Meet the new Spags; same as the old Spags?

ROGER HENSLEY Friday, December 10, 2010 1:37 pm

QUESTION: What differences, if any, have you seen in head coach Steve Spagnuolo’s approach in his second season with the Rams?

JIM THOMAS

The basics haven’t changed. The message is the same. Spagnuolo is intense, yet sincere. Demanding but interested in more than just football when it comes to player relations. The practices remain demanding, but he knows when to back off. If anything, he seems just a bit more relaxed this season.

There’s a steep learning curve for a first-year head coach, and it appears that Spagnuolo has a better handle on just about everything that goes with having that job.

BILL COATS

One of the things that stands out about Spagnuolo – and he emphasizes this often – is that his approach really never changes. He’s a devoted one-game-at-a-time guy, he’s consistent in how he handles his players, and he preaches the mantra of never getting too high when things are going well or too low when they’re not.

JEFF GORDON

He is way more relaxed with the media. Winning some games probably helped that. Now that he is more comfortable, he is slightly more willing to address team mishaps and shortcomings. But I think he has been consistent in his dealings with the team itself and his approach to coaching.

On the tactical side, he has given the offense a bit more latitude as Sam Bradford proves himself. He actually gave the offense the chance to close out the Arizona win rather than putting that responsibility on the defense.

BRYAN BURWELL

The most notable change I’ve seen is how much more comfortable he is in front of the TV cameras. He seems to be far more willing to engage reporters who want to question his strategies, and he does it with some sly wit. It is just another sign of how comfortable he is in his role as the front man for the organization.

For the most part, on the football side the only noticable change is that he has been far more agressive this year defensively because he has upgraded personnel from last year.