I'll give you the 'ball control via run the ball / stop the run' philosophical dogma is still the foundation. However, there's no denying the evolution of his strategical approach to the game.
For starters, he's playing to win.
- The decisiveness to go for it: Past would have taken a delay of game and 2 timeouts before deciding to try to convert a 4th down. Followed by some "completely unexpected" attempt to run up the gut into the teeth of an 8 man box.
- The aggressiveness in going for it: He's willing to sacrifice points -- at least an attempt to get points -- to go for it. Not just in short-yardage but 4th and 6?
- He's using every second to try to score. Last week and earlier game (don't recall opponent) Hawks successfully get TD's as time ticks down at end of 1st half. Past they would've taken a knee and run out the clock.
He's playing the reward, rather than the risk.
- 4th down, inside opponents 40 was an automatic punt in the past. Now, he realizes the likelihood that the shift in field position is more than likely minimal (with a touchback punt), why not just go for the 1st down and sacrifice the few yards if you don't get it.
He's allowing his playmakers to play and make plays.
- He switched to CJ. It's not even a debate he should've played most of last year, for all the reasons that have been proven, this year. (Remember, after a blowout game last season, derKirkFer actually chastised CJ in his post game comments for making a play with his legs, late in the game. It was pathetic!)
- Wadley continues to play. In the past, the first game Daniels was healthy enough to go, Wadley was back on the bench to avoid the possibility of a fumble. Daniels had seniority, experience and was bigger, so presumed to be the better blitz-blocker and "gave them the best chance to win".
The conservative, risk-averse and often times, cowardly derKirkFer has transformed into New Kirk - a coach who gives his players votes of confidence that they can succeed, and puts them in strategical positions to do so, rather than restrict them with inherent schematic / dogmatic obstacles; a coach that gives them opportunities to compete and contribute, rather than punish them for what they lack in skill, experience or age.
I could care less if the nickname goes away. I just don't want the evolved attitude and competitiveness to go away.
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