Hard Knocks 2012 - Miami Dolphins (1 Viewer)

[hotdogcollars]

Philbin is going to end up as another good coordinator who can't cut it as a head coach.

Amazing analysis after having the opportunity to watch small snippets of his first ever training camp on TV. Guy took over a 6-10 team and hasnt even coached in a real game yet. You are already relegating him to assistant status?I still dont see what he has done wrong. What would you have done different?

I've got to go along with Leeroy on this one as my gut tells me that Philbin is in over his head here. The way he manages the team and speaks to the players. He doesnt seem like he can communicate to them very well at all, so he just falls back into corporate speak and generic statements.Example, the way he cut Chad was poor IMO. You don't fire someone by giving hypotheticals of what you could or couldn't do: "It’s not like I’m trying to flex my muscle, to say, ‘I’m the head coach, and let’s make an example of Chad Johnson.’ It has nothing to do with that. "

And you don't throw out wishy wash, non declarative statements like "I don’t know that this is working for the benefit of you, me, the Miami Dolphins or anybody else. I think you’re a good person. Trust me, I acknowledge people make mistakes. Nobody knows that more than me.”

Just seems like a guy who's always been 2nd fiddle, never in charge. He may figure it out and be a great leader and coach. IMO, i don't see it

While I don't disagree with any of this, can we let the guy grow into the job a little bit?JFC... he's been an NFL head coach for 30 seconds and people expect him to act like Vince Lombardi.

i'll agree to that...was just my instinct / initial reaction. i've got no horse in this race and don't mind being wrong on the innerwebs. Hope the guy turns out to be a great coach.

 

[Kraft...]

And I'm starting to think I overrated Lauren Tannehill. There's something off about her. Droopy eyes maybe.

She looks a little..... I don't know.... boney to me.I'd break that girl in half.

It's definitely the eyes, they aren't semetrical. Good example here

 

[FreeBaGeL]

It looks like I forgot to set the DVR to record this. Is there anywhere I can get caught up on the first two episodes?

They're not on HBO Go. It just says to use On Demand, which only has a handful of 4 minute clips in it (no actual episodes).

 

[Fiddles]

just started watching this season

man this qb coach looks young as hell

like les brown talking to his girl, "you look hot as ushe" (usual)

 

[TS Garp]

It's interesting to read people's takes on the show. I find myself really liking Philbin and wanting to see him succeed. Every coach has a different style. I think a lot of people are drawn to the larger-than-life/force of nature types because they make for good tv. And sometimes they make great coaches, too. But not always. I've read a ton on Bill Walsh and I think that if you'd watched him on this show, he would have come off in a fairly similar way (but with a much fuller head of hair). I loved the efficiency of Philbin having two squads running alternate plays one after the other. I think that's very much the type of thing Walsh would have done. Not to say that Philbin is Walsh, but let's cut the guy a little slack. My guess is that he's very cerebral, exacting, and smart. I will say that I can't stand Ireland and he's done nothing to dissuade me from the fact that he's an idiot.

 

[Daywalker]

Firing someone is tough. At every level, in every profession. I dont disagree that it was awkward, but I also think its tough to fire someone without it being awkward. The only way is to simply have said "Chad, this is not working out for the Miami Dolphins. I am going to need to get your playbook. Please clear out your locker". If he did it that way, do you not think he would be getting crushed right now by members of this board, and media for being a cold hearted dou$% Bag that didnt give the veteran the respect he deserved?

Remember the Hard Knocks summer in Cincinnati? Former Bengals director of football operations Jim Lippincott got DESTROYED in the HK thread for having zero compassion or people skills when cutting players. It only consisted of "We're releasing you today. I need your playbook. Where are you flying back to?"

Moneyball style is the way to go.

 

[johnadams]

It's interesting to read people's takes on the show. I find myself really liking Philbin and wanting to see him succeed. Every coach has a different style. I think a lot of people are drawn to the larger-than-life/force of nature types because they make for good tv. And sometimes they make great coaches, too. But not always. I've read a ton on Bill Walsh and I think that if you'd watched him on this show, he would have come off in a fairly similar way (but with a much fuller head of hair). I loved the efficiency of Philbin having two squads running alternate plays one after the other. I think that's very much the type of thing Walsh would have done. Not to say that Philbin is Walsh, but let's cut the guy a little slack. My guess is that he's very cerebral, exacting, and smart. I will say that I can't stand Ireland and he's done nothing to dissuade me from the fact that he's an idiot.

