Even though I'm watching the OTA's from the sidelines, I can't help but get excited. Right now, the d-linemen, they approach the field with a purpose, and I think it's a credit to our defensive line coach, Jethro Franklin. He gets those boys out there and they're working hard. I love what I'm seeing.
Sometimes it's tough to watch from the sidelines. I throw in my two cents here and there when I'm watching the workouts, but I want to let Jethro do the coaching. I don't want to say anything to step on his toes. If he asks me to give my opinion, I will. But right now, all of the guys are working hard and they're doing great out there, so I just try to encourage them and let them know that I'm with them and I wish I could be out there.
Of course, Jethro isn't alone coaching the d-line. Frank Bush, the senior defensive assistant, also is pretty hands-on. Jethro and Frank work well together, almost like a tag team. Sometimes it comes off a little bit as good cop-bad cop. Jethro is a screamer, and he's going to get the most out of you. And sometimes Frank comes in and he gives you the same message in a different tone, and I think that works. I think it's going to work wonders for us.
Coaches that are yellers don't bother me at all. If you can't take someone yelling at you, you would never have made it this far. And the underlying factor is that coaches are trying to make you better. They're not yelling at you just to dog-cuss you or get you down. They want to make you a better football player, and I think as long as you understand that, you won't have a problem. So far, I think everyone has responded well.
Aside from the coaches, I think that the addition of a veteran like Jeff Zgonina is really going to help out the d-line. Jeff is so big and chiseled that he looks like a G.I. Joe character. The thing about Jeff is that he's spent 15 years in the league, but he still runs like he's a rookie. Guys see that and they realize why this guy has played 15 years. Because all he does when he hits that field is work. Our young guys can feed off that and hopefully can use that and see that that's what they have to do to be successful in this league.
I know I'm paying attention.
Talk soon.
Take care,
Anthony **
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