A Neu Theme in 2009? [Updated]
by captainqtp on Aug 6, 2009 4:33 AM PDT
11 comments
Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N
If relentless optimism was the dominant theme in 2008, are we up for a change in 2009? I've been noticing a trend in the articles on BN and also among other media outlets of a certain brash confidence among our players (offense and defense) and coaching staff. So far, I like it. It is fun to see, and I'm sure it will be even more fun to watch on the field. It isn't like we've never had confidence before, but this year it seems like everyone is bringing it up to another level.
When you have confidence like that it means the players and coaches know what they're about and believe in the system. It is the polar opposite of what Washington had in 2008. Our guys are going to be able to step onto to the field and make instant, unthinking decisions. It's exactly what this team needs.
Today, the sense of exuberant or brash confidence was evident in yet another article about Rick Neuheisel's challenge to USC and Pete Carroll (Nestor quotes from it on the front page today, 8-5-2009). In the article, Neuheisel calls USC our prey.
"It's like we're fishing," Neuheisel says. "We can feel them messing with the lure. We're trying to get them to bite."
Well, I'd say they bit in the offseason with the whole Ken Norton debacle. USC came out of that looking petty and UCLA smelling like roses (like we should!). He finishes the article with a reminder that UCLA isn't going to back down when it comes to getting the top LA recruits. Check out the Bruins Nation front page for more. More on the swagger after the jump.
8-10-2009 UPDATE Rick Neuheisel and swagger.
"You can't have any swagger around here unless you're playing for first place."
Reggie Carter calls this new attitude swagger. He showed some of that on the PAC-10 media day. He promised us a bowl game and had something to say about being placed 7th in the PAC-10 media poll.
(spt_usc_uc_06.713 (via Beretta627))
"They talked bad about Jesus too," Carter said...
"...We'll just show them. All bandwagon jumpers are welcome, once we start dominating. It's OK. I'll save you a seat, come on by."
I don't know about you, but that quote had me laughing.
Yesterday, Kai Maiava's voice joined the chorus in an LA Times article featuring our offensive line.
"It won't be like last year."
We're even getting some swagger from the freshmen!
Receivers coach Reggie Moore lauded Presley for always playing at the same speed, even when making mistakes. Moore said it is natural for true freshmen to be hesitant as they learn to get comfortable playing at a new level. Presley seemed to offset that youth with his confidence and determination to stand out. There was a noticeable swagger to his game, a sense of, I know what I'm doing.
I think this attitude is rubbing off on Bruins Nation as well. After all, Westwood78 says we're going to win the national championship this year! Bruin4ver says we're going to win 10 games. Heck, why not? Maybe some of this swagger has rubbed off on me too!
What do you guys think? Is swagger going to supplant relentless optimism as the dominant theme in 2009? If it does, I don't think it's a bad thing. A sort brash and exuberant confidence seems like the next logical step up from relentless optimism.
One month till kickoff!!!!
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.
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I associate swagger with knowing you’ve accomplished something and have the confidence to do it again. Unfortunately, we’re not there yet.
Considering how bad our offense was and the amount of flack they’ve taken, I think they’re chompin’ at the bit to redeem themselves and UCLA. And of course, the success isn’t dependant upon just the offense but the entire team. This is the year the team shows that 4-8 was an aberration and unacceptable to both UCLA and themselves.
by BlueReign on Aug 5, 2009 3:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Swagger is also having the biggest secret in the room...
When I compare last season to this season, it reminds me of a guys hustling people in a pool hall. The first game (last season), you do everything possible to not win. You try not to make it too obvious, but you don’t make the shots that you could have made Of course, we didn’t throw any games, but without anyone watching, we improved greatly during the offseason. Of course everyone does during the offseason, but I believe that our metamorphosis was something special. Entering this season reminds me of “White Men Can’t Jump”, when Woody Harrelson was doing his stretching on the court, looking utterly pathetic (last season) and Wesley Snipes allowed his opponents to pick his partner, of course knowing they would pick Woody who was actually a great player. In a sense, his talents snuck up on them. And we’ll have time to sneak up on people this year, because no one will be all that impressed if we happen to start the year at 3-0 because we beat the Vols last year, and we are playing SDSU & K St, neither of which are dominant teams. We are that 800 lbs Bruin in the room (I forget whose tagline that is, but I like it). Our guys can sense it and are excited to get it started, as are we. I feel like we have all just planned this exciting road trip and are dying to get out on the road, but we have to sit and wait. In the words of the great Mills Lane (actually Marvin Gaye’s words, but said like Mills), “Let’s Get it on!”
by westwood78 on Aug 6, 2009 7:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sneaky sneaky!
I agree with you, we will be able to sneak up on some people for a while. The teams from last year will see the same uniform and have a misconception going into the game. But that should last only a few games if we play well, because with Coach Chow and Coach Neuheisel, it won’t be long before the media are all over our program. I hope that feeds the team’s confidence if it happens, and not make them feel under pressure. The only pressure this season is to make a bowl game. That’s gotta happen, and I believe it will.
