Mike Smith and His Coaching Staff Need Less Confidence

     Did you notice the real difference between year one and year two for the coaching staff? Mike Smith started to believe he was as good as everyone was telling him he was. This happens all the time in sports but it really surprised me with Smith. His personality doesn't seem like the kind that would change his coaching because of praise and fan adoration.

     I hope he goes back to his first year style of coaching. He helped players exceed expectations. He didn't push plays or players based upon his EGO. In his second year it was a different story. He tried to run the ball when that wasn't working. He browbeat players into returning too soon and it cost the team.

     Just go with what is working and keep your ego out of it. I don't care if you take baby steps with Matt Ryan just don't try to overwhelm him so he throws another late pass out to the flat and gets picked again. Take it slower and maximize your personnel, don't just try something just because you want it to happen.

     Get back to evaluating players not personalities. Brent Grimes is athletic but too small to cover bigs guys and tackle. Maybe Owens will be better in his second year. Finneran is willing but not much else any more.

     I am looking forward to the draft and I am sure Coach Smith and Thomas Dimitrov will address the real needs of the team. I just wish they could remember the time before they were so sure that they knew what they were doing. I know it is more difficult to upgrade a good team but I think they can do it if they can get humble again.