Quote:
Originally Posted by jamf
To add to this, guys need to get used to hitting and being hit.
Week 1 they are expected to play fullspeed for the first time and they aren't going to last 4 quarters.
Look at the scoring in the second half of week 1 games under Gruden:
2014: 0
2015: 0
2016: 10* In a blowout against a Steelers team that put up 24 points in the second half
2017: 3 in a 14-16 game at the half against Philly
This team is worn out by half time and players are vulnerable to injuries because they aren't physically prepared.
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In this sense Gruden was ahead of his time then, because the rest of the teams are going to less and less starter reps in the preseason. Last week in the dress rehearsal, Dallas didn't play any main offensive stars, not sure about defense. Likewise I saw several other teams rest their starters earlier than expected.
I imagine some statistician out there is running the numbers to compare preseason snaps to 1st game production.
(I think the slow start has always been more about Gruden not gameplanning for it as intensely as the opponents do. I know the Steelers said they were gameplanning our game all offseason. I don't believe Gruden does that - no link no proof just an opinion)