And, much obliged about the tag line :)
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
by tasser10 on Aug 6, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think
they accomplished nothing last year. If nothing else, we have a great base to build upon and our offense now has year of Chow’s system under their belts. I think that confidence we’re is partly due to an understanding everyone now has of what it is that Chow and Neuheisel are trying to do.
Also, I think the defense definitely has something to be proud of. They did a great job last year with the exception of BYU. Otherwise they did all we could ask considering they were handed 3 and out after 3 and out. The defense doesn’t need to redeem itself in my eyes. They were good and I expect them to be even better in 2009.
Overall though, redemption could be a major theme for the offense this year… it’s a good thing to think about.
by captainqtp on Aug 5, 2009 5:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Well while we are all feeling optimistic
We are also pragmatic. CRN and the players know right now the goal is to get 6 wins and get into a bowl game this season. If they cane make that happen, it will be a big momentum boost for them towards next year. It certainly sounds like they are feeling good about accomplishing that goal. However, the key as always for us will be to stay healthy (knocking on wood).
Great post.
by Nestor on Aug 5, 2009 6:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Swagger = Redemption
Why I believe the turn around is at hand:
1. ATTITUDE: CNC saying the coaches were responsible for 08 “We were always chipped up. We were always playing different combination of guys. We were always looking for things to do. It’s our fault for not finding those things that we could do well and keep doing them” (Robert Kuwada’s BRO interview). Says to me, this leadership leads from the front. Instead of knocking CKD, injuries, etc…he goes right to the source. Are those legit excuses? – I think we all know the answer to that, but men like CNC always succeed because they solve their own problems & are not excuse prone.
2. LEADERSHIP: Speaking of leadership from the front, CRN visiting troops & biting the bullet by taking a pay cut. The former takes commitment (a Middle East “safe zone” is a myth) & the latter is love that frankly a lot of people are not capable of (even if they can afford it). This is leadership 101 & make no mistake, this staff is on a mission.
3. TRUST: Reggie Carter’s positive evaluation of Kevin Prince on PAC-10 Media Day, “he’s very composed – as long as he makes smart decisions he doesn’t have to throw 80 yard TD’s” says to me the D’s leadership trusts in CNC’s system & the QB that will make that machine run.
4. TEAM: Kyle Bosworth’s comments in Adam Maya’s OCReg Article “10 reasons why UCLA will play in a bowl game in 2009”, #4: “We kind of took everyone under our wing. We made sure everyone is in the program, not steering away or unfocused. I think the offense and defense is one team.” — tells me this house is speaking with one voice & will play that way. GREAT.
5. REDEMPTION: Coming from a 4-8 08, we still got an OUTSTANDING 09 recruiting class, won the SC propaganda war hands down, & the 09 plan is simple -meaning it’s got a high degree of success: “We’re going to be able to run the ball or die trying this year”, I say GREAT, Football 101 has returned to Westwood.
In CRN’s words at Media Day: “The culture of work and the enthusiasm is where it needs to be. Now we need to go out & execute”. I take this to mean the “toughness” he was looking for after Spring ball has arrived. Many of us waiting for daylight finally see it… & our RB’s will too! :)
BTW: you can’t spell Trojan without OJ! :) UCLA GO FIGHT WIN BABY!
by Bruin4ver on Aug 5, 2009 7:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's not forget what I think is the key element to all of this optimism
Actually, it’s not me, it’s Coach Kezerian. He said that every week, each of our guys has to resolve to whip the man lined up across from him. We can swagger all we want, and we can have all the optimism we want, and all that, but our big guys have to knock some guys on their backsides, and then jump on them for good measure. (Sort of what Jones-Drew did to that guy from San Diego.) That’s what I would like to see – a couple of Jonathon Ogden pancake blocks.
by Fox 71 on Aug 5, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This year is extra fun
because we just don’t know what to expect. With Dorrell’s final season, I expected great things and got a total letdown. However, in 2009 anything more than 6 wins is going to seem like a miracle from heaven, and we really do have the talent to go places. I think it all hinges on how fast we can translate that talent into a team environment and an understanding of what each player needs to do.
The amount of confidence we’re seeing is telling me that at least some of the players feel they already have that preparation. We’ll see when it comes time to suit up against Tennessee.
by captainqtp on Aug 5, 2009 8:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
ya as long as you find the balance between humility and swag, your golden
the team and coaching staff have worked hard and deserve a sense of pride and accomplishment, but there is still alot to do, so as long as you keep that hunger to be better alive, this might be bruin town again sooner than later
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
by Ollie on Aug 6, 2009 12:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Great Article
I’m not a huge fan of Rick Reilly but this was good and am anxious for when we’re on equal footing with Pom-Pom’s poodles.
Los Angeles Rams and the UCLA Bruins!!!!!
by Minnesota Bruinfan on Aug 7, 2009 4:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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