MHR University - 2008 Final Exams!

by Steve Nichols on Aug 6, 2008 10:04 AM MDT in MHR University

Congratulations! I and the rest of the faculty at MHR University want to thank everyone for a terrific year. Your final exam is going to help MHR-U to better serve you in the next reloading season by grading the series itself. First, please read the following articles (if you haven't read them already), and then answer the following questions.

To start your exam, read on...

Here is a list of the MHR University articles for the 2008 term. Read any that you've missed.

The Importance of Endurance, where we discussed how endurance is a critical trait in football.
Defensive Theory, where we discussed how different defensive coordinators approach the game.
The Coming Storm (Magic 3), a discussion about the evolutions and trends in offense, the future of offense, and the theory behind the three TE system.
The '08 Defensive System(?), where we discussed some possibilities for what Slowik might run, and an overview of the zone blitz system.
What is WCO, Spread, and Coryell?, where we defined the terms "West Coast Offense", "Spread Offense", and "Coryell", and discussed the proper understanding and history of each.
DL Gaps and Techniques, where we learned the meaning of "gaps" and "technique" as they apply to the defensive line, and demystified some terms.
The Cornerback Position, where we defined coverages types and differing CB roles.
Zone Blocking, where zone blocking was defined, the difference between cut and chop blocking was defined, and MHR endured a troll attack in the comments section. (The MHR Debate Team also trounces a troll). MHR's first use of the "Ban Gun", and quite a moment in MHR history.
The Bootleg Play, where we discuss one of Denver's (and Houston's) favorite and more spectacular plays.
Building Cred at MHR Part One, and Part Two. This short series was on how to put together a good post, as well as how to fit in on the friendliest sports site on the net.
Deciphering the Reloading Season, where I made a few predictions (before some FA signings and the draft) and what might happen. Looking back, I did pretty well (despite some glaring misses).
Cover Two Systems, where we define the term in the proper context, cleared up some common misunderstandings, and picked up some pros and cons to watch for.
Modern 3-4 Defense Systems, where we discussed the three systems in use today in the 3-4 formations, and again cleared up some media-borne misunderstandings. Some pro and con discussions for each.
The Nickel Formations, a discussion of the purpose behind, and variations of the nickel formation.
The Importance of Speed, which discusses some aspects of speed in football.
RB Depth Schemes, a brief article that defines how teams assign different roles to RBs, not in terms of power or speed, but in terms of rotation types.
The "Show Blitz" System, a discussion of the system run by Denver under Coyer in the past and possibly to be run in '08 under Slowik.
Creating a Roster / Depth Chart, and the second part in the short series Roster Part 2, Now it Gets Hard!, a discussion about what can go into determing a roster and depth chart for offense and defense respectively.
Some Tricks for Reading a Defense, where we briefly covered how offensive coordinators can pick apart a defense.
Tailgate Food!, where we took a fun little departure from Xs and Os to discuss football food.
Understanding the Run Contain System, a system that failed in Denver miserably, but is perhaps misunderstood by the fans that were burned by it.
Researching the Opponent, a discussion on what some coaches look for when breaking down the opponent.
How to Watch Preseason Games, A look at what I'll be wathcing for in the '08 preseason.

Now just answer the following questions. Feel free to be brief or to expand where you feel comfortable. Your answers will help me to adjust the MHR-U series to better reflect what YOU want, so that I can better serve the MHR family. Don't sweat over the test. YOU aren't the one being graded! : )

1. Which of the articles did you like best, and why?

2. Which did you like least, and why?

3. What would you like to see in future articles?

4. What does the writer do well or not do well in articles or comments?

5. Is the writer responsive to questions? Are the answers helpful?

6. Are the article and and comments too simplistic, over your head, or just about right?

7. What can be done to make MHR-U better in the next reloading season?

Thanks to everyone for a terrific reloading season at MHR-U. There will be some articles during the regular season, but most of my time will be devoted to changing gears back to doing the game preps for the site. We'll be using a lot of the terms and knowledge we've gained in the reloading season to help us in dong our pre-game match-ups.

