Steven or Brian takes over for Bill, Jack or Benjamin takes over for Tom, Sean takes over for Ernie and the dynasty continues.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Tufts Engineering grad before those young whippersnappers like Ken graduated.
It's clear why he turned down the google job. Their "Don't Be Evil" (sic) mantra. Signed right up with the Evil Empire instead.

Ernie Adams: PM me about my quantum tunneling idea for sub scale Dion Lewis to penetrate energetic massive DLs.

 

[Tony2046]

As a young programmer/statistician with a football obsession, this gives me a tiny glimmer of hope even though I know I personally missed my shot.

But you didn't miss. You're our Ernie Adams.

 

[Simpelton]

We will see other teams trying to emulate what BB does here. This sort of "outside the box" thinking is what separates the Patriots from every other franchise in sports.

We can only hope that when BB hangs em up he and Ernie stay on as a team with BB as President of Football Operations.

BB has a larger vision of his legacy than hacks and media clowns can comprehend.

Nearly 2 decades into his career and Belichick is still years ahead of his competition.

 

[patchick]

The Adams-like element is the obsession with applying his brilliant analytical mind to football in particular. Hardcore football geeks are a small and special breed (and PatsFans.com's calling card!)

 

[cupofjoe1962]

Patriots won't say what Sean Harrington does; meet 'genius' who rejected Google for New England's scouting department

Interesting article on Sean Harrington, who rejected a job with Google to work for NE.

This guy sounds wicked smart.
What a pissa move.

 

[nabwong]

Why are they not considering someone from this forum? Absolute disgrace.

 

[borg]

Admirable support for the new nerd ....but.....Googlers have Jimmy Perfect G now.
I calculate that as a net loss

 

[DropKickFlutie]

Love this entire article

Seems like evolving from spending 16 hrs cutting film and plays to quickly accessing it, and applying intelligence on top of it, is a total no Brainer for football


.

 

[Gumby]

One childhood friend, Tom Szymanski — currently a coach at Trinity College — said Harrington works closely with Caserio.

Hmmmm, poised for succession:
Adams ----> Harrington
BB (GM) ----> Caserio
BB (H coach) ----> ?????

 

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

Google is a start up...not enough security as opposed to working in NE...

 

[zoostation]

Late paperwork nixed Browns' AJ McCarron trade

I’m not sure how many, if any, other franchises have started using the kind of research assistant role Adams has defined in New England but it is certainly one of the innovations Belichick has developed that would benefit every team.

The Browns hired a delivery boy who's sole purpose is to order and pick up office supplies. He impressively succeeded in his first task by purchasing a state of the art fax machine and an alarm clock. When it comes to being innovative, the Browns are second to none.

Late paperwork nixed Browns' AJ McCarron trade

 

[jah]

Late paperwork nixed Browns' AJ McCarron trade

The Browns hired a delivery boy who's sole purpose is to order and pick up office supplies. He impressively succeeded in his first task by purchasing a state of the art fax machine and an alarm clock. When it comes to being innovative, the Browns are second to none.

Late paperwork nixed Browns' AJ McCarron trade

Funny thing about the Browns though is that I see a lot of criticisms levied against them for pretty much what this thread is about: hiring football analytics people.