A-Rod mentioned finding his mojo after the Washington game, but I'm hoping he really does get it back. Really, he's one year removed from MVP, and I know he fell off the cliff this last year, there are many factors that went into his season. Some of this we can see watching the game, and others we can't (what happens behind closed doors), I can only speculate as it happens in every organization, whether it is on the field or in the office).
I DVR all the games, and then kill the previous week's game. The exceptions, I always save the last season's game (playoff) for each year to reflect on the good/bad, and delete it when the new season starts. However, there is one other game, and that is the 2010 Atlanta Playoff game when he's in a "clinic" form, which I watch this game about 5-6 times a year (it is the blue print for the core team: Coach MM, A-Rod, Dom Capers). If you have the ability to watch that game, and think back about what happened over this past year, or even reflect back to his last MVP year, and I'll let you come up with what is missing from A-Rod, but it is crystal clear to me!
IMO:
I feel mentally he's fallen off, and what is driving his situation I do not know why? Is/was it the lack of confidence in the WR's lack of fall off because Jordy went on IR in preseason? Unlike college and other sports, if a team discovers a problem, week after week, they'll keep picking at that scab, until the coaches/players can resolve it. It seemed like San Diego exposed it, Denver exploited it, and everyone else copied it. It took until the Washington game to slow down the bleeding, and the Card's playoff game. I was surprised after Cobb going down, how Abby/Janis were able to stay in the game with A-Rod. Even though it was a lost, I was pleased with the up arrow after the last two games. I salute the entire coaching staff and players for giving it their ALL in both games!
From the last Coach MM Show, Coach MM says, "He's taking back the play calling and wants to return the team back to 2006-2007-2008 offensive philosophy. I'm not sure if this is meant to re-focus A-Rod, and the rest of the team, or is this meant for something else (fundamentals)? I wish I had more insight into what he means on his comments.
Here's what I think physically has fallen off (A-Rod's game--from watching):
1) Long ball (stretch the field). I've never seen so many overthrown balls, and misses. Jordy and him never missed, and his long ball from the past was lightening accurate. This is not because Jordy was gone. Exception: Hail Mary's.
2) Back-shoulder throw. Old days, this was just ridiculous on him throwing these (Atlanta clinic). As stated before, perfect offense will beat perfect defense every time. This last year for the most part went away (except a few catches with JJ).
3) Confidence in his arm. It was murderous to watch him pass on throwing the ball. He used to throw on timing, and hit receivers on the go. Whatever it is/was, basically destroyed his timing, and it was a pity to watch him struggle. I'm not sure if it was from the jam on WR's at the line, or his lack of trust in the receivers to get open or protect the ball (i.e., that is fear of interception).
What we CAN'T see (please take w/ grain of salt--this comes from my years of Military leadership and executive management/leadership to see these things. Note, I'm not in the locker room, but this is my perspective from post game interviews, and weekly interviews over the years and reading the tea leaves).
1) Passion for the game. I'm just not picking up the vibes that Favre, or Tom Brady carry with the LOVE of the game. I know he's off the chart in smarts, and I'm not sure if he doesn't need it, which is why he doesn't show it. However, the young players need it (reinforcement), and when the chips fall, it is the first thing that jumps out at me in why the tean crumbles, and the young players need his leadership to get them back up!
2) Dissent to coaching staff. He respects the coaches on their roles, and talks the party-line, but there is more in what is not being said, that tells me he has it all figured out (meaning it doesn't take it to heart what leadership says something he doesn't like...fighter pilot rules: better to execute a bad plan, then dissent on a good plan). Again, because he is off the charts in football smarts (and other), this is passed on to the other teammates he's above them. I hope Coach MM, and the next guy(s) who step in/up can resolve it. I wish there was someone who can challenge him (like Belichick would), and put him in his place.
3) Tier of Hierarchy player structure (cliché). This is a major down factor for him. There is a difference between expecting perfection from his players, and getting excellence. vs. you're not worthy to look at me. The top line veterans are on Tier 1 (Kuhn, Sitton, Bulaga, Jordy, Clay Matthews, Peppers, etc.), Tier 2 Players (who do their jobs well, but are not in the elite group), and then there is the new rookies (or 2nd year guys) who are divided into those who are smart and play smart, and those who are talented, but haven't put it together. It comes across that those players are not worthy to walk in the same hallway with him. First of all, Belichick would not let Tom Brady get that way, and Tom Brady wouldn't carry that persona that puts these barriers between him and his teammates (why TB gets the most out of his young receivers). A good example of this is the Janis story the past two years (not sure if that is coaching or A-Rod telling leadership he's not ready). Great leaders find a way to make everyone feel they bring value at all levels, and make lower players play better than they are. He is a leader and he needs to find ways to be "humble-," and bring excellence in those other guys on the bottom and not make everyone feel he's already carved out of Bronze, and is greeting everyone that walks into Lambeau Field before he's done playing...those days will come (don't need to walk that talk, now).
A-Rod is the BEST dam QB that will play the game from pure talent and smarts! There will never be a pure passer with all the football smarts, scramble ability, and have the means to make it happen. I love Raji during the Atlanta game on the side line calling out, "Houdini" during the clinic A-Rod played. I want that A-Rod back, the one that was HUNGRY and carried the team as equals! It was a TEAM victory at all levels.
Honestly, I hope with MM's going back to grass-roots of his Head Coaching days (2006-2008), he'll find a way to reset the team and reel him back in. MM and the Offensive coaches have to find a way, or this team will die in the playoffs every year because all the COGS and wheels have to be firing in sync to win it all!
In TT/MM we TRUST (o-7)!
Speedy
P.S. I hate NE and Brady, but I respect the hell out of them! Sun-Tzu (no your enemy better...)
