Coach T

Matt Stafford says players should be coached hard during the week, but game day should feel positive and freeing: “I’m a firm believer that game day should be a positive experience for people. For us, it’s: Get coached hard during the week.” “The same thing I say to a guy on Sunday to relieve the pressure and let him play free might come after he screws it up in Thursday’s practice. I’m jumping on him. Not in a derogatory way. But, ‘Hey man, we’ve got to have an outside release to make the play work.’” “Then on Sunday, it’s: We’ve done the hard part this week. We prepared. We learned. We got through some stuff that was uncomfortable. We got through some things that weren’t up to our standard. We figured out the plan. Now let’s go out there and play.” “Sunday needs to be positive and uplifting. Let’s find a way to make this work. Let’s go get the result we’ve all been working for throughout the week.” “Having everybody in a great state of mind is the best way to go. Make sure people feel confident in what they’re doing.” “Sometimes that confidence comes from, ‘I don’t have to think on this play.’ Staff’s got me.’” “Hopefully that puts people at ease around me. So they can play fast. Play physical. And play well.”