And remember, as always, any questions you have can be put in the comments section whether it is a MHR-U or Game Prep story. We're all here to serve you, the fans of the best pro football team on the planet.

GO BRONCOS!

Tweet Comment 23 comments | 1 recs |

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Comments

ok, here we go.

1. Which of the articles did you like best, and why?

My favorite one was the one on Zone Blocking. The reason is that we tend to hear so much about it and its usually vague(because the media people don’t understand it enough to inform us fans), so it was nice to be properly informed. ;)

2. Which did you like least, and why?

I’m not sure…if I had to pick one. .... I guess Tailgate food since it was just a fun diversion from X’s and O’s. :P

3. What would you like to see in future articles?

I know you are a defensive guy, but it would be nice to have some in depth coverage on the offense and special teams. I think you have a strong enough sense of X’s and O’s to educate people on the finer aspects of the offense and special teams.

4. What does the writer do well or not do well in articles or comments?

You get an A here. No one does a better job at responding to comments than you, my man!

5. Is the writer responsive to questions? Are the answers helpful?

See above. Yes. :P

6. Are the article and and comments too simplistic, over your head, or just about right?

One of the main reasons why you rarely see me comment on your posts is because I lack the confidence to say anything when it comes to alot of your analysis’. So I suppose that means I am over my head much of the time. Though I have a feeling that come next reload season I will be more apt to get involved based on what I have learned since you started MHR U.

7. What can be done to make MHR-U better in the next reloading season?

See #3 above. And I am grateful for all the hard work you put into this series, so thank you!!

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08
The Quest ~ TSG 5/19/08

by Tim Lynch on Aug 6, 2008 11:44 AM MDT reply actions

I'll definately try to get in some more work on the offense.

Everyone has a weakness or two (or three). I’m not up at all on STs except for a few minor points (for example, a few techniques for kicking onside). But I can do a better job getting more offensive systems into the mix.

Thanks!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 6, 2008 11:57 AM MDT up reply actions

all good

I’ve certainly learned a lot from this series HT, growing up where football is a minority sport a lot of the topics you covered were new to me and certainly will add to my viewing over the coming season on TV and definitely for my first live NFL match, the Saints against the Bolts at Wembley in October.

and the sing along songs will be our scriptures - we gotta stay positive!

by Orange & Blue Badger on Aug 6, 2008 12:04 PM MDT reply actions

When is the Saints/Evil game?

I will be arriving in England (Oxford) on October 1, and while tickets are probably far more than I will be able to afford on a college student budget (especially with the exchange rate the way it is…) it would definitely be fun to go to a football game on the other side of the pond, mainly because it will be an interesting sociological exercise to compare American football fans and British football fans (and I would probably have to talk all the “hooligans” into accepting that our football is football too).

And it goes without saying that if I did go, I would be as fervent a Saints fan as anyone who grew up within spitting distance of the Superdome.

Free Casey Weathers!!!!

by Silverblood on Aug 7, 2008 8:35 PM MDT up reply actions

i think tickets are few and far between

the game is October 26. We all had to state to NFLUK how many tickets we wanted and of course it was oversubscribed, lucky names were then randomly chosen for various phases of ticket sales and given a password for purchasing tickets on the ticketmaster website. I think at least two ticketing phases have been done now. Luckily a buddy of mine was in the first phase so we got in early and bagged lower tier seats. 2 tickets including the ridiculous service charges and postage etc etc came to just shy of £180 (so thats roughly $350 I think?).

I think there is one general sale still to come which is open to all comers, failing that I have no doubt the touts and scalpers will be around on the day for anyone who doesn’t have a ticket but I can’t imagine that’ll be cheap.

and the sing along songs will be our scriptures - we gotta stay positive!

by Orange & Blue Badger on Aug 8, 2008 3:38 PM MDT up reply actions

Remember to cheer for the Saints!

