ESPN Watkins: Norv Turner vs. Wade Phillips on December

[WoodysGirl]

By Calvin Watkins

The Chargers and Cowboys face each other in two weeks, and how each team approaches the end of the season is a sharp contrast as to why they’ve been on opposite ends of the postseason spectrum.

San Diego, under Norv Turner, is 9-0 in December the last two years with at least one AFC title game appearance and three playoffs wins.

Dallas, under Wade Phillips during the same time span, is 3-5 with one playoff appearance -- a loss.

Phillips said you take the games in December one at a time.

When asked about trying to get off to a good start in December by beating the Giants on Sunday, he said: “We’re playing in December? I know its Sunday. It will be a good start on Sundays.”

Turner said you have to divide a season into quarters, and this final one is the biggest.

“Seasons are broken up into different segments,” Turner said. “There is a period in the middle where there is a mindset of, ‘Hey, we’ve just got to get done what we can get done to make sure we’re in position to do what we need to do in December.’ I think there is a little bit of that mentality, but I think the closer you get and you understand that you’re playing for an opportunity to continue to play, the sense of urgency heightens.”

In Phillips’ defense, somewhat, he has spoken to his group about playing in December. He tells them to forget about the past.

What about embracing it and going forward.

LINK

 

[Boyzmamacita]

By Calvin Watkins

In Phillips’ defense, somewhat, he has spoken to his group about playing in December. He tells them to forget about the past.

What about embracing it and going forward.

No matter what Wade says, he just can't win.

 

[WarDaddy]

No matter what Wade says, he just can't win.

Until he wins...

 

[CATCH17]

By Calvin Watkins



“Seasons are broken up into different segments,” Turner said. “There is a period in the middle where there is a mindset of, ‘Hey, we’ve just got to get done what we can get done to make sure we’re in position to do what we need to do in December.’ I think there is a little bit of that mentality, but I think the closer you get and you understand that you’re playing for an opportunity to continue to play, the sense of urgency heightens.”

In Phillips’ defense, somewhat, he has spoken to his group about playing in December. He tells them to forget about the past.

What about embracing it and going forward.

LINK

I think this past weekend showed that.

Things pick up in December and these teams who have dorked around all year are now going to try and play catch up.

Business has picked up and the real deal Holyfield part of the season is on its way.

 

[jgboys1]

If Wade's team does another late season collapse, like they have in the past, he will make Norv Turner look like Vince Lombardi. I hope Wade has this team fired up and ready to go on Sunday vs the gnats. This is it, no more excuses.

 

[theebs]

excellent week to write an article about the chargers and cowboys.

right on the money calvin.

maybe calvin could write an article breaking down how he would coach the cowboys to the playoffs.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

excellent week to write an article about the chargers and cowboys.

right on the money calvin.

maybe calvin could write an article breaking down how he would coach the cowboys to the playoffs.

Pretty much took the words right out of my mouth.

BTW, I'm pretty sure Belichick preaches one game and only one game -- the upcoming game -- at at time. And Belichick > Norv.

 

[rcaldw]

Gotta admit, though, that Norv has done a pretty good job in San Diego. I know they were lucky to make the playoffs last year, but they did, and they have won playoff games and even gone to the AFC Championship game. I would not be shocked if they are the AFC representative in the Super Bowl this year.

 

[Royal Laegotti]

It wouldn't matter if Norv were HC here, he would suck in December just as Wade has. This team has been falling apart in December long before Wade got here. It's more of a Jerry thing than a Wade thing. Norv coaching here couldn't change that.

 

[rcaldw]

It wouldn't matter if Norv were HC here, he would suck in December just as Wade has. This team has been falling apart in December long before Wade got here. It's more of a Jerry thing than a Wade thing. Norv coaching here couldn't change that.

I only wanted Norv here, originally, in preference to Wade and a few of the other names being floated at the time. I'm happy for Norv, but I think he runs a sloppy team a lot like Wade does.

I believe we need someone along the lines of a Jimmy Johnson. A guy who is confident, who can communicate, who is a disciplinarian but also knows how to handle the star players. A guy who is the clear leader on his football team. I don't care if he is an offensive mind or a defensive mind, because if he has those qualities he will find quality assistants, will delegate to them what they do best, and he will guide the ship.

Even the best coaches make mistakes, Jimmy did too, but the best coaches don't make excuses and won't be settled until they achieve victory.

I don't care who the next guy is as long as he is one of those kind of guys.

 

[Royal Laegotti]

I only wanted Norv here, originally, in preference to Wade and a few of the other names being floated at the time. I'm happy for Norv, but I think he runs a sloppy team a lot like Wade does.

I believe we need someone along the lines of a Jimmy Johnson. A guy who is confident, who can communicate, who is a disciplinarian but also knows how to handle the star players. A guy who is the clear leader on his football team. I don't care if he is an offensive mind or a defensive mind, because if he has those qualities he will find quality assistants, will delegate to them what they do best, and he will guide the ship.

Even the best coaches make mistakes, Jimmy did too, but the best coaches don't make excuses and won't be settled until they achieve victory.

I don't care who the next guy is as long as he is one of those kind of guys.

Sounds like we want the same coach. Call me a cynic but if that guy is out there to be hired and Jerry Jones knew it and could do it I don't think he would. Jerry wants to be the star at VR. Another Johnson/Parcells type would rob him of that.