The Jackal wrote: ↑Mon Sep 10, 2018 9:06 pm
Another question that sort of bugged me. Last season Quarles was in the booth with Cronic on the field. This season Quarles is on the field. I wonder what, if any, difference that may make.
Thought about that too, my friend. Here are my thoughts. There is absolutely no way possible an OC can see the field better on the sidelines than in the box. If the OC's most important task is diagnosing defenses (fronts/coverages) and calling plays/making adjustments, then his rear-end needs to be up in that box.
BUT...if the OC is also the QB Coach and he's got 2 young pups that he needs to guide with face-to-face instruction between each series, and, even between each play...then he needs to be on the sidelines where he can look them in the eyes, put his arm around their shoulders, and speak directly in their ear(s).
There IS NO SUBSTITUTE for the latter. Only the QB Coach can do that job...well, a 3 year starting QB, who became a GA, who the youngsters trust, could work, but we don't have that.
The info needed for the former (diagnosing Defenses, etc.) can be provided by someone else over the headset. It's not ideal, but it can work. I would assume we have someone (or two) doing that this year with Coach Quarles OC'ing from the sidelines.
So...I think Coach Quarles, as the OC, being on the sideline, IS the right Coaching alignment for this season.