Good points as always, but from one Coach to another...Do you agree that Schotty seems to call the same exact plays when he's in a tough spot? Now I agree you go back to what's working, but at the goal line it seems I've seen the same exact play run time and time again. Now I've seen Schottenheimer more than most being that he was with the Jets, but my hope is that he needs to be a tad more creative and maybe having a lights out running game will improve the play action.
I don't think the issue is his tendency to call the same plays, as much as it is about the players NOT executing. While I realize the game is so much more advanced with detailed scouting, knowing "tendencies" etc. At the end of the day for me, especially if they are in short yardage and goalline situations, its about beating the man across from you. There are only so many defensive looks you are going to see in these situations, so missing an assignment is inexcusable. While part of that can be attributed to the many injuries on the O-line, but the bottom line, is, execute the play, block YOUR man, and the play will be successful.
I think if he has has one fault in these situations, he tends to outsmart himself by trying to get too cute with his play calls. How often have we seen him throw the ball on 1st and goal, (incomplete), now forcing his hand into throwing on all 3 downs?
And to this point, I recall his success rate in New York to be very good in RedZone %, WHEN they could run the ball. Didn't they finish as high as 2nd in the league one year in RZ %?
(execution vs. play calling)