Sparano's Sideline Manorism

[Doc-phin]

After the 1st 3 preseason games I can't help but notice how jerky Sparano appears on the sideline, particularly toward his players.  He only gets in the face of his back-ups, which in itself isn't right since the #1's haven't done anything all that great themselves.  He lays into players in a way that seems more annoying than affective. 

Don't you think Hilliard knows his roster spot is on the line and a fumble is an epic negative toward that chance?  But Sparano thinks it is best to belittle him on top of that.

And don't act like you can't read his lips, because I can and most of what he is saying has nothing to do with football and a lot to do with using profanity and threats.  I like a disciplinarian, but he looks ignorant and out of control at times.  I appreciate Tony's passion and decision making (situational), but IMO he needs to take it down a notch because it looks like it is close to a point that is not good for the success of the team.

Keep in mind, I like Sparano; I just think this is an area he should consider adjusting in the interest of team success.  At the very least, he could handle his business when the cameras aren't rolling.

[Dave Gray]

I did notice several F-Bombs, and I'm no lip reader.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Doc, this is EXACTLY what this team needs.  If a player knows he's gonna get an ass-chewing and possibly a boot in his ass if he lets down, he aint gonna let down. 

Do you think even ONE player from Wanny's time ever felt that boot?

[Doc-phin]

Do you think even ONE player from Wanny's time ever felt that boot?

This will get you going...

Wanny wasn't bad with player motivation or relations, in fact he was mostly good in this area.  Wanny was a horrible strategist and game planner (or idiot may be more to your liking).  Accountability is a bigger boot than any amount of frustration venting. 

I can't believe I said something good about him!

[Sunstroke]

I have to agree with Tommy (may the lord have mercy on my soul)...I absolutely LOVE Coach Sparano's sideline behavior. I want Tony to show by example the passion he wants his players to lay out on the field. I want to know that his head (and all appendages) are still in the game regardless of the game situation. I want nothing less from Tony Sparano than Mickey wanted out of Rocky Balboa... I want him to eat lightning and crap thunder. I want him to be that greasy fast Italian monster. And then I want his team to go out there and knock Apollo Creed on his ass...or tackle him or something.

[Phishfan]

I also have to agree with Doc. Having met him, I just think Doc's personal style clashes with Sparano's and in this case I think it is a good thing. No offense Doc, but Sparano is exactly what this team needs. I couldn't disagree more that Wanny was a good motivator. He was good with relations, but that doesn't equate to motivation in my book. This teams hasn't really had anyone in its face since Marino quit yelling at receivers.

[Doc-phin]

I will never understand why many fans like it when players get anger taken out on them.  What I saw wasn't just passion and it wasn't coaching.  I didn't see a lot of motivating (some, but not a lot), mostly expression of frustration.

I like some of the vocal stuff, but there have been points in each game that I saw as counterproductive, not to mention unprofessional and potentially embarrassing to the organization.  I guess I will just have to leave it at that.

I understand those who disagree.  After all, I don't want a softee coaching this team either.  The question is, can you have the best of both worlds?  I would answer with yes, especially if you are compensating a person with millions of dollars in salary.

[Sunstroke]

What I saw wasn't just passion and it wasn't coaching. 

Always enjoyable to see how one person interprets another person's behavior...whether it's accurate or not.

[Doc-phin]

Always enjoyable to see how one person interprets another person's behavior...whether it's accurate or not.

True.  Observations nearly always include error in interpretation.  Then again, some people observe closer than others.

[Sunstroke]

Agreed... Have you been hanging out on the Dolphins' sideline or inside Tony's cranium lately?

[Doc-phin]

Agreed... Have you been hanging out on the Dolphins' sideline or inside Tony's cranium lately?

Why?  Did you see me there?  I find the only way to observe somebody is to stand next to them or actually go inside their head.  Luckily, my psychic abilities allow me to do just that.

[Sunstroke]

Why?  Did you see me there? 
...
Luckily, my psychic abilities allow me to do just that.

Two confessions, Doc...

1) I like ya well enough, but couldn't pick you out of a line-up to save my life...so if you were on the sideline, I wouldn't know it until you told me.

2) My psychic accreditation expired this past month...I have to go with my gut until I can get that renewed. My gut tells me that I want Tony's boiler room to keep the heat turned up high on this young Dolphins squad.

[Doc-phin]

Two confessions, Doc...

1) I like ya well enough, but couldn't pick you out of a line-up to save my life...so if you were on the sideline, I wouldn't know it until you told me.

2) My psychic accreditation expired this past month...I have to go with my gut until I can get that renewed. My gut tells me that I want Tony's boiler room to keep the heat turned up high on this young Dolphins squad.

I understand, and I just prefer to stay more or less anonymous.  No slight meant toward anyone.  I am simply a big Dolphins fan who likes the escape that this gives me on free moments during the day and I don't have many NFL enthusiest friends.  I also have no problem if nobody agrees with me, I still feel a little better saying it.  I wasn't sure if I was the only one that saw/thought this, perhaps I am. 

But don't get worried about the psychic thing, it is a lifetime membership.   

[YoFuggedaboutit]

I understand, and I just prefer to stay more or less anonymous.  No slight meant toward anyone.  I am simply a big Dolphins fan who likes the escape that this gives me on free moments during the day and I don't have many NFL enthusiest friends.  I also have no problem if nobody agrees with me, I still feel a little better saying it.  I wasn't sure if I was the only one that saw/thought this, perhaps I am. 

But don't get worried about the psychic thing, it is a lifetime membership.   

I disagree with your take on Sparano's mannerisms, but you do have a valid point.  You gotta know when to go off on someone and when not to.  These guys are young and need to learn not to make mistakes like that on the field.

On a personal note, where do you live?  Phishfan says he met you.  If you live in Central FL, hop on by one of our get togethers.

[BigDaddyFin]

I like his mannerisms just fine.  I think his attitude in practice may be more important during games.  The drive to succeed is more important because it becomes infectious and his players seem to catch that.  Hopefully it will continue to spread.  A coach's affect on you will depend more on your personality anyways.  The two best examples that I know of are Tony Sparano (screamer, always wound up) and Wade Phillips (coddles his players, about as exciting as watching paint dry).  Either approach can work, but I would like to point out that Sparano is equally excited when something good happens as he is pissed off when someone screws up.  As long as he continues like that, I think the players will be able to handle it.