08-03-2011, 02:41 PM
Most preseason wags tend to give Shaw reasonable credit for technical acumen, but the large number of wait & see types frequently voice concern over missing Harbaugh's "enthusiasm". Yes, the whole EUTM thing was a lot of fun and put an easy handle on something that was a lot more complex and is probably better described as esprit de corps (thank you, Tours).
My take is that a critical element of this is what I'll call jock humor, which is different from locker room humor and its attendant, often cliched, practical jokes like shaving cream pies. It's that daily blend of whimsy, amusement, gibes and appreciations that are part of the emotional mortar that binds disparate souls joyfully to a common purpose; like calling a lineman "hyphy". A leader like Harbaugh can have a major positive influence in shaping its direction, just as Coach Wlat had such a corrosive effect.
One example would be JH's obvious glee in relating Owen Marecic's early practice performances with the "he just stoned him" line. You all can recall many other examples from the past couple of year - this is one of those you know it when you see / hear it things.
Coach Shaw so far has been for the most part appropriately understated as a new head man. I'd be interested to hear from others as to whether he may have some of Tie-rohn's coolness or if we can expect to see some of that "when the going gets tough, the tough get loose" attitude that's been so great to watch the last couple of years.
My take is that a critical element of this is what I'll call jock humor, which is different from locker room humor and its attendant, often cliched, practical jokes like shaving cream pies. It's that daily blend of whimsy, amusement, gibes and appreciations that are part of the emotional mortar that binds disparate souls joyfully to a common purpose; like calling a lineman "hyphy". A leader like Harbaugh can have a major positive influence in shaping its direction, just as Coach Wlat had such a corrosive effect.
One example would be JH's obvious glee in relating Owen Marecic's early practice performances with the "he just stoned him" line. You all can recall many other examples from the past couple of year - this is one of those you know it when you see / hear it things.
Coach Shaw so far has been for the most part appropriately understated as a new head man. I'd be interested to hear from others as to whether he may have some of Tie-rohn's coolness or if we can expect to see some of that "when the going gets tough, the tough get loose" attitude that's been so great to watch the last couple of years.