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Chat with Mike Martz
Former NFL head coach Mike Martz checked in for a live chat on Tuesday, August 25, discussing his thoughts on the Wildcat, utilizing Devin Hester, the best backup QBs in the NFL and more.
NFL.com
Hey everyone, thanks for joining us for today's live chat with Coach Martz. Coach is finishing up taping a segment for Total Access right now, and will be by in about 10 minutes. Good questions so far -- keep them coming.
Bradley , Burbank, CA 06:14 PM ET
What do you think about the Wildcat, being a former Offensive Coordinator?
Mike Martz
I think it's an exciting addition. I'm a little nervous about exposing the QB, though. It has its place, but you have to be judicious with it.
Dano, Lake Havasu, AZ 06:15 PM ET
Hello Coach, thanks for taking my question! Just wanted your opinion on the best way to use Devin Hester with the offense and special teams?
Mike Martz
Offensively, when you put Devin inside a slot and move him around, there's a mismatch in coverage. You can still get him deep in the middle of the field, too. It's so easy to get a slot receiver the ball compared to an outside reciever. The route running should never be an issue -- that's just being a pro and learning it. But getting the ball to him quickly in slot and letting him go with it is key.
Curt, Saskatoon, Canada 06:17 PM ET
Looks like the Seniors Comittee selected Dick Lebeau as a finalist for the HOF next year. About time, huh? What did you find most challenging when devising a gameplan vs a Lebeau Defense? Wow, Sounds like he was a good Player too. Good work, Dick!
Mike Martz
Dick understand protections better than anyone in the league other than Jimmy Johnson. He understands not only how you're protecting, but the personnel weaknesses. His trademark is running over blockers, when defenders pinpoint one blocker, attack him, engage him, and run him over. They're so physical when they blitz -- much moreso than anyone in the league.
Mike, TX 06:19 PM ET
Which is tougher, trying to win a superbowl or spittin footbalk on National TV?
Mike Martz
LOL Mike. I think the TV is tougher!
Duane, Oregon 06:19 PM ET
what would you say is the most difficult offensive position to coach and why?
Mike Martz
I would say QB. There's just so many different philsophies of coaching QBs. It's more diverse than any other position. There's even disagreement in just their fundamentals. I enjoy coaching it because I firmly in what we do, but in general I think it's hard. Coaching QBs is more what not to tell them than what to tell them.
Sean, Mobile, Al 06:22 PM ET
Why aren't teams pursuing Marvin Harrison ? no one knows Peyton Manning better.
Mike Martz
I think everybody looks at Harrison as a short-term solution to a problem. He's been in one system for so long, if your system is different, that would concern you.
Blake, Coquitlam 06:23 PM ET
Hi Mike. When you were coaching did you prefer playing against attacking/blitzing D's or patient ones? Which base D do you think is easier to gameplan: 4-3 or 3-4? Thanks.
Mike Martz
I prefered to go against an attacking or blitzing defense. I always felt we could create confusing and get someone free. Those are always good teams to run the ball against, too. When you hit a big run, it often goes the distance.
As far as the 4-3 and the 3-4, it really depends on the numbers on the jerseys. That's what will make it difficult. A case in point would be Reggie White -- it doesn't matter what defense you lined him up in, it was going to be interesting.
Pat Marion, NJ 06:25 PM ET
Coach Martz if you had the chance to coach one QB from the all time list who would that be, and what would make them your choice?
Mike Martz
There's just so many. I was fortunate enough to have Kurt Warner. Where do you go from there?
But some that I enjoy and have great respect for are Joe Montana, Steve Young, Joe Namath ... so many would be fun to coach. I find Steve Young very interesting, because he could do so much with his legs.
Robert C., Washington 06:30 PM ET
If A Starting Quarterback Went Down For The Season (Like Brady Did Last Year), Who Do You Think The Best Back-up Quaterback Would Be?
Mike Martz
John Kitna. I believe he's a starter in this league. Ryan Fitzpatrick. He has everything it takes, he has it all. He'll get another opportunity, too, to lead a team, I'm sure.
Justin Davis, Schoolcraft,MI 06:33 PM ET
Who was the greatest defensive player you have ever played against as a coach or coordinator?
Mike Martz
I would say Reggie White or Ray Lewis. Pick your poison.
RM, Weston, FL 06:34 PM ET
Hi Mike. What are your thoughts on Steven Jackson this year. Is the Ram's passing game strong enough to keep defenses honest and prevent them from keying on Jackson every down?
Mike Martz
I think Jackson, if they can get the offensive line corrected, he is a franchise player. He can dominate a game. No, their passing game isn't strong enough. The biggest issue for them is being good enough on the outside. That will be a big issue this season.
Steve, Chicago 06:36 PM ET
How far will the Bears go with Jay Cutler?