Walsh is an awful analogy. Absolutely terrible.

 

[belljr]

Seriously, what's up Philbin's ###? His reasoning for cutting him was that was his third strike based on a tweet and cursing in front of the media. He seems like a robot and was so nervous in that office with chad.

And he didnt even snicker at the penis haircut that guy had.

Actually I think he was playing up the disappointed angle on purpose. Cause he threw in the "class organization" line. I think he has a bit of sarcasm in him I know people were saying it was lame but the haircut thing has me Now that is great "hazing"

 

[Sabertooth]

It's interesting to read people's takes on the show. I find myself really liking Philbin and wanting to see him succeed. Every coach has a different style. I think a lot of people are drawn to the larger-than-life/force of nature types because they make for good tv. And sometimes they make great coaches, too. But not always. I've read a ton on Bill Walsh and I think that if you'd watched him on this show, he would have come off in a fairly similar way (but with a much fuller head of hair). I loved the efficiency of Philbin having two squads running alternate plays one after the other. I think that's very much the type of thing Walsh would have done. Not to say that Philbin is Walsh, but let's cut the guy a little slack. My guess is that he's very cerebral, exacting, and smart. I will say that I can't stand Ireland and he's done nothing to dissuade me from the fact that he's an idiot.

Walsh is an awful analogy. Absolutely terrible.

Thanks for offering a better one.

 

[johnadams]

It's interesting to read people's takes on the show. I find myself really liking Philbin and wanting to see him succeed. Every coach has a different style. I think a lot of people are drawn to the larger-than-life/force of nature types because they make for good tv. And sometimes they make great coaches, too. But not always. I've read a ton on Bill Walsh and I think that if you'd watched him on this show, he would have come off in a fairly similar way (but with a much fuller head of hair). I loved the efficiency of Philbin having two squads running alternate plays one after the other. I think that's very much the type of thing Walsh would have done. Not to say that Philbin is Walsh, but let's cut the guy a little slack. My guess is that he's very cerebral, exacting, and smart. I will say that I can't stand Ireland and he's done nothing to dissuade me from the fact that he's an idiot.

Walsh is an awful analogy. Absolutely terrible.

Thanks for offering a better one.

Thank you for offering a better one as well.

 

[Possum]

It's interesting to read people's takes on the show. I find myself really liking Philbin and wanting to see him succeed. Every coach has a different style. I think a lot of people are drawn to the larger-than-life/force of nature types because they make for good tv. And sometimes they make great coaches, too. But not always. I've read a ton on Bill Walsh and I think that if you'd watched him on this show, he would have come off in a fairly similar way (but with a much fuller head of hair). I loved the efficiency of Philbin having two squads running alternate plays one after the other. I think that's very much the type of thing Walsh would have done. Not to say that Philbin is Walsh, but let's cut the guy a little slack. My guess is that he's very cerebral, exacting, and smart. I will say that I can't stand Ireland and he's done nothing to dissuade me from the fact that he's an idiot.

Philbin definitely seems like a really nice guy and very smart, but I gotta say his player-coach interaction skills haven't looked good at all to me. He just comes off extremely awkward in trying to have conversations with these guys. The meeting with Chad Johnson was about as uncomfortable as it gets - I don't think there's any way to make that type of conversation a pleasant experience, but it really seemed Philbin made it a lot worse than it should have been. I hope that he gets a lot better in this area fairly soon, because I gotta think it's the type of thing that can undermine his respect level with his players.I also thought Garrard handled things a little weirdly with his injury last episode - what was up with him smiling all the time when discussing it? Maybe that's just how he deals with the frustration, but I'd think most players involved in a serious position battle would act a little more concerned about losing the camp time.good show overall, I'm digging it so far.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Philbin is at best Brad Childress and possibly at worst Bill Callahan or Marty Mornhinwig. Maybe Rich Kotite or Cam Cameron.

