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Leoram

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zn

Let's say everything you're saying is true. For argument's sake. But. They're winning. They're tied for the division. Why, under those circumstances, would you "push" you qb? Wait for natural growth building off this year during the next year. IF that is even a real concern (I am not so sure it is.)

And McVay may be saying it's all execution but I worry about him saying that, because it's not all execution.

I think that SF has McVay's number a bit and Miami has been ahead of everyone recently.


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Zn,

I've read hundreds of your posts over the years and respect your acumen so I consider this debate a privilege.

As goes any good communication, I begin by acknowledging the validity of your perspective.

They're winning. They're tied for the division. Why, under those circumstances, would you "push" you qb? Wait for natural growth building off this year during the next year.

Against Seattle, I believe McVay agreed with you last week. He mostly put Jared in one or two read plays that were generally effective. Therefore, your argument is sound.

But Sean has said many times over the years that quarterbacks grow over the years and McVay's expectations and standards are high. I believe he wants the offense to expand its multiplicity just as he has entrusted Staley to do with the defense. This requires Goff to grow. I believe the Super Bowl loss is still a motivator here. To quote Ecclesiastes, "there's a time for everything under the sun." The losses to the 9'ers and Dolphins indicated this was a time to contract, not expand. Jared was visibly struggling with his reads and those struggles led to turnovers and losses. The problem with continuing in that vein is that such limited simplicity eventually gets exposed (like it did two years ago late in the season and a handful of times last year).

Again, I think you are right once more against the Bucs. Exposing Jared to more complex decision making could be perilous. Yet it's the two subsequent weeks against familiar defenses like the 9'ers and Cards that expanding the offense is not only prudent, but think necessary.

"I think that SF has McVay's number a bit"

Agreed. Even when the Rams dominated the 9'ers in '18, I posted that Shanahan had the better gameplan yet his team was outmatched by talent. THIS is why I expect Sean to challenge Jared to take another step forward.

In the final analysis, I don't believe we see things all that differently. You spoke of "natural growth" and that may be the crux of a difference. I read "natural growth" as learning from your mistakes. I don't believe that's good enough. I'm speaking of "progressive growth" which emphasizes an expanded knowledge base. By doing so, McVay will have better answers when DCoordinators like Fangio, Belichick, and Flores find ways to thwart his core system.

Challenging players in practice so they can have quieted minds on game days" is a frequent McVay mantra.

"And McVay may be saying it's all execution but I worry about him saying that, because it's not all execution"

Fair enough. McVay doesn't always call good plays and admits as much. But when he insists the plays had good answers that weren't executed, I believe him. Thus the temporary contraction of the offense.