Tag: mike martz

Mike Martz: A .500 season would be impressive for Rams in 2023

Former Rams head coach Mike Martz believes a .500 season would be impressive for Los Angeles in 2023.

Not many people have lofty expectations for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, and Mike Martz doesn’t envision them being a playoff contender. In his season preview for the Rams on The 33rd Team, Martz iterated that a .500 season would be an impressive feat for Los Angeles this year.

Here is what Martz had to say about the Rams ahead of the 2023 campaign:

If the Rams can finish the year with a .500 record, it would be a great year for them. Offensively, they might be better than a .500 team. I just don’t know how the defense will hold up with CB Jalen Ramsey and Wagner moving on.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Rams’ success is going to hinge greatly on the health of Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and the offensive line. Kupp is currently dealing with a hamstring injury he suffered early in training camp, but he’s expected to be a full-go by Week 1.

While the offense has a handful of veterans, the defense is littered with inexperienced players outside of Aaron Donald. Following the departures of Jalen Ramsey, Bobby Wagner, and Leonard Floyd, the Rams are expected to start a handful of first or second-year players on defense.

Amid injury woes and struggles across the board, the Rams finished with a 5-12 record in 2022, which was by far the worst finish by the franchise under Sean McVay. With a reinvigorated McVay at the helm, the Rams are hoping to show improvement on both sides of the ball in 2023.

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Mike Martz predicts Rams will be among 5 most improved offenses in 2023

Mike Martz made the case that the Rams will be one of the five most improved teams on offense and his argument makes sense

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In each of Sean McVay’s first five seasons with the Rams, they ranked in the top 11 in total yards on offense. It earned him the title of being an offensive genius, but things couldn’t have gone worse for Los Angeles in 2022.

The Rams finished last in total yards and 27th in points scored, struggling all season long – even before Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford and Allen Robinson got hurt. Technically, there’s no way for the Rams to finish lower than 32nd next season, but that’s not the reason Mike Martz of the 33rd Team picked Los Angeles to be one of the five most improved offenses in the league this season.

The former Rams coach believes L.A. will be much better now that Stafford and Kupp are healthy again, and with the offensive line expected to improve, too. And Martz doesn’t just think the Rams will go from 32nd to 28th. He sees them jumping into the top half of the league as an offense.

The Los Angeles Rams were dead last in the league on offense for many reasons: injuries to their offensive line, WR Cooper Kupp and QB Matthew Stafford.

If they stay healthy, repair that offensive line a bit, continue to run the ball effectively and keep the pressure off that passing game, they’ll make a move offensively.

I think they’ll be in the upper half of the teams in the league. And that’s a big jump from where they were this past season.

It’s not an unreasonable take by Martz. On the surface, it seems illogical to say the Rams will improve on offense after trading away Robinson and making no free-agent additions. However, Robinson didn’t do much with Los Angeles and the Rams now have a fully healthy Kupp and Stafford back in the mix.

The offensive line should also get better with the arrival of second-round rookie Steve Avila, as well as the returns of Joe Noteboom, Logan Bruss, Brian Allen and Alaric Jackson to full health.

It was almost unbelievable how many injuries the Rams suffered on the offensive line – and throughout the roster, really – last season so it’s hard for things to get any worse than they were in 2022.

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Former NFL head coach believe Sam Howell’s talents will translate in Eric Bieniemy’s offense

Mike Martz sees Bieniemy as a good fit for Sam Howell’s skills.

Former head coach Mike Martz knows a thing or two about a high-powered offense.

Martz spent the 1970s and 1980s working his way through the college coaching ranks before landing his first NFL gig with the Los Angeles Rams as a quarterbacks coach for three seasons [1992-94], followed by a stint as the team’s wide receivers coach [95-96].

In 1997, Martz jumped at the chance to join head coach Norv Turner in Washington, where he’d work with quarterbacks Gus Frerotte and Trent Green. It was Martz’s work with Green that would put him on the radar of legendary head coach Dick Vermeil when he came out of retirement to coach the Rams in 1999.

Vermeil hired Martz as his offensive coordinator, and Martz would lead an offense that scored 526 points that season, which was No. 4 in NFL history at that time. The Rams won the Super Bowl, and Vermeil retired in 2000 [he would later return to coach the Chiefs]. Martz was promoted to head coach.

Martz was the Rams’ head coach for six seasons, leading the “Greatest Show on Turf,” and helped develop Kurt Warner into a Hall-of-Fame quarterback.

Now an analyst with The 33rd Team, Martz analyzes the current NFL landscape, emphasizing offense and, specifically, quarterback play.

Recently, Martz reviewed Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell. The former NFL coach watched some of Howell’s college tape and his one NFL start — a win over the Cowboys in Week 18 last season.

There is a lot to like, especially when you give Howell an offensive coordinator like Eric Bieniemy.

First, Martz went over several plays of Howell’s from college. He highlighted his arm strength and ability to squeeze the ball into tight windows against Cover 2. He also thinks Howell’s powerful legs help him. He also highlighted some of Howell’s bad plays from college, which Martz believes are coachable. Howell’s mistakes aren’t due to physical limitations or mental breakdowns but more of a desire to make something happen. Martz says Howell needs to learn when to give up on a play.