 

[karmarooster]

Philbin is the definition of cranky old white coach struggling to relate to young, often black, players. He's about as cool as your grandpa. Awkwardly entertaining, though.

 

[Raider Nation]

Philbin is the definition of cranky old white coach struggling to relate to young, often black, players. He's about as cool as your grandpa. Awkwardly entertaining, though.

I think I missed the "cranky" part.

 

[Premier]

Philbin is at best Brad Childress and possibly at worst Bill Callahan or Marty Mornhinwig. Maybe Rich Kotite or Cam Cameron.

Getting all of this off of 2 hours of an hbo show huh?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Philbin is at best Brad Childress and possibly at worst Bill Callahan or Marty Mornhinwig. Maybe Rich Kotite or Cam Cameron.

Getting all of this off of 2 hours of an hbo show huh?

I know I know. His personality just doesn't seem "right" to me. It feels like the classic case of the Dolphins looking at how well GB's offense has been and automatically thinking that the brain behind it would make a good head coach. He just doesn't seem like a leader to me. Even ######## coaches like Coughlin, while old school and seemingly humorless, exude some charisma. Philbin just seems off. Maybe they are only showing his bad side?

 

[karmarooster]

Would anyone consider this guy a "leader"? He seems more cut out for corporate middle-management than NFL head coach.

 

[Sabertooth]

Would anyone consider this guy a "leader"? He seems more cut out for corporate middle-management than NFL head coach.

As opposed to Rex Ryan, who seems more cut out to be the team leader at Foot Locker.

 

[karmarooster]

Would anyone consider this guy a "leader"? He seems more cut out for corporate middle-management than NFL head coach.

As opposed to Rex Ryan, who seems more cut out to be the team leader at Foot Locker.

LOL Ryan was the coach I had in mind at the other end of the spectrum, but would be better without the baffoon factor.

 

[Premier]

These new Nike jerseys are so terrible. Makes them look like they're sweating through their jerseys.

Who came up with crap?

 

[VaTerp]

First impression of Philbin was not so good but I don't know. The guy is kinda growing on me.

He doesnt have the typical football coach personality but that doesnt mean he can't be successful. He seems like a meticulous, detail oriented guy who will always be prepared. His communication style could use some work but he tries and he treats them like men. He will be respected.

Obviously, we'll see how it plays out but to come to a conclusion either way on the guys coaching career based on 2 or 3 episodes of Hard Knocks seems kinda silly.

The other takeaway I have from tonight's episode is that Cam Newton is a large friggin human being. He towered over everybody when he came over to the Steve Smith- Vontae Davis skirmish. I know those guys are small but there where some lineman and other guys coming into the picture and Cam towered over them too.

Then after the game he made Tannehill look fairly small and the guy is 6'4 220.

Dude is a beast.

 

[shadyridr]

coach wishy washy

 

[rickyg]

Yeah I dont like Philbin's demeanor at all....seems very snaky to me...has trouble looking guys in the eye when he delivers news...beats around the bush, and patronizes. Not into him. However, I AM into Roberto Wallace or Chris "7-11" Hogan as sleepers...

 

[rickyg]

Also, I agree 100% with the players, when they (reggie bush, Dansby, and Long?) approached Philbin to ask him moving forward to invoke their help with key players before cutting them. You can tell that the players generally are pissed that Philbin cut Chad Johnson bc he was their best and most proven wideout. Him being cut lessens their chance for the playoffs. PErhaps if philbin invoked the help of a few vets on the team with Chad before he even got to strike 3 the cut could have been avoided. Lots of players have done far worse than head butt a girl and they did not get cut. Look at that aquib talib guy on TB.