We need for SD to lose as much as possible (as they are in our division, and the Saints are not even in our conference). Glad to have you helping the effort out over the pond!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 6, 2008 12:08 PM MDT reply actions

saints for sure

As a Portsmouth fan cheering for a team called the Saints is alien to me, thats the nickname of our local rivals, Southampton. But I will certainly be a Saints fan at Wembley and our tickets are close enough to the front near the east endzone, that a little abuse may have to go Mr Rivers way.

and the sing along songs will be our scriptures - we gotta stay positive!

by Orange & Blue Badger on Aug 6, 2008 12:13 PM MDT up reply actions

Does the new "Fan Conduct Policy"

Apply to International Stadiums as well? :)

"It's all over Fat Man"

- Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

by DesertBroncoFan on Aug 6, 2008 2:51 PM MDT up reply actions

probably

I know that at the game at Wembley last year the fans were allowed beers in the stands, something that would never happen at a football match at Wembley, so NFL rules probably do apply! I’ll have to keep the abuse subtle ;)

and the sing along songs will be our scriptures - we gotta stay positive!

by Orange & Blue Badger on Aug 6, 2008 2:54 PM MDT up reply actions

Not so subtle

that Phyllis misses it, I hope!

"It's all over Fat Man"

- Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

by DesertBroncoFan on Aug 6, 2008 3:26 PM MDT up reply actions

Cover 2

was the article that brought me here originally. That one covered exactly what I wanted to know, but I thought they were all extremely well done. I have to admit to being a bit like Mdierk, some of them went over my head and I couldn’t really form coherent questions. I suspect that has more to do with me than you though. :-)

I enjoyed all of them and really appreciate the effort and expertise they show. I find the diagrams very useful, but can’t always distinguish what position each X or O represents. I would also be interested in looking at more offensive sets. It would be very cool if you had a diagram and youtube video that corresponded so that you could see it drawn up on paper, then see how it looks on the field.

I did have one question, not related to anything. There was a reporter covering the Bolts talking about a five linebacker set? He didn’t go into to detail, but is that replacing one of the defensive line with a LB or do they take out a DB? I’m guessing that they pull one of the defensive line, and then blitz with 1, 2, 3 or 4 of the LB’s creating confusion by making the OLine guess which will be coming. I have never heard of it before.

"He's doing everything a receiver would do except catch the ball." Mike Shanahan

by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 6, 2008 3:11 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks so much for the input.

I’ll make a point of naming every X and O from here on out. Also, if anything ever seems over your head, or if you’re having a hard time forming a question, let me know. If the article (or elements of it) aren’t making sense to you, it isn’t making sense to someone else too. I need to know so I can simplify it more. This is something I want to make sure of in the future; simplifying the work a bit more.

I’m not up on my computer skills enough to do any animation type stuff yet, but I might get there. Styg is the primary person who’s gotten me as far as I have gotten so far, and I wouldn’t have a clue how to even do the diagrams without him. As I grow in my computer knowledge, I hope I can do some motion diagrams to help things along. Great idea!

The 3-5 is almost unheard of. To my knowledge, the strong safety moves up as the fifth linebacker, and the formation rarely (if ever) features a true fifth linebacker (though it could, I suppose). I am not familiar with a similar formation where a defensive lineman is pulled for a fifth linebacker.

The closest thing was when the Jets played NE one year and used a 1-6 formation. They had 1 lineman and five true LBs with the SS playing as the sixth (but that’s a six LB formation). Other than that, NE has used a “Half Dollar” formation, with no linemen. It’s a 0-4-7, and features four LBs, four CBs, and three safeties.

That’s all pretty rare stuff, and gimmicky (but fun!). I’m not familiar with the plays run out of those types of formations at all. They might work in a rare case, but aren’t effective enough to be used often. In HS, you might throw out a weird formation to force the opposing team to call a time out. At the pro level a weird formation might work for a play, but will probably not cause a time out by the opposition.

