Feature Article
The Linehan Project Part 2
Eliasdad
Staff Writer
Half way through the preseason especially a pre season game. and many questions remain unanswered, which is normal at this time of the year.
What is very encouraging with Scott Linehan's coaching staff is we have witnessed an almost 180 degree turn from the philosophy under Mike Martz. I am a fan of Mike Martz but one of the things that I was frustrated with the team under him was the finesse label. His teams were built to outscore teams not to grind them into submission with long exhausting drives with big physical lineman and big bruising backs. His offense did score and did win, but the defense and special teams were someone else's job, and that was his demise.
Fast forward to Scott Linehan, and he has hired tough "football men", that have coached and been successful wherever they have been. Likewise the players that he has drafted have been football players, not track athletes. Case in point, Mike Martz loved Trung Candidate for his explosiveness; Linehan loves Brian Leonard for his toughness and unselfish play. It's too early to tell if Leonard with be unsuccessful like Candidate who had his moments. My guess is Leonard will succeed, because he is fundamentally sound and willing to help the team in any facet. That may be the draft and personnel legacy of the early years of Linehan get guys who want to win, and will do anything for the team. It's a great concept in this day and age with prima donnas and players making headlines for holding out and getting arrested.
GO RAMS !!!