Philbin didnt even wait to see what details would emerge over time about the incident. He cut Chad the next day. And while cutting him, he claimed that he is a guy who puts a lot of thought into what he does and that this was best for the organiation. Uhhh...I think not...I think Philbin cut chad to make an example to the rest of the players "dont f with me bc I will cut your ###". He felt that bc he is a new coach he really has to make a point of establishing a tone for how things will go in miami moving forward uner his regime. And while I understand that, I question whether there were other ways he could have accomplished that feat without cutting their best wide receiver.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Also, I agree 100% with the players, when they (reggie bush, Dansby, and Long?) approached Philbin to ask him moving forward to invoke their help with key players before cutting them. You can tell that the players generally are pissed that Philbin cut Chad Johnson bc he was their best and most proven wideout. Him being cut lessens their chance for the playoffs. PErhaps if philbin invoked the help of a few vets on the team with Chad before he even got to strike 3 the cut could have been avoided. Lots of players have done far worse than head butt a girl and they did not get cut. Look at that aquib talib guy on TB.Philbin didnt even wait to see what details would emerge over time about the incident. He cut Chad the next day. And while cutting him, he claimed that he is a guy who puts a lot of thought into what he does and that this was best for the organiation. Uhhh...I think not...I think Philbin cut chad to make an example to the rest of the players "dont f with me bc I will cut your ###". He felt that bc he is a new coach he really has to make a point of establishing a tone for how things will go in miami moving forward uner his regime. And while I understand that, I question whether there were other ways he could have accomplished that feat without cutting their best wide receiver.

Ridiculous. Chad knew he had to walk the line to stay on this team. His skills have diminished to the point where he did not have the luxury to screw up multiple times and keep a jersey. Odd that he hasnt even had a tryout elsewhere, no? T.O. is 5 years older than him, and has far greater character concerns and he is on a roster right now. Why is that? Chad may have been Miami's best WR, but he was not good enough to justify the distraction.So if Philbin had to make an example out of Chad, so be it. He is trying to create a solid locker room, and you cannot say he didnt give the guy a chance. We all saw him given his chance a week earlier. Then he went out and dropped a critical 3rd down catch on his only target. Then he demonstrated that he didnt know the playbook in front of the nation. Then he headbutted his wife and wound up in prison. Chad gave Philbin all the reason in the world to make an example out of him.

 

[Raider Nation]

Loved them stretching to Marley.

 

[Football Jones]

I guess there can be all kinds of successful managerial styles, but I've never seen an NFL HC as non-dynamic as Philbin. He's simply unimpressive, IMO.

 

[bonesman]

How's my hair?

Fking Hot

as Yoosh?

 

[Premier]

Also, I agree 100% with the players, when they (reggie bush, Dansby, and Long?) approached Philbin to ask him moving forward to invoke their help with key players before cutting them. You can tell that the players generally are pissed that Philbin cut Chad Johnson bc he was their best and most proven wideout. Him being cut lessens their chance for the playoffs. PErhaps if philbin invoked the help of a few vets on the team with Chad before he even got to strike 3 the cut could have been avoided. Lots of players have done far worse than head butt a girl and they did not get cut. Look at that aquib talib guy on TB.Philbin didnt even wait to see what details would emerge over time about the incident. He cut Chad the next day. And while cutting him, he claimed that he is a guy who puts a lot of thought into what he does and that this was best for the organiation. Uhhh...I think not...I think Philbin cut chad to make an example to the rest of the players "dont f with me bc I will cut your ###". He felt that bc he is a new coach he really has to make a point of establishing a tone for how things will go in miami moving forward uner his regime. And while I understand that, I question whether there were other ways he could have accomplished that feat without cutting their best wide receiver.

Chad sucks. Talib is one of the better corners in the league. There's your difference. If this happened on 2005, Chad doesn't get cut.

 

[Pura Vida]

Philbin is Bill Lundberg from office space....except philbin says these words more- um, and, you know

Lauryn tannehil is smoking hot, but she needs to add a few pounds.

 

[shadyridr]

Hold on, instead of calling the next play Im gonna pick up this piece of paper off the field

 

[Sabertooth]

Lauren's the third hottest woman on the show so far at best. Her brunette friend is hotter, so is the "as yoush" chick.

 

[Pura Vida]

The guy is more obsessive about tying shoes than a first grade teacher

 

[Sabertooth]

The guy is more obsessive about tying shoes than a first grade teacher

Well I see his point on the shoes. You have to be ready for action at the drop of a hat. He is simply trying to convey to the team a professional level of readiness. You think Aaron Rodgers or Greg Jennings walk around at a practice with their shoes untied?

