[Row80Critic]

Reporter:  Coach, you ran off tackle to the right on every single play, 33-times in a row to be exact, and ended the day with just 39 yards total offense.  On defense, you lined up in a 3 – 4 every play, but as soon as the ball was snapped, the defense immediately started square dancing and only made one tackle all day when the ball carrier accidently bumped into a linebacker as he did a dosado.  Not surprisingly, the team gave up 900 yards and 92 points on defense.  How do you explain what happened today? 

Coach:  Execution!  We just need to execute way better.  The defense played super-sloppy all day.  That square dance looked more like the Electric Slide half the time.  And don’t get me started on how poorly we executed on offense.  That’s a great play.  I’ve seen it used in the NFL.  If our guys would just execute it properly, the defense would all be blocked out of the way, and the running back would go all the way to the end zone.  We’ll buckle down on execution this week, since that’s the only possible thing that can explain this loss.

[Row80Critic]

Reporter:  Coach, you ran off tackle to the right on every single play, 33-times in a row to be exact, and ended the day with just 39 yards total offense.  On defense, you lined up in a 3 – 4 every play, but as soon as the ball was snapped, the defense immediately started square dancing and only made one tackle all day when the ball carrier accidently bumped into a linebacker as he did a dosado.  Not surprisingly, the team gave up 900 yards and 92 points on defense.  How do you explain what happened today? 

Coach:  Execution!  We just need to execute way better.  The defense played super-sloppy all day.  That square dance looked more like the Electric Slide half the time.  And don’t get me started on how poorly we executed on offense.  That’s a great play.  I’ve seen it used in the NFL.  If our guys would just execute it properly, the defense would all be blocked out of the way, and the running back would go all the way to the end zone.  We’ll buckle down on execution this week, since that’s the only possible thing that can explain this loss.

[Leftcoast]

"I'm in favor of it" - John McKay

[Leftcoast]

"I'm in favor of it" - John McKay

[Phogge]

Sat in the right hand side (two chairs) of the Q gas chamber on a shoot. Very short walk from the cell. Wonder if it's still there.

[Phogge]

Sat in the right hand side (two chairs) of the Q gas chamber on a shoot. Very short walk from the cell. Wonder if it's still there.

[81alum]

I've wondered for a long time what Shaw really meant when harping on execution, and then he gave us a clue when he made a comment (sometime in the last few weeks) that "we are not a scheme team, we are an execution team."

I presume by an "execution team" he means he wants to run certain plays so perfectly that they will work even when the defense expects them, and since our offense can practice those plays far more often than any defense can practice against them, we should have the advantage.

By a "scheme team" I presume he means a style of offense that is sufficiently different or unusual that the defenses we play against cannot adjust to the scheme, or are taken by surprise, or have their specific weaknesses exposed.   

Do I have that distinction right?  Any of the rest of you familiar with those terms?

If I do have it right, then I think it is a false dichotomy, and quite surprising from a man who considers himself a Walsh protege.

[81alum]

I've wondered for a long time what Shaw really meant when harping on execution, and then he gave us a clue when he made a comment (sometime in the last few weeks) that "we are not a scheme team, we are an execution team."

I presume by an "execution team" he means he wants to run certain plays so perfectly that they will work even when the defense expects them, and since our offense can practice those plays far more often than any defense can practice against them, we should have the advantage.

By a "scheme team" I presume he means a style of offense that is sufficiently different or unusual that the defenses we play against cannot adjust to the scheme, or are taken by surprise, or have their specific weaknesses exposed.   

Do I have that distinction right?  Any of the rest of you familiar with those terms?

If I do have it right, then I think it is a false dichotomy, and quite surprising from a man who considers himself a Walsh protege.

[cardcrimson]

That means he and Tavita are incapable of developing a scheme. . . .

[cardcrimson]

That means he and Tavita are incapable of developing a scheme. . . .

[StanfordMatt]

If you want to see an example of a beautiful offensive scheme, watch Tennessee's route concepts in the Alabama game. Saban is notoriously a stickler for DB play and Alabama has defensive backs as talented as any in the nation, but they looked like they were on Mars trying to mark Tennessee's receivers. Heupel's use of splits, releases and route combinations has some elements of Briles' offenses at Baylor but with new twists.

