The Leadership Wisdom And Insight Of Louis Riddick and Greg Cosell

For football and leadership geeks like myself, few things were as enjoyable as the 2017 season of ESPN’s NFL Matchup show.  It featured two of my favorite analysts, Louis Riddick and Greg Cosell.  As I was cleaning out some old files this weekend, I came across 23 leadership lessons and quotes I captured from their program.

Read and enjoy.  Each will make you a much better leader if you apply the principles.  You will note that many of the coaches and players mentioned are no longer with their perspective teams.  Perhaps they should have listened to Riddick and Cosell.

NFL Matchup November 25^th

• To Successfully Perform Under Pressure You Need Alignment, Assignment, And Execution – Riddick said regarding the New England Patriots improved pass defense, “It’s because of Alignment, Assignment and Execution (technique, fundamentals) on the back end.”
• To Successfully Perform Under Pressure Get Others In Position To Be Successful First – Cosell said, “It’s so critical for quarterbacks on 3rd down (to) wining before the ball is snapped… Recognize and react before the ball is snapped.  You win before the ball is snapped.  You get your team in the right position.”
• To Successfully Perform Under Pressure Focus On Design (Systems and Structure) And Identification (Identify Opportunities) – Riddick said of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees,“He has the #1 completion percentage and 3rd best quarterback rating in the Red Zone.  Why? #1. Because of route design by (head coach) Sean Payton… It’s about identifying the open receiver quickly because you don’t have much time.”
• To Successfully Perform Under Pressure Stay Poised – Talking about Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Hundley, Riddick noted, “That’s something he’s struggled with at UCLA, blitz recognition and staying poised in the pocket.”

NFL Matchup – Saturday, October 7th

• Successful Leaders Set Others Up For Success – “A lot of it has Bill O’Brien really putting his quarterback in positions to succeed and setting him up for success.” – Riddick on why Deshaun Watson has experienced early success

NFL Matchup September 16, 2017

Host Sal Paolantonio noted Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott converted seven of eleven third down opportunities against the New York Giants in week one.  When asked his thoughts on why Prescott was so effective on third down, Riddick said, “#1 is his maturity and #2 he’s gotten more comfortable and he’s continued to develop a rapport with on of the best 3rd down receivers in the league Cole Beasley.”

The following are three things we learn from Riddick’s comments:

1. A sign of maturity for young leaders is performing at a high level during pressure situations.
2. A sign of maturity for young leaders is becoming comfortable in the system they operate in.
3. A sign of maturity for young leaders is developing a rapport with those who are critical to their success.

Another maturing leader discussed was second-year quarterback Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles.  Cosell noted, “Wentz’s big plays (in week 1) came outside of structure.”  A sign of maturity for young leaders is making adjustments, thinking outside the box, and finding solutions when things do not go as originally planned.

Later on, the conversation shifted to Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning.  As a 14-year veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion, Manning would certainly qualify as a mature leader.  Riddick observed, “Their franchise quarterback, he’s suffering from a few things – a lack of protection, a lack of timing in the passing game, and a lack of trust in his wide receivers without Odell Beckham, Jr.”

NFL Matchup September 9, 2017

• Smart Leaders Are Involved In A Higher Levels Of Conversations Than Less-Intelligent Leaders – “The (Philadelphia) Eagles in their pass game, they’re not an isolation route team.  They don’t ask their wide receivers very often to win very much on the outside.  It’s more about route concepts and route combinations, particularly at the intermediate and vertical levels.  And that’s what Dagger is. Dagger is a two-man route concept but there’s added elements, particularly if it’s man or zone.” – Cosell
• Having Balance Gives Leaders The Best Chance For Success – “When you stay balanced, you give yourself the best chance to win.” – Riddick
• Successful Leaders Limit Mistakes And Solve Problems – “They needed two things out of the quarterback position.  They needed someone who was smart and could protect the football and someone who could bomb it down the field and produce some big plays which they struggled with in 2016.” – Riddick describing Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer
• Successful Leaders Multiply Themselves – “(Browns head coach) Hue Jackson got what we wanted – an extension of him on the football field.” – Riddick

NFL Matchup October 14, 2017

• To Have A Winning Team Everyone Must Do Their Jobs And Play Their Responsibilities – “Everyone played their responsibilities to the point the pass rush can work and it puts Cam (Newton) on his back.  That’s how you get a winning a down.” – Louis Riddick on New Orleans Saints complimentary football
• Some Leadership Predictions Are Very Predictable – “On first down passing, particularly in your division, you’re going to get fairly predictable coverage concepts.” – Greg Cosell
• Great Leaders Have The Ability To Overcome Great Obstacles – “He does things with that arm that other people just cannot do.  He was born with it.  It’s just transcendent…There is just nothing he cannot get out of, as far as a bad play is concerned and turning it into a good play.  It’s unique.” – Riddick on Aaron Rodgers

NFL Matchup October 28, 2017

• Inconsistent Leaders Are Unsuccessful Leaders – “Nothing happens on schedule with this (Seattle) offense which makes it so inconsistent and making them play into the strength of the team, which is the defense.” – Riddick

NFL Matchup November 4, 2017

• Successful Leaders Make Good Decisions In Chaotic Environments – “Pocket Awareness #1 because you know the rush is coming. #2 make good decisions with the football when you’re on the road. #3 when you get in the red zone you must convert with touchdowns not field goals”. – Riddick when referring to the Denver Broncos Brock Osweiler against the Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Matchup December 30, 2017

• Successful Teams Execute Well – “Teams know what the Falcons are trying to do right now.  It’s encumbant on the players to start making the plays.” – Riddick
• Big Time Players Make Big Time Plays In Big Time Games – “This is the players’ time of year.  It’s all about them making plays one-on-one.” – Riddick
• Great Leaders Wrestle With Tension Of Being Both Aggressive And Cautious – “He’s a really good mix of aggressive and cautious.  He’s willing to turn the ball loose when it needs to be turned loose.” – Cosell on Case Keenum

NFL Matchup January 6, 2018

• Your Success Is Determined By Those Closest To You – “He is a guy who relies on his playmakers to make plays for him.” – Riddick on Alex Smith
• Successful Leaders Must Finish Well – “They’re 23rd as an offense in red zone TD efficiency.  They were one for five last week.” – Riddick on the Atlanta Falcons

NFL Matchup January 20, 2018

• You Never Have To Return From A Good Start – “First down is the key.  Bill Walsh used to talk about it all the time.  Don’t worry about third down if you can’t take care of first down.” – Riddick.  For more on Bill Walsh click The 17 Principles of Bill Walsh’s Standard of Performance.

After reading these thoughts, what is one thing you can implement this week to make you a better leader?

My book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders is available for purchase.  If you have ever wanted to become the leader God created you to be, this book is for you!  By combining leadership lessons from biblical heroes like Jesus, Daniel and Joseph, along with modern day leaders like Bill Gates, Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant and multiple pastors, Timeless will equip and inspire you.  This book is not to be read alone.  Discussion questions are included in each chapter allowing you to develop those in your circle of influence.  Click HERE or on the image provided and order your copies TODAY.