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Yeah I dont like Philbin's demeanor at all....seems very snaky to me...has trouble looking guys in the eye when he delivers news...beats around the bush, and patronizes. Not into him. However, I AM into Roberto Wallace or Chris "7-11" Hogan as sleepers...

I'm more of this opinion...he just doesn't seem all that authoritative. When Long, Bush, Dansby had the sit-down, it was clear they all were uncomfortable talking about the situation, but Philbin seemed like he was anxious for the time to pass by and the meeting to end. Philbin doesn't seem confident in his own head coaching skin, and I would think that's something players pick up on.A veteran leadership committee? What a novel concept! Like...a team captain or captains! Great meeting guys!I almost feel like we're going to have an episode about the missing strawberries soon...

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I may have changed my opinion after this week's show.

Belichick is locked in his office, studying film, trying to find new ways to out-scheme everyone.

Philbin is making sure his players pick up their candy wrappers.... IN A DISGUSTING LOCKER ROOM!

That is a strike against everybody, so they better watch their asses or Grandpa will cut them for not having a penny in their loafers.

 

[Faust]

Ryan Tannehill in spotlight as 'Hard Knocks' rolls on

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

Don't get me wrong, I was as gripped as you were by Episode 2 of "Hard Knocks," which included both the emotional story of Joe Philbin's family tragedy and Chad Johnson's arrest and subsequent release.

But we like our "Hard Knocks" football-heavy with a healthy dollop of mirth, which is exactly what we got in Episode 3. There were plenty of plotlines this week, including a new era at quarterback.

Let's dig in, shall we?

Leadership Council Activate!

Once Karlos Dansby spoke out against Chad Johnson's release last week, you knew that would become the first order of business in Episode 3. Sure enough, there was Joe Philbin, reminding players to come to him, not the media, with concerns.

Reggie Bush did just that, bringing Dansby and Jake Long with him for a visit to Philbin's office/leather furniture emporium.

"Obviously since (Johnson) got here it was a little bit of a media mess," Bush said. "We felt that maybe if we could've stepped in as a group from leadership standpoint, maybe we might have been able to save him."

Philbin proposed a "leadership council" that would eventually meet every week. Everyone seemed pleased. Resolution.

Bob Marley in the house

During a team stretching exercise, one employee who may or may not fall under the organization's recreactional drug-testing umbrella, blasted the 1980 Bob Marley classic, "Three Little Birds" over the PA.

The money quote goes from Long to Matt Moore: "Matt, did you enjoy the music? I knew you'd enjoy it."

Hmmmm ...

Reggie gets his star turn

Bush had a suspiciously low profile on the first two episodes, making me wonder if he was intentionally ducking the "Hard Knocks" crew. Then I remembered he dated Kim Kardashian, rendering that notion ridiculous.

Bush restated his intent to lead the NFL in rushing, and also spoke of becoming a better leader. It's not just lip service, either -- Bush has impressed the coaching staff with his dedicated approach, which includes extra work after practices.

All bow down to 'Big Weirdo'

Move over "Chris Hogan, Always Open, 7/11," we have a new favorite nickname in camp. It belongs to rookie right tackle Jonathan Martin, dubbed "Big Weirdo" for his quiet demeanor and bad buzzcut given to him by the veterans.

"It fits you bro, you know what I'm sayin'?" asks center Mike Pouncey.

I'm not sure he does.

And now for the most disgusting thing you'll ever hear

356-pound offensive lineman John Jerry, wired for sound, his practice reps roughly doubled by a coaching staff testing his mettle, vomits uncontrollably on the field. Yum.

Our favorite part: Two Dolphins staffers trusting two squirts of water will take care of the mess where Jerry yacked in the endzone. Yeah, that should do it, fellas.

The sun is setting on an old lineman

Loved the moment when veteran guard Eric Steinbach, signed off the free-agent pile after a private workout in Episode 1, met privately with Philbin to discuss the possibility of retirement. His body isn't allowing him to perform, and he can't live with what he's putting on tape.