I'm not suggesting that Stanford try to replicate Tennessee's offense. I'm just pointing out that it's pretty cool when you have an innovative scheme that confuses the heck out of defenses (or offenses). Our run game under Greg Roman comes to mind. Hearing "we just need to execute better" week in and week out is insufferable.

[StanfordMatt]

If you want to see an example of a beautiful offensive scheme, watch Tennessee's route concepts in the Alabama game. Saban is notoriously a stickler for DB play and Alabama has defensive backs as talented as any in the nation, but they looked like they were on Mars trying to mark Tennessee's receivers. Heupel's use of splits, releases and route combinations has some elements of Briles' offenses at Baylor but with new twists.

I'm not suggesting that Stanford try to replicate Tennessee's offense. I'm just pointing out that it's pretty cool when you have an innovative scheme that confuses the heck out of defenses (or offenses). Our run game under Greg Roman comes to mind. Hearing "we just need to execute better" week in and week out is insufferable.

[needle]

Rich Rodriguez ran the same play 16 consecutive times, JSU records are breaking and other takeaways
https://www.annistonstar.com/sports/rich...a2405.html

[needle]

Rich Rodriguez ran the same play 16 consecutive times, JSU records are breaking and other takeaways
https://www.annistonstar.com/sports/rich...a2405.html

[cardcrimson]

Rich Rodriguez ran the same play 16 consecutive times, JSU records are breaking and other takeaways
https://www.annistonstar.com/sports/rich...a2405.html

Rich Rod, the dude who turned down Alabama in 2006? Enter Saban and the rest was history. FWIW, Rich Rod would never had lasted. As odd as it sounds, his wife had already been subject to, shall we say, scrutiny; it would never have worked with her in Tuscaloosa. . . .

[cardcrimson]

Rich Rodriguez ran the same play 16 consecutive times, JSU records are breaking and other takeaways
https://www.annistonstar.com/sports/rich...a2405.html

Rich Rod, the dude who turned down Alabama in 2006? Enter Saban and the rest was history. FWIW, Rich Rod would never had lasted. As odd as it sounds, his wife had already been subject to, shall we say, scrutiny; it would never have worked with her in Tuscaloosa. . . .

[BostonCard]

When I think of our run game under Greg Roman, I think of running Power until the opponents linebackers say “if you run Power one more time, I’m subbing out”. I view it as the platonic ideal of a well executed play; one that even if the opponents know what’s coming, the pulling guard and fullback are still able to make a hole such that the running back gets 5 yards downfield before contact.

BC

[BostonCard]

When I think of our run game under Greg Roman, I think of running Power until the opponents linebackers say “if you run Power one more time, I’m subbing out”. I view it as the platonic ideal of a well executed play; one that even if the opponents know what’s coming, the pulling guard and fullback are still able to make a hole such that the running back gets 5 yards downfield before contact.

BC

[JohnR34231]

Sat in the right hand side (two chairs) of the Q gas chamber on a shoot. Very short walk from the cell. Wonder if it's still there.

They took the chairs out so they could use it for lethal injection when California changed its method of execution. Then the courts decided the facility was inadequate to ensure a humane execution so California spent something like a million dollars constructing a new facility which has never been used. As far as I know the actual chamber is still there.

[JohnR34231]

Sat in the right hand side (two chairs) of the Q gas chamber on a shoot. Very short walk from the cell. Wonder if it's still there.

They took the chairs out so they could use it for lethal injection when California changed its method of execution. Then the courts decided the facility was inadequate to ensure a humane execution so California spent something like a million dollars constructing a new facility which has never been used. As far as I know the actual chamber is still there.

[Beeg_Dawg]

When I think of our run game under Greg Roman, I think of running Power until the opponents linebackers say “if you run Power one more time, I’m subbing out”. I view it as the platonic ideal of a well executed play; one that even if the opponents know what’s coming, the pulling guard and fullback are still able to make a hole such that the running back gets 5 yards downfield before contact.

BC

IIRC, That was a comment from David DeCastro after The Cardinal spanked USC.

