Selassie I said:
Right after the ATL game, I remember Fish proclaiming that he was going to make the players committing the ST penalties a "Deal They Can't Refuse". He cited his past experience with this same "technique" getting the desired results. I did mention that I heard this after the ATL game didn't I?
It's more than just the penalties on STs too. That BS call on the punt last week that resulted in the punt being blocked. Come on.
I think Fish has always had a big part in the STs. He likes the trickery and he is a gambler with his STs. He's got a bunch of inexperience out on the field,,, and he's confusing THEM. I blame Fish for being too cute with this young unit.
I blame Fassel for making absolutely NO IMPROVEMENT in this area after 5 games. Talk about lack of execution... there it is.
As far as Fisher's role in the "trickery", I don't completely agree with that. It's one thing to be a gambler with Special Teams, its another to just get too cute for your own good.
Fisher's "role" in the "trickery" IMO, is simply to decide WHEN to make the call. The fake punt (incomplete pass) against Dallas was HIS decision to say yes or no. But the design of the play, and the specific design of the schemes is all on Fassel.
At some point, he needs to realize what he is dealing with, and quit being so damned cute. Who is he actually fooling with the motion on a punt coverage unit? It all breaks down IF Hekker doesn't get the ball to the designated sideline. Look at the return for a TD (that was called back). He motioned the gunner to the right side of the formation, because the kick was to be to that sideline. Instead, Hekker mishit the punt, and it went RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE of the field. the result?..... Return for a TD!!!!!
Again, this is the NFL, and these sort of gimmicks just don't fool anyone. Get back to the basics and just execute.