Greensboro, NC -- In the neverending copycat league also known as the NFL, we've seen a new trend in this decade; "team first." Created by the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI, the winning formula in the NFL, in addition to the X's and O's, has been implementing a team first mentality. During that famous Super Bowl (when U2 played the halftime show!), New England opted to enter the field as a team, rather than conduct individual player announcements. It made the Rams look foolish and full of themselves when they were later upset in the game. Since then, numerous teams now enter the field "as a team," such as the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII, coincidentally against those same Patriots.
This point is further illustrated when players on losing teams voice their displeasure. The Redskins, for a better part of this decade, were a team assembled by free agency. Free agents usually have the "me first" mentality, putting their numbers (and future earnings) interest ahead of the team. In the limelight this year are the Cowboys, who Jerry Jones built through silly trades and free agency. Conversely, the Giants, who used all 7 of their 2007 draft picks in the playoffs last year, have employed the "team first" mentality. We'll just have to wait and see how much longer some of them can keep their egos in check before large paydays are sought.
How do you get players to adjust to this mindset? I believe that it's simply winning and proving yourself as a coach. Tom Coughlin had no respect from fans or players last year around this time. But Coughlin continued to preach his principles, coupled with a some road playoff wins, and he made some believers. Then, like Belichick, once you win the big game, you don't have to preach, you're in the position to lead.
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