[Beeg_Dawg]

When I think of our run game under Greg Roman, I think of running Power until the opponents linebackers say “if you run Power one more time, I’m subbing out”. I view it as the platonic ideal of a well executed play; one that even if the opponents know what’s coming, the pulling guard and fullback are still able to make a hole such that the running back gets 5 yards downfield before contact.

BC

IIRC, That was a comment from David DeCastro after The Cardinal spanked USC.

[Red80]

When I think of our run game under Greg Roman, I think of running Power until the opponents linebackers say “if you run Power one more time, I’m subbing out”. I view it as the platonic ideal of a well executed play; one that even if the opponents know what’s coming, the pulling guard and fullback are still able to make a hole such that the running back gets 5 yards downfield before contact.

BC

I remember Tyler Gaffney carrying 45 times vs Oregon in 2013. 
That was the most hyped and anticipated Stanford home game since the 1970 USC contest.
Despite the deceptively close final score, it was no contest. 
Everyone in the stadium knew Stanford was going to run Power play after play, and Oregon was powerless to stop it.

[Red80]

When I think of our run game under Greg Roman, I think of running Power until the opponents linebackers say “if you run Power one more time, I’m subbing out”. I view it as the platonic ideal of a well executed play; one that even if the opponents know what’s coming, the pulling guard and fullback are still able to make a hole such that the running back gets 5 yards downfield before contact.

BC

I remember Tyler Gaffney carrying 45 times vs Oregon in 2013. 
That was the most hyped and anticipated Stanford home game since the 1970 USC contest.
Despite the deceptively close final score, it was no contest. 
Everyone in the stadium knew Stanford was going to run Power play after play, and Oregon was powerless to stop it.

[cardcrimson]

When I think of our run game under Greg Roman, I think of running Power until the opponents linebackers say “if you run Power one more time, I’m subbing out”. I view it as the platonic ideal of a well executed play; one that even if the opponents know what’s coming, the pulling guard and fullback are still able to make a hole such that the running back gets 5 yards downfield before contact.

BC

I remember a quote from an opposing lineman or linebacker that they never had any idea where the block was coming from. Apparently we had tons of creativity in our blocking scheme. .. . .

[cardcrimson]

When I think of our run game under Greg Roman, I think of running Power until the opponents linebackers say “if you run Power one more time, I’m subbing out”. I view it as the platonic ideal of a well executed play; one that even if the opponents know what’s coming, the pulling guard and fullback are still able to make a hole such that the running back gets 5 yards downfield before contact.

BC

I remember a quote from an opposing lineman or linebacker that they never had any idea where the block was coming from. Apparently we had tons of creativity in our blocking scheme. .. . .

[winflop]

That means he and Tavita are incapable of developing a scheme. . . .

I wouldn't say that. They've developed multiple schemes. I think the RPSlow is the third or fourth one they've tried. The problem is that the ones they develop seem mismatched to their strengths & weaknesses.

[winflop]

That means he and Tavita are incapable of developing a scheme. . . .

I wouldn't say that. They've developed multiple schemes. I think the RPSlow is the third or fourth one they've tried. The problem is that the ones they develop seem mismatched to their strengths & weaknesses.

[gailtate]

That means he and Tavita are incapable of developing a scheme. . . .

I wouldn't say that. They've developed multiple schemes. I think the RPSlow is the third or fourth one they've tried. The problem is that the ones they develop seem mismatched to their strengths & weaknesses.

For a guy who claims to idolize Bill Walsh, it is stunning how Shaw could not have absorbed some of Walsh's principles. The most glaring omissions: getting advice from sterling coordinators and perpetually creating new wrinkles tailored to the talent on hand and that week's opponent. For example, Shaw is almost boastful of his unwillingness to utilize deception. Deception?!  Walsh was a master tactician of sleight-of-hand. Shaw says "it's what we do and who we are" in an attempt to rationalize another rote, tone-deaf call. Walsh? He would do and be whatever the circumstances called for. Sad that the old coach came a cropper after winning the 1993 Blockbuster Bowl, but I like to remember him in 1977 through 1992. Shaw forgets how it was achieved.

[gailtate]

That means he and Tavita are incapable of developing a scheme. . . .