Mike Martz
I think Jay is an elite QB, who has a whole lot ahead of him. He's a franchise-type player. He can take them as far as they need to go.
Josh Crumpton, Niagara Falls NY 06:36 PM ET
Do you think Marc Bulger is still a starting NFL quarterback as far as talent.
Mike Martz
Yes, his talent has never been in question. He's an elite player. The biggest question has been what's going on around him, in terms of his recievers and offensive line. They've had a tough time protecting him. Marc hasn't changed.
Jelperman, TX 06:38 PM ET
I know you, Norv Turner and many other coaches use variants of Don Coryell's offense, while many others use Bill Walsh's scheme. Question: Why does almost every team use the shotgun nowadays, when Coryell and Walsh didn't, nor did their many imitators until 10-15 years ago? Norv Turner had his best years in Dallas without it. I'm not a fan of it, since it removes all doubt that the upcoming will be anything but a pass or a draw. I should think that staying under center -even on passing downs- combined with the occasional running play (not a draw) on 3rd and 5 or more would create doubt in a defense -especially if that handoff was to a back who was a scoring threat in his own right. In other words, a tactical loss but a strategic win.
Mike Martz
I think you're seeing the shotgun a lot more on third down. Some of that is because of the college system, and young QBs are comfortable with that. As you said, it takes away so many opportunities when you're in shotgun. It has its place, but I think it should be limited to third downs.
TJ Smith, Batavia Ohio 06:40 PM ET
Who was the most gifted player you have ever coached?
Mike Martz
That list starts with Marshall Faulk. No one else is even close, unless Michael Jordan was playing football.
anthony, california 06:41 PM ET
what runningback today reminds you most of marshall faulk?
Mike Martz
LaDainian Tomlinson. They both have change of direction, in being able to stop and go and make people miss. They're both explosive.
Justin, NC 06:42 PM ET
How would you use Micheal Vick in your offense?
Mike Martz
I would train him as a QB, and when he's comfortable with that, utilize him in different positions as well. He can absolutely do other things on the field with the ball in his hands.
Mike Martz
OK, thanks to everyone who sent in questions today. I'm out of time, I have to start getting ready for today's Total Access on NFL Network. I'll be on today with Fran Charles and Charles Davis. We'll be on at the top of the hour, at 7 p.m. ET.
Thanks again, good chatting with you as always.
Coach.
Former NFL head coach Mike Martz checked in for a live chat on Tuesday, August 25, discussing his thoughts on the Wildcat, utilizing Devin Hester, the best backup QBs in the NFL and more.
NFL.com
Hey everyone, thanks for joining us for today's live chat with Coach Martz. Coach is finishing up taping a segment for Total Access right now, and will be by in about 10 minutes. Good questions so far -- keep them coming.
Bradley , Burbank, CA 06:14 PM ET
What do you think about the Wildcat, being a former Offensive Coordinator?
Mike Martz
I think it's an exciting addition. I'm a little nervous about exposing the QB, though. It has its place, but you have to be judicious with it.
Dano, Lake Havasu, AZ 06:15 PM ET
Hello Coach, thanks for taking my question! Just wanted your opinion on the best way to use Devin Hester with the offense and special teams?
Mike Martz
Offensively, when you put Devin inside a slot and move him around, there's a mismatch in coverage. You can still get him deep in the middle of the field, too. It's so easy to get a slot receiver the ball compared to an outside reciever. The route running should never be an issue -- that's just being a pro and learning it. But getting the ball to him quickly in slot and letting him go with it is key.
Curt, Saskatoon, Canada 06:17 PM ET
Looks like the Seniors Comittee selected Dick Lebeau as a finalist for the HOF next year. About time, huh? What did you find most challenging when devising a gameplan vs a Lebeau Defense? Wow, Sounds like he was a good Player too. Good work, Dick!
Mike Martz
Dick understand protections better than anyone in the league other than Jimmy Johnson. He understands not only how you're protecting, but the personnel weaknesses. His trademark is running over blockers, when defenders pinpoint one blocker, attack him, engage him, and run him over. They're so physical when they blitz -- much moreso than anyone in the league.
Mike, TX 06:19 PM ET
Which is tougher, trying to win a superbowl or spittin footbalk on National TV?
Mike Martz
LOL Mike. I think the TV is tougher!
Duane, Oregon 06:19 PM ET
what would you say is the most difficult offensive position to coach and why?
Mike Martz
I would say QB. There's just so many different philsophies of coaching QBs. It's more diverse than any other position. There's even disagreement in just their fundamentals. I enjoy coaching it because I firmly in what we do, but in general I think it's hard. Coaching QBs is more what not to tell them than what to tell them.
