Originally posted by dtg_9er:
There was an article recently posted by someone one here (sorry, I don't recall who) that described Harbaugh as being very instinctive and not a planner. At first I thought that just meant he wasn't a Nolan type, coming into his interview with laminated team plans; but now I'm wondering if it has kept the offense from progressing in an orderly way.
I'm sure the offensive coaches must have plans of some type, but having a loose cannon HC who wants to manage games by instinct is troubling to me. Great coaches tend to be very focused and intensely into the game plan so instinct can be used, but within that well thought out plan. Also, watching Harbaugh on the sidelines doesn't give me much confidence in his ability to use instinct from moment to moment to enhance playcalling.
His stregnth is overall football knowledge, leadership skills like motivation, loyalty, and competitive fire.
So, where to go in analyzing how to fix the offense? Roman either needs to take the slack and run the plan, or he needs to be replaced by someone who can, or Harbaugh needs to be replaced. This makes me sad as I don't think this team turns around without him. The coaches he attracted are first rate on defense. But which offensive coaches seem top knotch? None?
Just for fun, I tried to put on my astrology hat to devine grades for the coaches.
Edit: This is not easy as much depends on the players selected in each area for the coach to work with. Seely received an A rather than an A+ because he has no dynamic kick returner, but his overall record is really good with field position. Roman received a C because I just can't blame him for the whole lethargy of the offense. Rathman's A might be too high given his working with superior talent...and so on.
Roman a C? Seriously? This offense isn't average whatsoever