It's an intimate look at an aging player staring down his career mortality. It's clear from the two private talks we see in Episode 3 that Philbin would love Steinbach to stick around. It doesn't appear headed in that direction, however.

Rookie Show 2012

It's a brave rookie that compares Jake Long to Katy Perry. It's a criminally insane rookie who compares Joe Philbin to Mr. Mackey from "South Park," mmmmmm kay?

Joe Philbin loves him some 'Seinfeld'

The meticulous Philbin approaches Steve Slaton, and makes it clear he wants the running back to tie his shoelaces during a walkthrough. Philbin then refers to himself as the "Sneaker Nazi," an obvious callback to the "Soup Nazi" of "Seinfeld" fame.

If you recall, Philbin made a reference to George Costanza in Episode 1.

The obvious advice to Dolphins on the bubble? Take your credit card to Best Buy, purchase all nine seasons of the seminal sitcom, and study it like its the playbook. It might save your job.

Pat Devlin = Tony Romo?

You may best know Devlin as the pasty pair of white thighs always just out of frame during peeks into the quarterback meeting room.

In Episode 3, the fourth-string QB gets his moment, in the form of serious praise from tight ends coach -- and former Dallas Cowboy -- Dan Campbell.

"He reminds me of Romo, when Romo was just like him, before he started," Campbell said, prompting offensive coordinator Mike Sherman to let out a, "Woo." "Just his awareness and all that stuff, and some of his niftiness."

The Sad Ballad Of Michael Egnew

Last week, Egnew was obliterated by Sherman during a team meeting. This time he got an earful during a one-sided sideline exchange from Campbell, whose rage built like a volcano releasing a glorious eruption.

"Listen to me, when your teammate catches a ball, when Lamar (Miller) breaks that, go block for him, you understand? Don't loaf on the field walking, watching him run. Go block for him, OK? You drop a ball, fine ... go (FREAKING) BLOCK FOR HIM PLEASE!"

He didn't say "freaking."

Tannehill > Moore

The big news of the week -- Ryan Tannehill being named starter over incumbent Matt Moore -- was the final segment of Episode 3.

We got to see both players learn their fate in private sitdowns with assistant quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor, before each player met for a 1-on-1 with Philbin.

Moore obviously wasn't thrilled by the decision, but he took it well and said the right things. Philbin -- who's getting good at these awkward sitdowns on his leather furniture -- stressed that Moore is "an important guy on this team to me and everybody."

Philbin's meeting with Tannehill was fairly boilerplate, though he noticed that Tannehill's shoes were untied. Seriously.

And finally, an unfortunate oversight by HBO

On Tuesday morning, the cable network acknowledged it misquoted former Saints special teamer Steve Gleason in transcripts sent out ahead of a "Real Sports" episode. On Tuesday night, they forgot to include Lauren Tannehill in the final cut of Episode 3. This obviously can't happen again, guys. Thanks.

 

[Raider Nation]

Campbell is a monster. Looks like he's in the weight room more often than 90% of the players.

 

[menobrown]

Philbin is Bill Lundberg from office space....except philbin says these words more- um, and, you know

Pretty good call.I've never seen or heard anyone fail to finish sentences or thoughts like Philbin. Must really get annoying being around him on a daily basis. He constantly breaks of his sentence and is basically looking for his listener to complete his thoughts or fill in the blanks. He strikes me as coordinator material, not HC material. He seems smart,just not a leader of men.

 

[kutta]

I think some of the Philbin criticism is a bit off base. These guys practice day and night, and Hard Knocks picks a couple snippets to show us. Just because he tells guys to clean up the locker room doesn't mean he's all that concerned about it. And the shoe-tying thing really isn't a big deal. Maybe he's just got a thing about that. It doesn't mean he's not studying film at all hours of the night.

It's a show meant for entertainment. We see what the director wants us to see, no matter how insignificant it is in real life.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

I may have changed my opinion after this week's show.

Belichick is locked in his office, studying film, trying to find new ways to out-scheme everyone.