I wouldn't say that. They've developed multiple schemes. I think the RPSlow is the third or fourth one they've tried. The problem is that the ones they develop seem mismatched to their strengths & weaknesses.

For a guy who claims to idolize Bill Walsh, it is stunning how Shaw could not have absorbed some of Walsh's principles. The most glaring omissions: getting advice from sterling coordinators and perpetually creating new wrinkles tailored to the talent on hand and that week's opponent. For example, Shaw is almost boastful of his unwillingness to utilize deception. Deception?!  Walsh was a master tactician of sleight-of-hand. Shaw says "it's what we do and who we are" in an attempt to rationalize another rote, tone-deaf call. Walsh? He would do and be whatever the circumstances called for. Sad that the old coach came a cropper after winning the 1993 Blockbuster Bowl, but I like to remember him in 1977 through 1992. Shaw forgets how it was achieved.

[cardcrimson]

That means he and Tavita are incapable of developing a scheme. . . .

I wouldn't say that. They've developed multiple schemes. I think the RPSlow is the third or fourth one they've tried. The problem is that the ones they develop seem mismatched to their strengths & weaknesses.

You might not say that, but Shaw was the one who said we weren't scheme offense. . . .

[cardcrimson]

That means he and Tavita are incapable of developing a scheme. . . .

I wouldn't say that. They've developed multiple schemes. I think the RPSlow is the third or fourth one they've tried. The problem is that the ones they develop seem mismatched to their strengths & weaknesses.

You might not say that, but Shaw was the one who said we weren't scheme offense. . . .

[BostonCard]

That seems a bit extreme for an underperforming coach.

BC

[BostonCard]

That seems a bit extreme for an underperforming coach.

BC

[Row80Critic]

My tongue in cheek point was just that blaming poor play on solely on 'execution' alone is just silly.  Doing that is just a transparent attempt to take all non-execution coaching decisions off the table -- e.g., scheme, play calling, when to blitz, when to go for it, endless strategy points, turtling, clock management, aggressiveness and risk-taking, in-game adjustment, pre-game plan, personnel decisions, and on and on and on and on.   My example my have been ludicrous, but extreme examples just illustrate how ludicrous it is for coaches to wholly dismiss all of the ways coaching decisions affect a game -- and by implication imply they were all perfect -- and instead say the team didn't execute.  It's patronizing really.  A perfectly executed square dance isn't going to win a game.

[Row80Critic]

My tongue in cheek point was just that blaming poor play on solely on 'execution' alone is just silly.  Doing that is just a transparent attempt to take all non-execution coaching decisions off the table -- e.g., scheme, play calling, when to blitz, when to go for it, endless strategy points, turtling, clock management, aggressiveness and risk-taking, in-game adjustment, pre-game plan, personnel decisions, and on and on and on and on.   My example my have been ludicrous, but extreme examples just illustrate how ludicrous it is for coaches to wholly dismiss all of the ways coaching decisions affect a game -- and by implication imply they were all perfect -- and instead say the team didn't execute.  It's patronizing really.  A perfectly executed square dance isn't going to win a game.

[M T]

Any plan can be ruined by poor execution.  Just as you say that you can't blame everything on execution, you can't say that plans are intrinsically flawed just because you seem to want to never blame execution.


Swapping the coaching staff between Alabama and Paly wouldn't change the result of a game between the two.  The Paly players can't execute the same as the Alabama players.

[M T]

Any plan can be ruined by poor execution.  Just as you say that you can't blame everything on execution, you can't say that plans are intrinsically flawed just because you seem to want to never blame execution.


Swapping the coaching staff between Alabama and Paly wouldn't change the result of a game between the two.  The Paly players can't execute the same as the Alabama players.

[BostonCard]

It’s also worth noting that perhaps the biggest indictment against the staff is that there continue to be breakdowns in execution.  execution issues do not absolve the staff, given that the players were recruited and developed by the staff.

BC

[BostonCard]

It’s also worth noting that perhaps the biggest indictment against the staff is that there continue to be breakdowns in execution.  execution issues do not absolve the staff, given that the players were recruited and developed by the staff.

BC