Analysis
7/8/21
3 min read
Stories Worth a Look or Listen: Lessons From an NBA Success Story
Each week, the 33rd Team shares some links and information regarding NFL stories, articles and podcasts we find valuable. This week, we lead with an NBA success story that NFL general managers might find helpful when it comes to roster development…
Will the Hawks Become the New Model for NBA Rebuilds?
Author: Jonathan Tjarks
Three things you need to know:
- Atlanta Hawks GM Travis Schlenk has built his roster not by searching for the best players, but rather by finding prospects that complement each other. Trading Luka Doncic for Trae Young and a first-round pick is the foremost example.
- Despite moving up in the lottery only once, Schlenk has prioritized length with Kevin Huerter, De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish to account for star PG Trae Young’s defensive liabilities, even if they aren’t superb scorers.
- This, and other stellar drafting, has left Atlanta with a lineup that consists of five promising first-round picks all under the age of 23 who can all start together and complement each other.
Five NFL teams with an Achilles’ heel that could derail their 2021 season
Author: Sam Monson
Three things you need to know:
- Pittsburgh’s offensive line will be a big issue. They’re projected to lose 3,645 snaps worth of players with Chukwuma Okorafor being the only projected starter left from their starting five last season.
- Ryan Fitzpatrick has been an average QB over the last three seasons; he ranks as the 15th-best QB according to PFF. That grade comes with its highs and lows, too. Can the rest of Washington’s team play good enough to win with average QB play?
- Kansas City’s offensive line will serve as a test--how important is cohesion along the line? They will welcome five new starters along their offensive line, with Mike Remmers being the only lineman who played snaps for them in 2020.
Move the Sticks with Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks
Top Position Battles in the NFC and Elite 11 QB Competition Recap
Three things you need to know:
- East vs. West Shrine Bowl has been moved and will be in Las Vegas during the week of the NFL’s Pro Bowl. It will be on a Thursday night and will occur two days after the Senior Bowl.
- Something where the NFL can learn from the MLB: more patience needs to be expressed when evaluating the QB position. It should fluctuate depending on the QB’s situation out of college and should be evaluated more by their in-game reps, not their games played.
- Positional battle to watch in the NFC: Jameis Winston vs. Taysom Hill. Winston should win out at some point--he will allow Sean Payton to run more of his offense because of his arm. Hill starting, takes away from his dynamic ability.
Flying Coach
with Sean McVay and Peter Schrager
Three things you need to know:
- The last four quality control coaches to work under Kyle Shanahan were Matt LaFleur, Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel and Mike LaFleur.
- Mike Shanahan told his son from a young age that, if he ever wanted to coach with him, he had to pay his dues and coach elsewhere first so that other coaches would respect him.
- When he was interviewing for head coaching jobs, Kyle Shanahan nearly cancelled his San Francisco interview because he wanted an established quarterback.
