Training camp is supposed to be a time when players cut out all the distractions and get the chance to focus solely on football and all it's details in preparation for the season.
This is where a coach like Andy Reid utilizes every second by meticulously planning the pracitces and the drills so that the players get the most out their work. Andy puts in the playbook with precision by working on accompanying plays during each day. The plays will be installed on the night before the workout or in an afternoon meeting. Reid believes that challenging his team with an abundance of information makes them develope their ability to focus.
He'll put in a running play then put in that play's accompanying play action pass and screen that are very similar, so that they look the same to the defense. It's similar to philosophy of a Cole Hamels' change up, which looks identical to his fastball. A good offensive coordinator sets up a defense, in much the same way as a pitcher sets up a hitter. On the defensive side, this is the time when Jim Johnson should be pressuring Jevon Kearse to develop a strong inside move. Kearse already has a great speed rush around the corner, but doesn't have a counter move inside that shortens the corner.
Reid has assembled a staff that emphasizes teaching, so that players not only know what their assignments are, but they also know why they're being asked to do their assignments. Each player must know what is in the mind of the offensive coordinator when he designed the play. If you know a play in that depth, you will be able to figure out how to make a adjustments if the defense tries to counter the offensive strategy. A good offense or defense can make adjustments because they understand the strategy behind the call.
Players must also learn what is the strategy during specific situations such as the two-minute drill, red zone, goalline, and when the team is backed up. They have to work on calling time outs at the right time and be ready for time when the speaker goes out in the quarterback's helmet.
There has been a change in the NFL in that teams do a lot of their intense detail work during the off season, so they don't have to stay at training camp over an extended period of time.
The Eagles always practice with a good tempo and get quality work in because Andy doesn't tolerate reporters and fans getting the team distracted. It's another reason why Andy let the team down by allowing Terrell Owens to distract the team during the training camp after their Super Bowl appearance. If you don't get focused now, you'll see that lack of detailed work show up during the season. It's one of the main reasons that the NFL and the Falcons made a move to keep Michael Vick out of training camp because he would have made it a waste of time.