When Martz started reviewing Howell’s lone NFL start vs. Dallas, he saw some things from college that Howell had already cleaned up.

He notes one throw where Howell takes an excellent drop and displays good footwork and a sense of urgency to complete the pass for a first down. Something else Martz notes, Washington’s offensive line “didn’t block anybody in this game.” He praised Howell for standing in the pocket and making all the throws.

Another throw Martz highlights was a quick “shuffle, shuffle” to wide receiver Jahan Dotson’s outside shoulder for a first down. All the while, he was receiving no help from his pass protection. Perfect execution. Martz praises Howell’s courage.

Martz then praised Howell for using his eyes and shoulders to freeze the safety on the deep completion to Terry McLaurin, which was one of the NFL’s better deep throws of 2022.

“There were some bad habits, being sloppy in college that can get fixed, and you can see why the Commanders, when you back and look at him, the physical talent is beyond reproach,” Martz said. “He’s got the big arm; he’s got touch; he’s really an accurate guy, big, strong legs. It can help him really drive the ball. The footwork in college is very sloppy, not quite where it needs to be now. The only thing I really questioned about him is his decision-making, trying to extend plays that shouldn’t be extended. But he did a great job in his first outing against the Cowboys.”

Martz notes that many of Howell’s issues are easily fixable, and he saw progress from college to Week 18.

“As a talent, when you look at him, the progress that he’s made, I think he’s worth getting excited about,” Martz said.

What about Howell’s fit with new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy?

“With the experience he’s had in Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes, I think that’s a big, big plus,” Martz said. “I think he’ll be outstanding for him. Because knowing Eric and watching him, and his personality, he’s a hard-nosed guy, things are going to be done right. I think that’s what he needs. I think he’s on his way; he’s not there yet, obviously, but he made a big stride there in that Cowboy game, and through the preseason I’ll be anxious to see him play and see the progress that he’s made.”

It sounds like you can count Martz among those who believe there’s something to Howell.

 

Former NFL coach Mike Martz believes Sam Darnold will start for 49ers

Mike Martz ranks the 49ers’ offense at No. 1 in the NFL thanks to … Sam Darnold?

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Former NFL coach Mike Martz loves what the 49ers are doing offensively. He ranked them atop his list of the top five offenses in the NFL for the 2023 season. That’s not a crazy take considering their list of weapons on that side of the ball. However, he posits in his analysis that Sam Darnold will be the team’s starting signal caller.

Martz lauds head coach Kyle Shanahan for producing such an effective offense with three starting QBs last season, two of which didn’t have much experience in Brock Purdy and Trey Lance. He doesn’t want to see them continue leaning on Lance and Purdy though, and instead believes it’s Darnold who will elevate the 49ers’ offense to new heights. Here’s Martz via the 33rd Team:

“I believe Darnold will start. He was a highly talented guy coming out of college. He was put in a couple of tough situations with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. Now, he’s with a solid offensive staff and a coach who is brilliant with quarterbacks. The 49ers are an extremely talented team, and Darnold being the starter would be a good thing. They are primed to have a great season.”

It appears Martz believes Darnold is the best QB on the 49ers’ roster.

That may bear itself out during training camp considering Darnold’s physical tools, but in 55 career starts he’s yet to turn his physical gifts into on-field success. His career completion rate is just 59.7 percent, his 6.7 yards per attempt is unimpressive, and his 61-to-55 TD-to-INT ratio isn’t great.

Perhaps a change of scenery and landing in the 49ers’ offense helps Darnold blossom in ways he hasn’t had an opportunity to in his five NFL seasons. However, it’s hard to bet on that at this point in his career. Not to mention the team really loves Brock Purdy and invested three first-round picks in Trey Lance.

Darnold may get an opportunity, but the chances he starts over a healthy Purdy and a healthy Lance don’t seem particularly high. He still has a lot to prove this offseason, and if he does wind up translating his tools to on-field success under Shanahan, we could certainly see the 49ers’ offense take off. There’s a long way to go before he reaches that point though.

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Former NFL coach Mike Martz is a big believer in Packers QB Jordan Love

Mike Martz on Jordan Love: “From what I’ve seen of this kid, I’d hang onto him. I’d bet the ranch on this guy.”

Former NFL head coach Mike Martz, a long-time offensive coach who led the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl, is a big believer in the potential of Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love.

“From what I’ve seen of this kid, I’d hang onto him. I’d bet the ranch on this guy,” Martz said in a video for The 33rd Team.

While Love has made only one NFL start and thrown just 83 total passes in regular season games over three seasons, Martz can see the traits necessary for playing quarterback at a high level. He noted Love’s movement ability, throwing delivery, throwing mechanics and calmness in the pocket as reasons for believing in the potential of the young quarterback.

Love, a first-round pick in 2020, could become the new starter in Green Bay if the Packers move on from Aaron Rodgers.

