About the VR training aid

[JDSmith]

I know that the primary focus of the virtual reality training has been on the QBs, but it seems to me that it's almost as valuable to the guys who have to protect the QB - if a RB can't pick up the blitz or protect the QB he's not going to see the field.

It seems that recognition is probably the most important aspect of pass blocking for a RB - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just speculating. So if you have a guy like Williams, who's always been suspect in blitz pickup, wouldn't it be hugely beneficial to have him practicing his recognition with the VR headsets?

If the coaches can get him looking in the right direction, and are able to see what he's actually looking at in the event that he misses a pickup, it should make it a lot easier to either a) get him pointed in the right direction, or b) figure out that he's just never going to get it. And you get to do all of it without actually getting your QB pasted.

 

[speedkilz88]

New Virtual Reality Technology “Invaluable,” Backup QB Weeden Says

Jason Garrett

“Oftentimes you have to kind of pull yourself away to get the all-22 (players) shot,” Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said. “This allows you to get a little closer so you can coach better. You can see hand placement, you see where they have their feet, where they have their eyes. I think that’s important. You can look at that and coach them better being that much closer to the action.”

“For a lot of backup players, we emphasize doing whatever you can do to get yourself ready, whether it’s extra tape, extra time on the game plan,” Garrett said. “For quarterbacks, turn the radio off, turn the cell phone off when you’re driving around town, call the plays out loud, visualize yourself breaking the huddle, going to the line of scrimmage, making Mike (linebacker) IDs, pointing out guys on defense, putting yourself in that place. That’s been something we’ve emphasized for a long, long time, calling out reps.

“This virtual reality system that we have in place here with the Cowboys is a good tool for us to take the next step in regards to that. We’ve been working to lay a foundation over the last few weeks, and it’s been a tool that I think is going to be helpful for us as we go forward.”

Brandon Weeden

But with Romo healthier and fully participating in OTAs, this type of practice simulation behind center, including the ability to hear the calls Romo makes at the line of scrimmage, is “invaluable,” Weeden says.

“You can rewind it as many times as you want and really get a grasp of fine tuning each play,” he said. “Out there (on the field) it happens so fast, you’re kind of running plays and it’s rapid fire. In there it gives you the ability to rewind it, really understand it.

“They’re on to something. It’s a cool deal.”

 

[USMarineVet]

I know that the primary focus of the virtual reality training has been on the QBs, but it seems to me that it's almost as valuable to the guys who have to protect the QB - if a RB can't pick up the blitz or protect the QB he's not going to see the field.

It seems that recognition is probably the most important aspect of pass blocking for a RB - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just speculating. So if you have a guy like Williams, who's always been suspect in blitz pickup, wouldn't it be hugely beneficial to have him practicing his recognition with the VR headsets?

If the coaches can get him looking in the right direction, and are able to see what he's actually looking at in the event that he misses a pickup, it should make it a lot easier to either a) get him pointed in the right direction, or b) figure out that he's just never going to get it. And you get to do all of it without actually getting your QB pasted.

I see it as a valuable asset at every position. QB is obvious. May be a little more difficult to assess the linemen. (I don't know the spread of the field of vision) but it will certainly help our RBs when evaluating their choices as to which hole they chose to run through. CB may be a little difficult to read as they're primary focus will be on the receiver but it should give a lot of feedback from the LB and Safety positions when it comes to scanning the field.

I expect the rest of the league to follow suit on this in the very near future.

 

[AbeBeta]

I see it as a valuable asset at every position. QB is obvious. May be a little more difficult to assess the linemen. (I don't know the spread of the field of vision) but it will certainly help our RBs when evaluating their choices as to which hole they chose to run through. CB may be a little difficult to read as they're primary focus will be on the receiver but it should give a lot of feedback from the LB and Safety positions when it comes to scanning the field.

I expect the rest of the league to follow suit on this in the very near future.

If I recall, the primary focus was on the guys who play in more space. QBs and DBs for the most part - I can see that as the more trench type players aren't reading as much as the play.