Philbin is making sure his players pick up their candy wrappers.... IN A DISGUSTING LOCKER ROOM!

totally agree

 

[Bo Skiboski]

I find it amazing that some are writing Coach Philbin off based on a few episodes of a tv show. I think he has the potential to be a great head coach. A details man who's accessible to his players. He's handled everything they've shown pretty well, especially the whole Johnson thing which couldn't have been easy for a first time head coach to do with the cameras rolling. He's an o-line guy so I loved when he lit up when talking to Steinbach. My only lighthearted critique is that the chair and sofa are too close together in his office. He's practically touching knees with some of the big fellas that sit down with him.

There are many ways to be an effective head coach. You don't have to be a hard-assed screamer. I think when he does blow his top it's going to resonate big time because these guys see him being such an even-keeled guy, which is kind of what he was trying to say to Chad Johnson after Johnson's ridiculous press conference. If they don't get better talent on this team it's not going to matter. Vince Lombardi would go 0-16 if his team didn't have the talent to compete.

If anyone saw that Bill Belichick Football Life show on NFL Network, Belichick talked about how Parcells tore him a new one for the defense's performance. Belichick asked him what he should do and Parcells response was simply "fix it!" If they showed that on Hard Knocks people would be laying into Parcells saying how clueless and hands off he was. It's impossible to get a feel for how good a head coach these guys can be based on a few hours of reality TV.

 

[Maik Jeaunz]

I know it's only a few episodes in, but the vibe I get from Philbin is of the old guy in a short sleeve shirt and tie who manages the Housewares section at JC Penney. he probably has a stamp collection.

 

[werdnoynek]

I think some of the Philbin criticism is a bit off base. These guys practice day and night, and Hard Knocks picks a couple snippets to show us. Just because he tells guys to clean up the locker room doesn't mean he's all that concerned about it. And the shoe-tying thing really isn't a big deal. Maybe he's just got a thing about that. It doesn't mean he's not studying film at all hours of the night.It's a show meant for entertainment. We see what the director wants us to see, no matter how insignificant it is in real life.

 

[Raider Nation]

Eric Steinbach’s comeback attempt has come to an end.Dolphins coach Joe Philbin opened up his Wednesday press conference by announcing that Steinbach has decided to retire after nine seasons in the NFL. The news likely doesn’t come as much surprise to Hard Knocks watchers since they saw the guard tell Philbin that he wasn’t playing as well as he used to during this week’s installment.Steinbach missed all of last season with a back injury that still seemed to be affecting his play. Before the injury, Steinbach started 124 of the 125 games he played with the Bengals and Browns between 2003 and 2010. Steinbach, a third-round pick in 2003, played for Philbin during his college days at Iowa and got a nice sendoff from the coach.“I think a lot of him. I remember when he was 18 years old and it was like pulling teeth from him to get him to move from tight end,” Philbin said, via Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “He should have no regrets. He’s had an excellent career.”

 

[menobrown]

I find it amazing that some are writing Coach Philbin off based on a few episodes of a tv show. I think he has the potential to be a great head coach. A details man who's accessible to his players. He's handled everything they've shown pretty well, especially the whole Johnson thing which couldn't have been easy for a first time head coach to do with the cameras rolling. He's an o-line guy so I loved when he lit up when talking to Steinbach. My only lighthearted critique is that the chair and sofa are too close together in his office. He's practically touching knees with some of the big fellas that sit down with him.

There are many ways to be an effective head coach. You don't have to be a hard-assed screamer. I think when he does blow his top it's going to resonate big time because these guys see him being such an even-keeled guy, which is kind of what he was trying to say to Chad Johnson after Johnson's ridiculous press conference. If they don't get better talent on this team it's not going to matter. Vince Lombardi would go 0-16 if his team didn't have the talent to compete.

If anyone saw that Bill Belichick Football Life show on NFL Network, Belichick talked about how Parcells tore him a new one for the defense's performance. Belichick asked him what he should do and Parcells response was simply "fix it!" If they showed that on Hard Knocks people would be laying into Parcells saying how clueless and hands off he was. It's impossible to get a feel for how good a head coach these guys can be based on a few hours of reality TV.