Sean, Mobile, Al 06:22 PM ET
Why aren't teams pursuing Marvin Harrison ? no one knows Peyton Manning better.
Mike Martz
I think everybody looks at Harrison as a short-term solution to a problem. He's been in one system for so long, if your system is different, that would concern you.
Blake, Coquitlam 06:23 PM ET
Hi Mike. When you were coaching did you prefer playing against attacking/blitzing D's or patient ones? Which base D do you think is easier to gameplan: 4-3 or 3-4? Thanks.
Mike Martz
I prefered to go against an attacking or blitzing defense. I always felt we could create confusing and get someone free. Those are always good teams to run the ball against, too. When you hit a big run, it often goes the distance.
As far as the 4-3 and the 3-4, it really depends on the numbers on the jerseys. That's what will make it difficult. A case in point would be Reggie White -- it doesn't matter what defense you lined him up in, it was going to be interesting.
Pat Marion, NJ 06:25 PM ET
Coach Martz if you had the chance to coach one QB from the all time list who would that be, and what would make them your choice?
Mike Martz
There's just so many. I was fortunate enough to have Kurt Warner. Where do you go from there?
But some that I enjoy and have great respect for are Joe Montana, Steve Young, Joe Namath ... so many would be fun to coach. I find Steve Young very interesting, because he could do so much with his legs.
Robert C., Washington 06:30 PM ET
If A Starting Quarterback Went Down For The Season (Like Brady Did Last Year), Who Do You Think The Best Back-up Quaterback Would Be?
Mike Martz
John Kitna. I believe he's a starter in this league. Ryan Fitzpatrick. He has everything it takes, he has it all. He'll get another opportunity, too, to lead a team, I'm sure.
Justin Davis, Schoolcraft,MI 06:33 PM ET
Who was the greatest defensive player you have ever played against as a coach or coordinator?
Mike Martz
I would say Reggie White or Ray Lewis. Pick your poison.
RM, Weston, FL 06:34 PM ET
Hi Mike. What are your thoughts on Steven Jackson this year. Is the Ram's passing game strong enough to keep defenses honest and prevent them from keying on Jackson every down?
Mike Martz
I think Jackson, if they can get the offensive line corrected, he is a franchise player. He can dominate a game. No, their passing game isn't strong enough. The biggest issue for them is being good enough on the outside. That will be a big issue this season.
Steve, Chicago 06:36 PM ET
How far will the Bears go with Jay Cutler?
Mike Martz
I think Jay is an elite QB, who has a whole lot ahead of him. He's a franchise-type player. He can take them as far as they need to go.
Josh Crumpton, Niagara Falls NY 06:36 PM ET
Do you think Marc Bulger is still a starting NFL quarterback as far as talent.
Mike Martz
Yes, his talent has never been in question. He's an elite player. The biggest question has been what's going on around him, in terms of his recievers and offensive line. They've had a tough time protecting him. Marc hasn't changed.
Jelperman, TX 06:38 PM ET
I know you, Norv Turner and many other coaches use variants of Don Coryell's offense, while many others use Bill Walsh's scheme. Question: Why does almost every team use the shotgun nowadays, when Coryell and Walsh didn't, nor did their many imitators until 10-15 years ago? Norv Turner had his best years in Dallas without it. I'm not a fan of it, since it removes all doubt that the upcoming will be anything but a pass or a draw. I should think that staying under center -even on passing downs- combined with the occasional running play (not a draw) on 3rd and 5 or more would create doubt in a defense -especially if that handoff was to a back who was a scoring threat in his own right. In other words, a tactical loss but a strategic win.
Mike Martz
I think you're seeing the shotgun a lot more on third down. Some of that is because of the college system, and young QBs are comfortable with that. As you said, it takes away so many opportunities when you're in shotgun. It has its place, but I think it should be limited to third downs.
TJ Smith, Batavia Ohio 06:40 PM ET
Who was the most gifted player you have ever coached?
Mike Martz
That list starts with Marshall Faulk. No one else is even close, unless Michael Jordan was playing football.
anthony, california 06:41 PM ET
what runningback today reminds you most of marshall faulk?
Mike Martz
LaDainian Tomlinson. They both have change of direction, in being able to stop and go and make people miss. They're both explosive.
Justin, NC 06:42 PM ET
How would you use Micheal Vick in your offense?
Mike Martz
I would train him as a QB, and when he's comfortable with that, utilize him in different positions as well. He can absolutely do other things on the field with the ball in his hands.
Mike Martz
OK, thanks to everyone who sent in questions today. I'm out of time, I have to start getting ready for today's Total Access on NFL Network. I'll be on today with Fran Charles and Charles Davis. We'll be on at the top of the hour, at 7 p.m. ET.
Thanks again, good chatting with you as always.
Coach.
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