Coach ,

When you pay attention to the big games, there's always something to learn. Here's 4 takeaways from the AFC and NFC Championships.

Takeaway #1: Analytics matter. Whether it’s about kicking the field goal instead of going for it, understanding when to go for two or when to go for it on fourth instead of punt, analytics can make a big difference for a team when used to full advantage.  

Case in point - Matt LaFleur’s decision to kick a field goal late in the game on 4th and goal. Edj Analytics tweeted out this:

In his course, “Looking at Analytics”, Georgia state champion head coach Adam Clack breaks down how they utilize analytics. For many of us diving into analytics has been hindered by our own misconceptions of what analytics are. Clack breaks that down in this video: 

(Click image to watch)

The go for two decision is a part of it as well, and this came up in the Bills game late. Coach Rob Ash, who now works for Championship Analytics gave a great historical breakdown of the decision, and how it can’t be based on the standard go for two chart all of the time. He shares many examples in his free clinic talk “The Analytics of Two-Point Conversions (You might be surprised!)”

Here’s a memorable one from the 1984 Orange Bowl and Tom Osborne’s options in this video:

Takeaway #2: Tight Ends are a powerful weapon and match-up issue. Travis Kelce for the Chiefs is a prime example. He caught 5 passes for 65 yards and 2 touchdowns. Developing Tight Ends in your offense can make it more dynamic in 2021. Tyler Roehl knows that very well as the position has played a big part in their three-peat as FCS National Champs at North Dakota State. 

Coach Roehl shows how they integrate the Tight End into play action passing in this video:

He’s packaged his 3 courses for you here. These courses use CoachPaint to illustrate the exact coaching points clearly and concisely in their techniques and concepts.

Takeaway #3: Bend but don’t break -The only time the Bills scored a touchdown in the red zone without being gifted the ball inside the 5-yard line due to a Mecole Hardman special teams turnover was with four minutes and change remaining in the fourth quarter. 

Hunter Hughes is the head coach at West Texas A&M. He’s had success at the DII level and was named Football Scoop Coordinator of the Year in the past. He discusses his Red Zone and Goal Line defense philosophy of bend but don’t break in this video: 

Takeaway # 4: The term “system quarterback” is often used dismissively, and Mahomes was initially labeled a systems QB. He’s worked very well in Andy Reid’s System!  What is your system for your QB? Maybe it is unique to you. Maybe it is built off of what other coaches have done. Here’s a few starting points for you to look at systems for your QB and team this offseason. These coaches have had success over time

Jason McManus won 5 state championships at South Pointe HS in South Carolina and also coordinated in the Under Armor All-American Bowl.  In this video, he explains how he trains quarterbacks to read coverage:

Jason videoed his entire system here -> The Mac Attack System

Jason Mohns won 6 state championships in a row at Saguaro HS in Arizona. Whether it’s Eric Bienemy and Andy Reid game planning to put Mahomes in a successful position, or you planning for your own QB, having a system for doing that is important. Coach Mohns gives an overview of their system for Scripting for Success in this video:

This clip above is talked Coach Mohns Complete Multiple Spread System.

Bobby Acosta has had success at every level from small college to the FBS and most recently as the head coach of national champion IMG Academy. His Triple Threat System has moved the ball and scored points at all levels.

Mahomes, Rodgers, Brady, and Allen all had to make trouble throws under pressure in the championship games. In this video, Coach Acosta shares his “trouble throw” drill.  

This free clip is taken from Coach Acosta “Triple Threat System” available here.

It’s fun to be able to learn from these big games. We look forward to seeing what we can take away from Super Bowl LV in two weeks!

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski