Reduction of Mistakes

With two games remaining in the 2012 football season the Orange find themselves with five wins and five losses.  We are no different than any other team in the country; mistakes have kept us from being 7-3 or maybe even 9-1.

As a coach, I preach to my players about the two types of mistakes; physical and mental.  Physical mistakes are mistakes that are made because the opposition is simply too big, too fast or too strong.  The recruitment and signing of bigger, faster and stronger recruits is one way to reduce physical mistakes.  Another way physical mistakes can be reduced is by off-season strength and conditioning programs.  Physical mistakes cannot be fixed overnight and in most cases cannot be fixed during a season.

Mental mistakes are mistakes that are made because of lack of concentration.  Things like jumping offside, forgetting assignments are lining up out of position are mental mistakes.  Through good coaching and hard work mental mistakes can be reduced quickly. 

I believe we are on our way to reducing physical mistakes through good prospect identification and recruiting.  The area where we continue to struggle season after season and game after game is in regards to mental mistakes.  We consistently get false start penalties on third and short.  We consistently leave our lanes on punt and kick coverage.  It seems that at least once a game we get a fifteen yard penalty for a late hit or unsportsmanlike conduct.

When examining the differences between when Coach Marrone was hired and now, I believe Coach Marrone is doing a very good job.  I believe he is effectively managing the Syracuse football program.  He has a plan that he has been able to, at least partially, implement.  The recruiting and identification of "under the radar" type recruits has improved on a yearly basis.  The major area where I think Coach Marrone needs improve is getting his players to eliminate the mental mistakes. 

Demanding discipline in practice and in games is something that can lead to less mental mistakes.  However, even demanding discipline will not magically make all mental mistakes disappear.  Both the supporters of Coach Marrone and the critics have to realize that he isn't the one kicking the ball, tackling the ball carrier or jumping off side when it is third and inches.  As a coach I can tell you that just because something is taught and practiced repeatedly, doesn't necessarily mean it will show up on the field on game day!