Michael Mackelvie Podcast

Bruce Arians, a veteran NFL coach renowned for his aggressive offense, dives into the art of play-calling and quarterback development. He discusses how his coaching philosophy helped star QBs like Tom Brady and Andrew Luck excel. Arians emphasizes the importance of balance in play-calling and his skepticism towards analytics. He also shares insights on patience in developing young quarterbacks, handling misexecution, and the delicate balance of tough love in coaching. His unique perspectives on QB talent and game strategies offer a thrilling glimpse into the future of the NFL.

Dr. Scott Wylie, a neuroscientist and co-founder of S2 Cognition, dives deep into the fascinating world of speeded cognition in elite athletes. He breaks down the cognitive processes behind split-second decision-making and discusses how unique tests for different sports reveal athletic intelligence. Tune in to learn how players perceive pitch cues, the importance of impulse control, and the intriguing idea that cognitive skills can be trained. Plus, Scott shares insights on how this research extends beyond sports to specialized fields like special forces.

Kyle Boddy, founder of Driveline Baseball, shares his insights on the transformative power of biomechanics in sports. He delves into how his methods have revolutionized player development, particularly in increasing pitching velocity. The conversation touches on injury prevention, the cultural differences in athlete training, and the potential of a standardized biomechanics database. Kyle also highlights Shohei Ohtani's unique training regimen and emphasizes the importance of democratizing access to advanced coaching techniques for athletes everywhere.

Zak Keefer, a sports reporter and author known for his insights on NFL quarterback development, explores the pitfalls young quarterbacks face in the league. He discusses how organizational structures often hinder success, using examples like Andrew Luck and Anthony Richardson. Keefer emphasizes the critical role of coaching fit and scheme, arguing that mismatches can lead to failure. Insights from Bruce Arians and Kevin O'Connell reveal that nurturing through failures is key. This rich conversation sheds light on talent, environment, and the complexities of quarterback development.

In a deep dive with Kevin Cole, a former Senior Data Scientist at Pro Football Focus and analytics guru behind 'Unexpected Points,' they explore the complexities of quarterback performance. Kevin unpacks situational success and the impact of environment on QBs, using Brock Purdy as a case study. He discusses adjusted QB efficiency rankings and when quarterbacks become overrated. They also address historical shifts in expectations and the strategic value of drafting QBs, shedding light on how context shapes evaluation.

Sam Bruchhaus, a senior data scientist at Sumer Sports, dives into the fascinating world of risk in football. He discusses why risk is inherent in play-calling decisions and explores the overlooked effectiveness of play action. The conversation recaps the thrilling 49ers vs. Seahawks game while unpacking quarterback performance metrics. Bruchhaus highlights trends, such as the caution some coaches take that can hinder game strategy, and analyzes players like Daniel Jones and Caleb Williams. This insightful discussion shines a light on the complexities of football analytics.

Kirk Herbstreit, a prominent college football analyst for ESPN's College GameDay, shares insights from his remarkable journey and the shifting landscape of college football. He candidly reveals his challenging childhood and the path that led him to broadcasting. Kirk addresses his fears about the future of college football amidst changing governance and the impact of NIL deals. He also discusses the importance of local game-day traditions, the evolution of quarterback roles, and what’s next for star recruit Arch Manning.