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Sometimes you have to take these things with a grain of salt . . .
But sometimes not.
I’m talking about when team websites interview mainstream media reporters, and ask them about their team.
This is very common. You see it a lot on the Jets’ website.
Like at the owner’s meeting they interviewed a number of reporters to ask them about the Jets, including ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio.
The reason sometimes you need to take these interviews with a grain of salt is clearly the team is looking for positive answers about their team, and the kind of lead the witness with the nature of the questions. Also, the person being interviewed, knows it’s a team website, and they don’t want to come across as a jerk, bashing that team, so they generally give the team what they want, positive answers.
“When I look at the offseason and I look at free agency and coaching changes, I say two things,” Paolantonio told newyorkjets.com. “Did you change the balance of power on your team, and did you change the balance of power in your division? I think the answer to the first question is definitely yes.”
This is a very esoteric answer. While I understand “Sal Pal” isn’t going to say the Jets have changed the balance of power in the division, with the defending champions around. And if he did, it would make big news, and honestly, we all know it’s premature to say that anyway. So I get that.
As for changing the “balance of power” within a team, I don’t totally understand the concept. I understand they added some new players, but I still don’t get that concept related to a team.
To me, balance of power, is more in relation to a group of things, not within the framework of a single entity – like saying the “balance of power in the Middle East” when talking about nation states in that region.
His second answer, I totally agree with.
“I think Gregg Williams will bring a different energy into those meeting rooms, a different level of expectation into those meeting rooms,” Paolantonio said. “Gregg Williams will hold guys accountable in a very vocal way.”
This is so true.
So hire was huge for the Jets.
Not only a great defensive coordinator, but a guy who will hold the defense accountable, something that was lacking in recent years. If a guy isn’t getting the job done, or not playing hard enough, Williams is going to plant his butt on the bench, and not worry about hurting feelings.
Obviously it’s the job of Adam Gase to keep the whole team accountable, offense, defense and special teams. And he will try and do this.
But Williams is the defensive boos and has been given tremendous autonomy on that side of the ball. He’s essentially the head coach of the defense.
The Williams’ addition to the Jets is huge, and should make a big difference on that side of the ball.
March 29, 2019
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