More from Martz: “Whatever you gotta do to keep him. Invested three years in him in the same system. I think you hang on to him, do whatever you can. Whether it’s another year or two years down the road, I think he’ll end up being a heck of a player for them.”

Here’s Martz talking Love:

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Mike Martz has changed his tune about Bears QB Justin Fields

Mike Martz has changed his tune about Bears QB Justin Fields: “He’s different and very special.”

Former Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz hasn’t been complimentary of quarterback Justin Fields, calling his performance “completely awful” in Chicago’s Week 1 win over the 49ers.

Fields certainly got off to a rough start in the first six games of the season, where there were flashes but not necessarily consistent progress.

That all changed after the Bears’ mini-bye week following an embarrassing loss to the Commanders on Thursday Night Football. With 11 days in between games, Matt Eberflus and his coaching staff focused on how to improve in all areas.

The biggest improvement has been on offense. After averaging around 15 points per game over the first six weeks, the offense has averaged 31.3 points over the last three games.

Fields has looked like an entirely different quarterback, which was made possible by Luke Getsy catering the offense to fit Fields’ strengths — particularly his athleticism.

And people, including Martz, have certainly taken notice.

“Nobody was more critical than I was,” Martz said, via The 33rd Team. “His struggles were painful watch. Additionally, the talent around him is mediocre at best. Then came Week 7. With that came a change in the offense.”

Martz noted the change in offensive philosophy, with Getsy building the offense around Fields’ strengths.

“He’s gone from a subpar quarterback to one of the most exciting players in the National Football League,” Martz said. “Also, his performance has caused teammates to elevate their game.”

Fields has been compared to players like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, who are known for their playmaking ability. But Martz noted Fields isn’t them.

“He’s Justin Fields,” he said, “different and very special.”

It’s good to see Martz is finally getting on board. Better late than never.

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Mike Martz explains trade that sent Greg Olsen to Panthers

Was Mike Martz really the driving force behind Greg Olsen’s trade to the Panthers in 2011? Not according to Martz.

On July 28, 2011, the Carolina Panthers received one of the greatest gifts in franchise history. And it was all thanks to, at least according to Mike Martz, not Mike Martz.

That gift was tight end Greg Olsen—who was traded to the Panthers following a relatively underwhelming tenure with the Chicago Bears. Despite having been a first-round pick of the organization in 2007, the University of Miami standout never reached his full potential in the move to the “Windy City.”

As the story goes (or at least how it has been perceived), Martz—Chicago’s offensive coordinator between 2010 and 2011—didn’t believe the 6-foot-5 pass catcher was a personnel fit for his system. In Olsen’s lone season with Martz, one that saw him block a bit more than he probably hoped to, he reeled in just 41 receptions for 404 yards and five touchdowns.

So, as Martz supposedly refused to make Olsen fit into his plans, the Bears shipped him away to Carolina for a 2012 third-round pick and the rest was history.

Well, the former coach joined ESPN radio’s Waddle and Silvy this past week and touched upon the topic. When asked if he did—in fact—press the front office to dump Olsen, Martz claimed he didn’t know the Bears planned on trading him until the trade was actually made.

“That is just a huge lie,” Martz said of his reported request to rid his offense of Olsen. “I didn’t know they did anything with him until after the fact. They didn’t tell me anything.”

Martz also noted that he was forced to use Olsen more as a blocker due to the team’s lack of effective offensive tackles. In 2010, Chicago tabbed Frank Omiyale and rookie J’Marcus Webb as their primary starters on the edges.

 

Anywho, Olsen would go on to fit right in with the Panthers—becoming the franchise’s all-time leading receiver at the tight end position. So, thanks, Mike (or not Mike)!

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Mike Martz takes shot at Bears QB Justin Fields following Week 1

Does Mike Martz have it out for Bears QB Justin Fields?

The Chicago Bears pulled off an upset win over the San Francisco 49ers as a monsoon descended upon Soldier Field on Sunday.

While Bears quarterback Justin Fields had a rocky first-half performance against the 49ers in the season opener, he was a huge reason why they were able to mount a comeback victory.

Former Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz was critical of Fields’ performance in Week 1, calling it “completely awful.” Apparently, Martz only watched the first half.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such a bad performance by a quarterback in his opening performance of the season,” Martz said on the 33rd Team. “He was just completely awful. He really deflated the football team with his performance.”

Here’s a look at the clip from The 33rd Team:

“Completely awful?” “Deflated?” Really, that’s the hill Martz is going to die on?

To be fair, if we were talking about Fields’ first-half performance, it would be on point. Fields completed just 3-of-9 passes for 19 yards and an interception. The offense couldn’t do anything, and it looked like a complete disaster.

But this was analysis of Fields’ performance as a whole, and it couldn’t be more wrong. While Fields wasn’t good in the first half, he made plays when he needed to in the second half. That included making something out of nothing, as evidenced by his 51-yard touchdown to receiver Dante Pettis on a scramble drill.

Martz seems to have it out for the Bears this season. Last month, