Quick Football Book Reviews

I read two football books around the time of the Superbowl. Here are my thoughts.

(1) Education of a Coach - David Halberstam

This is a biography of Bill Belichick written by one of the best writers of the 20th century. Basically, Belichick has an amazing level of dedication to becoming the smartest football coach on the planet. It is a focused, unwavering, and complete dedication (as opposed to the “I really like my job” level). I enjoyed the book, but it raised serious issues for me while watching the Superbowl. Basically, the Patriots never adjusted to the pressure of the Giants pass-rush in the Superbowl. How is it possible that the smartest football coach ever was unable to make this adjustment until the end of the 4th quarter??? I need answers. Here’s my guess: Belichick focused his efforts on the defensive side of the ball, and he left his high octane offense to the offensive coordinator (after all, the Patriots scored over 35 points the last time they played the Giants). If this is correct, it is time to find a new offensive coordinator.

(2) Blind Side - by Michael Lewis

This book is, in general, about the increasing importance of the left tackle (e.g., the left tackle is now the 2nd or 3rd highest paid position on the football team). The first chapter focuses on Lawrence Taylor breaking Joe Thiesman’s leg after getting past the back-up left tackle, and this is probably the most interesting chapter in the book. Most of the remainder of the book is a biography of Michael Oher, who start life in extreme poverty in West Memphis, but later was taken in by a wealthy family and he is now one of the top left tackle prospects in the country (and playing for Ole Miss). Over all, a very interesting book.