Ask Jim Owczarski

[jowczarski]

(03-23-2018, 07:11 PM)McC Wrote: Jim--

At PBS, what's the mood these days?  I would think they would be feeling pretty good.  Lot of work to do but a good start so far.  I would imagine all the new coaches would be getting pretty antsy to start seeing their guys.  Lot of planning what to do at this stage, I would imagine.  Are they ready to go?  Are they anxious to get on the field?  Do coaches need time to gel like players do?  Are they getting along so far?  (What I'm hoping to hear--pumped about what they've done so far, know there's a lot more to do, chomping at the bit to get started).

Of all the coaches, maybe Frank Pollack might have the most daunting task.  He can't see what he has in person going into the draft.  He has film but can you tell if a guy will take to what you're teaching on film?  And we will have a lineup that has never worked as a unit, with at least three and possibly four new players on it.  And he's teaching them a different way than the last guy. Got his work cut out for him, wouldn't you say?

Finally, what is your level of optimism at this point?

Well, we're not allowed in the building at this point but obviously just in talking to guys - a lot of optimism in house. But they know they're not done with the OL. So there is an air of 'not satisfied' - which is important for a team that's missed the playoffs the last two years. I do think coaches need that time together, but this is what they do so I think it comes together a bit quicker than most. I think this will be the case offensively - Lazor hired two guys and chose to keep Caskey and Hayes. So I feel he's running. Austin will be interesting. His entire staff was handed to him, so that may take some time ... but I guess we'll see how that plays out in camp/preseason. 

Yeah, Pollack has the toughest task by far. Not only can he not work with his guys at all until April, he can't put them in pads. He can't let 'em hit or block. It's definitely a hurry up and wait situation there.

I guess I can't get optimistic or pessimistic. Last year I predicted an 8-8 season because I had no faith in the OL. They finished 7-9 and nearly made the playoffs if not for two blown halftime leads vs. GB and Pitt. (So I was right :-D). But I also said they were a 10-win team if the OL was even average. I'm going to stick with that for now, just based on the healthy talent on paper. 10 wins. When I make my official prediction we'll have a better idea of the OL, Lazor's offense, Austin's defense...but to me, it's playoff talent.