I don’t know enough about the 3-5 to tell you a lot. I imagine a 3-4 team might employ it if:

1. They are confident enough against the pass game that they want another player near the line,
2. The passer is killing them, and they want to disguise blitz and coverage possibilities.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 6, 2008 4:17 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Thanks for all the links.

I love football, yet I am not knowledgeable on all the terms that you have covered such as all the defensive formations. They really clear up some things for me and give me somewhat of an idea of what the announcers are talking about when they go into detail.

I really like it all and don’t have anything bad to say because I definatly learned something.

Good work HT and looking forward to your weekly matchups of our opponents (or victims) :)

by weazel on Aug 6, 2008 6:49 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks!

Let me know if there is a subject you would ever want covered.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 7, 2008 7:07 AM MDT up reply actions

After Carefull Thought

I offer these comments.

1. Which of the articles did you like best, and why?
I liked tham all, but if I have to pick I go for DL Gaps and Techniques. This really opened my eyes as to how little I know of modern football.

2. Which did you like least, and why?
Once again, I liked thm all, but if forced to pick I reluctantly select Tailgate Food.

3. What would you like to see in future articles?
Encore to DL Gaps and Techniques and Building Credibility at MHR, Parts one and two. There are a lot of new members who will like the pointers on what it takes here in terms of behaviour.

4. What does the writer do well or not do well in articles or comments?
Displays excellent in-dept hknowledge of X’s and O’s and explains them to us in shirtsleeve English.

5. Is the writer responsive to questions? Are the answers helpful?
Yes and Hell Yes!!

6. Are the article and and comments too simplistic, over your head, or just about right?
Borderline over the head, which IMHO is just right as it stretches you to learn.

7. What can be done to make MHR-U better in the next reloading season?
Simply keep up the excellent work. As new members arrive, some segments will have to be replayed.

When samparnnel directed me to this site I was immediatly impressed with the depth of knowledge and polite nature of the members. After lurking for a while I realized that most of the people who commented and posted were all pretty much like me (well, maybe a little younger, but you get my point), except they all seemed to have a really good grasp of fundamental X’s and O’s. Then I realized that the reason they were better informed was because of this guy HT and his MHR University. About the time I worked up the courage to actually sign up, a fantastic Post was published on “How to Build Cred at MHR” and I realized this site was much, much more than a Bronco blog. It was a community where like-minded fans could gather. They are all free to disagree and in fact encouraged to do so in a respectful manner. It also became apparent to me that the members of this community knew one another and cared for one another. Guru has done an impressive job of assembling his editorial staff, and you HT are one of the main reasons this is not only the best Bronco web site, but perhaps the best blog in the entire Sports Nation.

I extend an Alaska size Thank You for all of your contributions.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Aug 7, 2008 2:50 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks so much FirstFan.

Based on your comment, and the comments of others, I’m going to do some articles that aren’t just about systems, but about the fundemental basics, ie, positions, formations, terminology, etc. That way most members can be more up on the terms we use when discussing concepts like systems. I think the Gaps and Techniques article was popular because it involved a couple of diagrams and the base information was clearer because it all played off the diagrams. I’ll try to do more of that.

I also want to tip my hat back to you. I think you have done a great job of showing folks what the site is about, and practicing what you preach. If I get up to Alaska I hope to meet the great FirstFan (and the Mrs.) in person. It would be a rare privilege.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 7, 2008 3:19 PM MDT up reply actions

The diagrams are very helpful

but I think it is the guy drawing them that makes it what it is. Thanks for your kind words. I am off to training camp tonight. My first practice will be the 12th. I guarantee I will be watching the lines!

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Aug 7, 2008 4:44 PM MDT up reply actions

Have a great time!

I can’t wait to read about what you saw!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 8, 2008 3:19 AM MDT up reply actions

ALMOST IMPOSIBLE TO PICK...

