NFL Week 4: John Harbaugh vs. Mike Tomlin and the Top Five Coaching Match-Ups
The one position on the field that's more important than any other isn't even on the field.
The head coach is like a predator. He paces the sideline, thinking, observing, quietly calculating his next move, and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Several of this week's games will feature a meeting of the minds, as reputable head coaches face off.
Of course, they will influence the outcome of the game, but they will not solely determine it. Other factors come into play, such as having the correct personnel to execute a game plan. So here, I'll take a look at the key head coach matchups in Week 4, coupled with some analysis of what to expect, and what will influence the outcome of the game.
5. Ken Whisenhunt Vs. Norv Turner
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Two of the game's most prolific offensive play-callers go head-to-head in this one. Unfortunately, Whisenhunt is without the top-end personnel at certain talent positions (say it with me: Derek Anderson).
Norv Turner, on the other hand, recently got Marcus McNeill back in the lineup. Although he's still a little rusty from missing all of training camp and the first two weeks of the season, the Chargers have their offensive jolt from their All-Pro-level quarterback (say it with me: Philip Rivers).
If ever there was evidence that consistent play from the quarterback is all the difference, Arizona is it.
Advantage: San Diego Chargers
4. Lovie Smith Vs. Tom Coughlin
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Both Tom Coughlin and Lovie Smith were considered on the hot seat entering the 2010 season. Smith's seat has cooled down, but Coughlin can feel his chair warming up after two embarrassing losses in a row.
Chicago's offense (ranked fourth in passing yards) continues to ride the strengths of Mike Martz's offense, while the Giants' defense (ranked fourth in passing yards...no that's not a typo) has adjustments to be made overall (ranked 30th with 28.3 points allowed per game).
Chicago's defense has given up 261 yards per game through the air, and ranks 26th in the league in pass defense, but doesn't give up a lot of points (17 points per game, 10th in the league). Similarly, the Giants' offense has given itself every opportunity to score with its ninth-ranked pass attack, amassing 368 yards per game, but has been unable to punch it in and averages a meager 18.3 points per game, 20th in the league.
In a way, we already know what to expect, but it will be up to the coaches to either remain consistent or to make a statement and improve.
Advantage: Chicago Bears
3. Mike Shanahan Vs. Andy Reid
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The matchup between Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb will inevitably steal the headlines, but the head coaching battle will be the one that decides the outcome of this game.
Andy Reid and Mike Shanahan will have duels of their own, twice a year. The two coaches are regarded as two of the best at it, and the game will be the ultimate definition of a chess match, with each one understanding that the most important thing is a win.
Both have the personnel to execute their gameplan, and both know how to draw up the right plays at the right time. This one will be a struggle to the very end.
Advantage: Washington Redskins
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2. Bill Belichick Vs. Tony Sparano
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Two coaches from the Bill Parcells coaching tree have found their way into the AFC East and face off twice a year. The series is currently split at two apiece between Bill Belichick and Tony Sparano, with each team enjoying both a rout and a narrow victory.
With that in mind, it has clearly come down to coaching in the past, and the two head honchos could ultimately decide the fate of this game once again.
This will really be a tale of two polar opposites in terms of personnel: the Patriots' defense has given up points at will, but has scored with the same frequency. The Dolphins, however, have found their success in low-scoring contests as they rely on their defense.
Something's got to give. In big games, though, I'll take Bill Belichick and the Patriots offense against Sparano's defense. New England's shoddy defense aside, they've proven they can win as long as their offense outperforms the other teams.
Advantage: New England Patriots
1. John Harbaugh Vs. Mike Tomlin
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The two heavyweights of the AFC North square off yet again in what has been a storied rivalry of late. With both teams vying for the AFC North, these games have grown increasingly competitive and fun to watch. The outcomes have been decided by a total of 22 points—4.4 points per game.
The Ravens lost a close game to the Bengals in Week 2, in another episode of the Ravens' never-ending saga of ridiculous late hits on the quarterback drawing penalties. Despite that, they proved that they can get it done on defense against the Jets in a 10-9 win in Week 1, and their pass attack lit up the boards with three touchdown passes against the Browns in a 24-17 win on Sunday.
Whether Charlie Batch looked good against an inferior defense or not, one fact can't be avoided—Tomlin seems to have every player on defense in the right place at the right time. They've stifled opposing offenses this season, only forfeiting two touchdowns through their first three games. They've also proven they can get it done on offense, even without franchise QB Ben Roethlisberger (who returns after this game).
The two defenses look ready to hold down the fort in what will be a close one to the finish.
Advantage: Pittsburgh Steelers
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