Three New Thanksgiving Traditions and So You Wanna … Be a Football Film Analyst? With Ben Solak
Nov 13, 2023
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Dave Chang discusses three Thanksgiving foods he wants to replace. Later, he is joined by Ben Solak, a football film analyst, and they talk about work-life balance and Ben's career path. They also discuss improving a quarterback's play style and evaluating talent.
Ben Solak emphasizes effective communication and empathy in football analysis, considering the emotional and subjective aspects of sports.
Ben Solak bridges the gap between traditional methods and analytics by combining data-driven insights with relatable communication.
Ben Solak embraces his unconventional career path, challenging established norms and advocating for diverse perspectives in football analysis.
Deep dives
Ben Solak's Journey to a Career in Football Analysis
Ben Solak discusses his unconventional path into the world of football analysis, highlighting the importance of his background in communication and empathy. He credits his experiences as a camp counselor and ropes course facilitator for developing his ability to effectively convey complex information. Ben emphasizes the significance of understanding the emotional and subjective aspects of sports analysis, particularly when presenting data-driven insights to passionate fans. He also reflects on the support he received from his parents and the opportunities that allowed him to pursue his passion.
The Power of Analytics and Communication in Sports
Ben Solak's success lies in his ability to communicate and translate complex football analytics for a wider audience. He acknowledges the ongoing clash between traditional ways of doing things in sports and the emerging influence of analytics. Ben's focus on empathy and effective communication helps bridge this gap, allowing him to provide insightful analysis while still respecting fans' emotional attachments to their teams. His unique perspective demonstrates the value of combining data-driven insights with thoughtful and relatable communication.
Navigating Criticism and Straying from Traditional Paths
Ben Solak has faced criticism and doubts for his unconventional career path in football analysis. However, he remains confident in his unique approach and is untroubled by those who prefer traditional methods. Ben recognizes the importance of widening the talent pool and challenging established norms. He embraces his self-taught background and believes in the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of the industry.
Ben Solak's Journey to Becoming a Football Analyst
Ben Solak shares how he stumbled upon his career as a football analyst. In college, unsure of what to pursue, he started blogging about the Philadelphia Eagles. Through Twitter and engaging with the online football community, he found his passion for in-depth football analysis. He delved into draft coverage, analyzing prospects and learning from ex-players, scouts, and coaches on Twitter. His ability to explain complex football concepts and break down film in an engaging and educational way quickly garnered attention. Through constant studying and immersion in football, Ben developed his expertise, providing valuable insights to fans and deepening their enjoyment and understanding of the game.
Ben Solak and the Importance of Personality and Film Analysis
Ben Solak's unique background and approach to film analysis sets him apart as a football analyst. With access to all 22 film that showcases every player on the field, Ben can observe and understand not only physical abilities but also players' behaviors away from the ball, their energy levels, and motivation. This provides valuable insights into an individual's personality and how they contribute to a team's dynamics. Ben's ability to communicate these observations and connect them to on-field performance sets him apart. His balanced approach and enthusiasm make his analysis engaging and accessible for fans who want to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the game.
Dave starts the episode off with three Thanksgiving foods he thinks should be replaced, including his annual anti–pumpkin pie rant and a controversial protein replacement.
Dave is joined later in the episode by Ben Solak, host of 'The Play Sheet,' to discuss how Ben became one of the foremost football film analysts in the country. The two also touch on work-life balance (and why Ben isn’t sure he wants to work for an NFL team) and how Ben’s upbringing played a role in his career path.