I became an MHR MEMBER approx. 6 months ago, but have been a Bronco fan since 86. When you posted this article i actually had to take two days of free time to go back and read all of the articles that i had missed. That was a bunch. Guess u could say that i crammed 4 this QUIZ!

The nickle is my favorite, although for MANY reasons, having to pick a fav was “asking a little much!” The crash coarse education was top drawer and like a previous member stated, “it will open my eyes to look for so much more during a game then what I normally would.”

The reason why I enjoyed the “nickle” is the way that it was written. You started right out by putting us in the game! The writing was excellent in terms of the way it made me feal like “I”, was on the sidelines.

The one I liked the least is the last one, how to watch preseason games because here in Nashville TN. I never get to watch them, so that reminder just commenced to piss me off… I thought the article was good though!

In the future it would be cool to hear about some of the Front office stuff. Things like, how and when staff meet each day, the types of things that are covered in prep 4 the day, and how that changes from MON-SUN, how that differs based upon head coaches and thier styles,etc.

4. Sorry, i’m not a crittic. You do, however, manage to always keep my interest throughout each article, and you are not afraid to add a link to another”expert” on a particular sujec. Your time and research are appreciated! 5 Always #6 Perfect 7 DON’T QUIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by metalman5050 on Aug 8, 2008 4:21 PM MDT reply actions

Thank you!

In the future it would be cool to hear about some of the Front office stuff. Things like, how and when staff meet each day, the types of things that are covered in prep 4 the day, and how that changes from MON-SUN, how that differs based upon head coaches and thier styles,etc.

I’m afraid that sometimes I have to say I don’t know the answer to a question. I coached HS defense, and my only knowledge of the pros and college came from many terrific seminars our program sent us to. I never really learned about the daily routine in the front office. I know a little (a very little) about coaches schedules, but not how it varies from team to team. I’ll try to put up a story on that (remind me when the series kicks off).

Thanks again!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 8, 2008 5:56 PM MDT up reply actions

I appreciate the reply. Thanx again 4 an excellent year of education! I just wish that I could afford to send you the tuition that I am certain that I owe! lol

by metalman5050 on Aug 8, 2008 6:47 PM MDT up reply actions

Final Exam

1. Which of the articles did you like best, and why?
Tough to pick just one, but the Defensive Gaps and Techniques probably my fav. As a former offensive guy I’m really out of touch with modern defensive concepts.

2. Which did you like least, and why? – none

3. What would you like to see in future articles?
I would like more on keys to watch for, particlularly regarding individual techniques & matchups. Announcers are always (over) stating the obvious. I am amazed how often they don’t mention the more subtle things that I’m aware of. Makes me wonder how much I’m not seeing in the parts of the game I don’t know as well.

4. What does the writer do well or not do well in articles or comments?
I particularly enjoy it when you explain different systems and how they match up. The article on 3-4 defenses was especially good at this.

5. Is the writer responsive to questions? Are the answers helpful?
I’m new here but it looks that way.

6. Are the article and and comments too simplistic, over your head, or just about right?
Sometimes, probably due to space and time constraints, you use terms without fully explaining them. When you have provided other resources It is very helpful.

7. What can be done to make MHR-U better in the next reloading season?
Just keep em coming.

As an aside, to me, the zone blocking system seems identical to Lombardi’s old “Run to Daylight” system. If you have time, could you explain the difference.

by SlowWhiteGuy on Aug 15, 2008 2:13 PM MDT reply actions

I've like everything that I've seen

but maybe for a future article you explain how QB rating is calculated. I think it’s based on attempts, completions, yards and takes into account drops, but I’m not sure.

I thought I saw from the Dallas preseason game that when Jay was 12 for 12 he didn’t have a perfect QB rating. How could that happen? What more can you expect him to do?

"It's all over Fat Man"
- Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I wouldn't say he's nowhere near T.O."
- Pacman Jones on Brandon Marshall

by DesertBroncoFan on Aug 19, 2008 5:35 PM MDT reply actions