Three things the Redskins can learn from 2020 Super Bowl participants
By Ian Cummings
No. 2 – The margin for error in coaching is very small
If I’ve annoyed you with my somewhat constant doubting of the Ron Rivera hire, I apologize. But yesterday provided an example of why I’m critical. Rivera is a solid coach for what the Redskins need, but he has to be more than that for the Redskins to eventually win a Super Bowl.
As you find yourself traversing deeper into the NFL playoffs, the chance for accidents to happen grows less and less. Fluke coaches don’t make it to the Super Bowl, and even one-and-done coaches are at the top of their individual game when they get there.
This year, the 49ers and Chiefs have two of the best head coaches in the game. Shanahan won the NFC Championship by taking advantage of Matt LaFleur’s inability to kickstart the Packers offense early, while Reid won the AFC Championship by taking advantage of the Titans’ uber-conservative second-half play calling. Vrabel and LaFleur were both good enough to get to championship weekend, but their weaknesses were exploited at that stage, and they failed to adapt.
The margin for error for coaching is always very small, and on championship weekend, it’s razor thin. One stalled drive can be all that it takes to start the domino effect, and let a team back in, or let a team pull away. That’s why Ron Rivera needs to be more specific when asked about what he could’ve done better in Carolina. Because if a coach isn’t constantly thinking about that, then their peak has likely already passed them by, while others evolve on a weekly basis around them.