Program Focus
- Thread starter jeans15
- Start date
I think we might see a level of focus and on field aggression that hasn't been seen in several years with the football team.
Just a feeling...
Just a feeling...
I think it can be a real good thing. Kinda like the 95 team with all the distractions. Its been a rough year so far losing a teammate, losing a close friend of the program and legend like Milt. Keith Williams DUI and absence. The anthem deal. All the coaches and players have each others backs. Bring the team together and just block out all the noise and just go release all of your anger, sadness, frustration and just go kick ass for 4 hours every Saturday!! GBR
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4-0
Tommy has 1 INT
Beat Top 25 team
Ranked #15 both major polls
I don't think that this team has major issues. It all starts at the top and I love the way that Riley is handling everything, including the Coach Tenopir visit.
Basically said Collins was a maverick and liked to do things his way and VV didn`t put forth his best effort often enough.
Said VV is with the perfect team because BB will not let him take a snap off.
They made the NFL, and they’re doing well obviously,” Banker said. “We played with Valentine for six games last year and there were times I didn’t see anything in him. I didn’t think his work ethic was going to — it was in question. He’s with the perfect team.”
That’d be the New England Patriots and coach Bill Belichick.
That’d be the New England Patriots and coach Bill Belichick.
I believe that is called...not taking the high road? I don't blame him, I would be pissed too that he left early. I would say that and a lot more. But, it is clearly not true. The Pats are not drafting a guy that is "lazy" in the 3rd round. He was clearly graded very high. Hell they waited until the 7th round to take Dennard and he was graded very high.
The old regime would have used this to drive home the "bunker mentality"...us against the world.
Fortunately, I think MR will be the calm, steady voice that will rally the team around "playing good football" and staying focused on winning the next game.
Fortunately, I think MR will be the calm, steady voice that will rally the team around "playing good football" and staying focused on winning the next game.
Maybe. I prefer to think of it as telling it like it is. Banker is not mean-spirited, but does speak his mind.
Need to look at the context. Banker was asked about filling the void of 2 departed Dline now in the NFL. He answered very honestly and didn't sound degrading of MC or VV. More like a "we had to move on and we're happy with who we got,' type of comment.
He also made a comment about the team totally dogging it against Purdue last year. My feeling is the whole 'not buying in deal last year" was a complete disaster for the coaches. There may be a little good riddance in Banker's comments.
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This. It's hard to prove but thes type of 'stories' and publicities do have one of two outcomes; a huge rally or fall off the rails. Thankfully we have a very solid senior core.
The media that covers the team on a regular basis say that whatever controversy is going on outside of the team about the national anthem protest, there doesn't seem to be any such controversy inside the team. Remember that MRI talked about it to the team on Saturday morning well before the game. So this is an issue that they already dealt with awhile ago, and nobody has expressed any kind of disappointment or resentment about it. That doesn't mean everybody agrees with what they did, but I think they also respect their teammates even if they disagree with what they did. I think people also underestimate how close this team is and they aren't going to let disagreeing over something like this get in the way of what they are trying to accomplish this year.
People always seem to assume that something that is a big issue among the fans and in the media is also a big issue on the team, and it often just isn't the case.
People always seem to assume that something that is a big issue among the fans and in the media is also a big issue on the team, and it often just isn't the case.
Great points, and I don't think this can be understated.
I was thinking about how Mike went for it on 4th down in our own territory, early in the game against Northwestern. He must of felt confident in the team and in letting them go get it. You don't do that sort of thing when you are worried about your team, heck most don't do that ever... but he did and it tells me he believes in those guys and wanted to give them an opportunity to succeed and set the tone. It was a gutsy call sure, but to me, there is a lot more behind that call if you think about it.. I think it's all related to the items quoted above, in that they all go together.
I totally agree and lets face it...we assume that because for the last year we were told over and over how everything was a huge issue and everyone was so mentally weak.
I did not believe it then and I don't think it is true now. It was just more craziness that was posted over and over.
Good thought. I think Mike Riley is the perfect man for this situation. I think first he took a risk. He allowed the kids to discuss this and hash it out a bit, which could potentially create a distraction, but in doing so he builds unity and solidarity within the team by allowing this and allowing open dialogue. Second, this country could use a few more Mike Riley's. We could use a few more men of humility who are grounded in their beliefs and are unshaken by outside factors. We could use more men who are willing to say that each person has a right to their opinion and we should respect each other in that regard, and if we would just sit down and talk to one another instead of lashing out, there may be more understanding in this country. I don't think MR could have handled this any better, and IMO I think the way he has handled it will not be a distraction, but will actually build strength and unity within the team. All I can say I well done Coach, you have already shown yourself to be a man of class and character and that will carry you far at a place like NU.
Yeah they'd never take players like Randy Moss or Blunt.
Sure, so has every team. But clearly "lazy" was not an issue for them when it came to VV.
Probably don't want to hear it, but all those items essentially create a uniting "us against the world" mentality.
In a not negative connotation.
I think we will see aggressive play to defend MRI from detractors, to "do it for Milt", to stand up for KW against those who wanted him gone, etc.
Somebody make posters for those who had threats that say we love you.
Let the players and America know how we treat our young men.
Let the players and America know how we treat our young men.
There is alot to be emotional about recently. So far the staff has done a great job channeling that in a positive way.
Banker isn't the first guy to question Valentine's work ethic or toughness. The player played in half the games last year sitting out a few because his ankle hurt.
The NFL is filled with guys that were drafted on physical talent alone. Hell JD Clowney basically walked through his last year at South Carolina and was drafted 1st overall.
I appreciate a coach that will speak his mind and tell the truth AS HE SEES IT. At least then there is little doubt where he stands on issues.
Our team has shown a lot of resilience and persistence. Just my opinion, Sam Foltz passing would be just about the only thing to really affect the team. Keith Williams arrest a far distant second.
So, you are good with an coach that tells the truth about things as he sees it...I can live with that.
Have you ever watched his press conferences? He never loses control of his emotions. Others might be ranting and raving, but Banker keeps his cool. He says what's on his mind. Am I the only one that sees that? You see some emotion, but he's in control. I like that in a defensive coordinator.
He only did 14 reps on the bench press in NFL testing - duh ; sorry , I am old and no where near his size and can beat him easily : and thats without the N program and goofing around.....
/// I appreciate their contributions very much. Its a tribute to their gifts and the N program they are in the NFL; Valentines size and those strength attributes still made him a force. I am sure HCMR has had an update on public comments for everybody. ....... This staff updates player on their standing; one should have gone NFL , but was surely welcome back. The other was surely told of all the young talent and the effort that would be needed to play. The coaches suffered through a get to know each other period ( and do you think Les Miles is holding meetings now?); no doubt going forward - you will be doing it the N way; our choice to be fans. HCMR has a heart; but if you want an idea of whats going on ; look at coach Parella; loving them up and introducing them to the 2% get better at a time solution ( personal and professional life).
I notice the recent recruits and their parents stressing education and long term goal support making us outstanding. GBR
The NFL draft says little when you get down to it. Every year there seem to be at least a few guys who are physical specimens or prototype type of frames who don't actually possess football skills who get drafted on potential of learning to play the game.
Teams get burned by that a lot. Probably get more ROI if they drafted football players first, and gym rats second.
Teams get burned by that a lot. Probably get more ROI if they drafted football players first, and gym rats second.
Bankers PC's are the first I go to. Totally agree with you, he's calm, factual, detailed, and honest. Takes responsibility with no defensiveness at all.
