Is Chargers head coach Brandon Staley too aggressive on fourth down?
Typically soccer coaches can change into so set in how “they do issues” that their philosophy can negatively have an effect on the staff’s general manufacturing. That might be mentioned about Los Angeles Chargers second-year head coach Brandon Staley. He believes in rolling the cube and going for it on fourth down. And isn’t shy about it.
“If we lose, we’re going to do it on our phrases, not another person’s phrases.” Staley advised The Athletic.
You’ve obtained to like the younger coach’s confidence, although his offensive aggressiveness is a bit shocking contemplating protection is his specialty. Staley was the Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2020 earlier than taking the Chargers job final season. He additionally spent three seasons as the skin linebackers coach for the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears. Brandon’s faculty teaching stops had been on the defensive aspect as properly.
We hardly ever see a head coach within the NFL that got here up by means of the defensive ranks be this aggressive in his offensive scheme and mindset. Historically, defensive coaches have primarily gambled on fourth down once they wanted to. Solely in particular conditions would going for a fourth down conversion even be dreamt of years in the past.
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Two groups tried extra fourth downs final yr than the Chargers, however Los Angeles transformed probably the most, going 22 for 34. LA additionally completed the season tied in fourth down conversion share with the New England Patriots, one other staff with a defensive-minded head coach. Whereas this contradicts all the things of what the NFL has been on the sector for many years, it’s not out of the bizarre anymore to see defensive coaches be much less conservative on offense.
Staley appears to be main that cost and isn’t apologetic about utilizing analytics. Even in confidence, Staley is humble sufficient to confess that it isn’t about himself however the staff. If going for a fourth-down conversion offers the Chargers a better win likelihood, then Staley might be taking that probability.
However at what level does it change into predictable? Opposing defenses are additionally utilizing analytics and on the lookout for an edge towards these trendy offensive assaults. Staley’s Chargers went seven for seven on fourth downs to begin the ‘21 season. They closed the yr by changing eight of their final 9 fourth downs.
Certain, it labored, however so did the wildcat offense for Miami — for a season— till the remainder of the NFL figured it out. And that’s the place sticking to your plan can come off as cussed. Some coaches fail to regulate when groups determine them out or just received’t. Groups didn’t know what to anticipate from Staley on offense his first yr. This season will certainly be totally different.
Having a younger star at quarterback like Justin Herbert helps lots, however even the perfect QBs have a staff or two that determine them out in some unspecified time in the future. Each protection they play this yr shall be ready for quite a few fourth-down makes an attempt towards the Chargers.
Like many, I nonetheless imagine in taking factors once they’re out there. I don’t thoughts going for fourth down, however Staley generally selected to go on discipline purpose makes an attempt in shut video games. Typically it appears like coaches outthink themselves with these choices. It’s okay to solely get three factors out of a drive.
With Staley’s gambler disposition, he might be on the new seat after solely two seasons if these Chargers can’t make the postseason. No coach ever needs to be on the new seat however particularly not when a reputation like Sean Payton is on the market lurking.
LA received 9 video games final season, and their division solely obtained more durable this offseason with the addition of Russell Wilson in Denver. All 4 groups within the AFC West have an above-average to nice QB state of affairs. Herbert, Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, and Derek Carr. The AFC West is the perfect QB division in soccer.
At the very least Chargers followers know what they’re getting with Staley. He’s agency in his perception in going for it on fourth down. This implies you’ll miss out on some factors right here and there, though Staley takes duty and is keen to stay with these choices. Staley says the Chargers will lose on their phrases. He might be on the lookout for employment elsewhere if these phrases don’t land the Chargers within the playoffs this yr.
