Leaders like smart things – smart books, smart phones, smart conversations, smart people, smart information, and smart programming. This is why ESPN’s NFL Matchup Show is must-watch viewing for me.
Hosted by Sal Paolantonio, this program features Greg Cosell and Matt Bowen breaking down game film. For the past several years, there is not a smarter show on television. Today’s episode, especially breaking down the Minnesota Vikings blitz package, was especially good.
The following are 12 Practices Of Successful Teams, Coaches And Players From Today’s NFL Matchup Show:
- Successful Leaders Immediately Recognize And Address Downward Trends – The Eagles are scoring 22 points per game in 2018, a full touchdown less than 2017.
- Successful Coaches Know They Must Have Talent To Win – “They’re not particularly talented on offense with their skill players.” – Cosell on the Eagles’ offensive decline.
- Successful Leaders Bring Great Clarity To The Conversation – Sal mentioned the Eagles’ offense was “productive but pedestrian.” Cosell responded by saying, “It’s flawed.”
- Successful Teams Have Great Discipline – “Jacksonville has been very undisciplined in their last two games.” – Matt Bowen of the team’s defense.
- Successful Players Make Themselves Indispensable – Christian McCaffrey has been on the field for 93% of the offensive snaps.
- Successful Teams, Coaches And Players Create Multiple Options For Themselves – “In terms of option looks with Cam Newton, that allows them to have wrinkles in their run game.” – Bowen on Norv Turner’s impact as the Carolina Panther’s offensive coordinator
- Successful Leaders Produce Superior Results – “When he (McCaffrey) gets in the alley with a safety, he’s going to beat him every single time.” – Bowen
- Successful Coaches Put Their Players In Position To Be Successful – “When he gets to the top of drop and throws in rhythm, he’s pretty good.” – Bowen with a tongue-in-cheek comment about Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers
- There Is A Difference Between Sensing Opportunity And Seizing It – “You don’t get much daylight in the NFL.” – Bowen
- Successful Teams, Coaches And Players Never Confuse Activity With Accomplishment – Through the first 7 games of this year, Patrick Mahomes has a .857 winning percentage. The two previous MVPs, Matt Ryan and Tom Brady, had winning percentages of .571 and .714 respectively.
- Successful Teams, Coaches And Players Must Finish Well – ***Editor’s Note*** While Mahomes has gotten off to a sensational start, his season will be defined by if the Chiefs make the Super Bowl like Ryan and Brady’s teams did.
- Successful Players Must Have Great Anticipation – “He is excellent at anticipating windows.” – Bowen on Brady
What is one thing you learned from today’s NFL Matchup show which will make you a better leader?
To receive more leadership insights from Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, click HERE or on the image to the left for my new ebook The Leadership Of Nick Saban: Timeless Truths From The Incomparable Head Coach Of The Alabama Crimson Tide. Enjoy!