You can pick up on things. Like you said it is kind of what he was trying to say to Chad Johnson after his press conference. Fact is he would not look him in the eye and did not really say anything which is why you are sitting here days later commenting that it was "kind of what he was trying to say" because he kept beating around the bush instead of just saying it.

This one really got to me from yesterdays episode. He told his players he basically had an open door policy and to feel free to come talk with him if they had an issue. This was followed by a few players approaching him to inquire about setting up a meeting. Instead of simply saying yes he did not respond to them before first looking at Ireland to get approval. If you still have this on your DVR go back and look. Not only terrible people skills but those players know who is the boss of that team and it's not Philbin.

 

[Bo Skiboski]

I find it amazing that some are writing Coach Philbin off based on a few episodes of a tv show. I think he has the potential to be a great head coach. A details man who's accessible to his players. He's handled everything they've shown pretty well, especially the whole Johnson thing which couldn't have been easy for a first time head coach to do with the cameras rolling. He's an o-line guy so I loved when he lit up when talking to Steinbach. My only lighthearted critique is that the chair and sofa are too close together in his office. He's practically touching knees with some of the big fellas that sit down with him.

There are many ways to be an effective head coach. You don't have to be a hard-assed screamer. I think when he does blow his top it's going to resonate big time because these guys see him being such an even-keeled guy, which is kind of what he was trying to say to Chad Johnson after Johnson's ridiculous press conference. If they don't get better talent on this team it's not going to matter. Vince Lombardi would go 0-16 if his team didn't have the talent to compete.

If anyone saw that Bill Belichick Football Life show on NFL Network, Belichick talked about how Parcells tore him a new one for the defense's performance. Belichick asked him what he should do and Parcells response was simply "fix it!" If they showed that on Hard Knocks people would be laying into Parcells saying how clueless and hands off he was. It's impossible to get a feel for how good a head coach these guys can be based on a few hours of reality TV.

You can pick up on things. Like you said it is kind of what he was trying to say to Chad Johnson after his press conference. Fact is he would not look him in the eye and did not really say anything which is why you are sitting here days later commenting that it was "kind of what he was trying to say" because he kept beating around the bush instead of just saying it.

This one really got to me from yesterdays episode. He told his players he basically had an open door policy and to feel free to come talk with him if they had an issue. This was followed by a few players approaching him to inquire about setting up a meeting. Instead of simply saying yes he did not respond to them before first looking at Ireland to get approval. If you still have this on your DVR go back and look. Not only terrible people skills but those players know who is the boss of that team and it's not Philbin.

I think you're reading an awful lot into that moment. I thought he looked at Ireland because Bush said he wanted to meet with both of them. Ireland ended up not being in that meeting but I don't think Philbin was looking for Ireland's approval, just common courtesy to see where he was at. I think it's obvious to anyone who's watched that Philbin would be open to meeting any player to discuss anything. As far as not looking Johnson in the eye, he was watching practice at the same time. He was multi-tasking. He's still finding his footing as a head coach. He's got 100 things on his mind. To say he's probably going to fail as the head guy because of the way he interacted with Johnson and Bush on the sideline is a huge leap I say. It is just my opinion and obviously he could fail, the team could go 0-16 and he could be fired. I am just saying it's possible for head coaches to have different styles and still be successful. Let's give him a season or so of real games to see where he's at instead of calling him a probable failure based on a hidden camera conversation.He's just a cerebral guy to me. You can see the wheels always turning with him as opposed to the last head coach they had on the show, Rex Ryan, who's the exact opposite. Ryan was/is a reactionary lug-head. But people loved him and lauded his coaching ability. I'm not saying Ryan isn't a good head coach I'm saying there are many ways to be successful.

 

[shadyridr]

Does Ireland do ANYTHING?

 

[-jb-]

Another example - when the players met with him to ask if he would involve them, he kept saying things like, "would it help if we..." or, "what do you guys think if..." It had not voice of authority. I would have expected someone in that position (as a head coach & the given circumstance) to say, "OK guys, I hear you. This is what we're going to do..."

 

[shadyridr]

Even in his meetings with Matt Moore & Tannehill he kept rambling on and on with a bunch of cliches. It was hard to listen to.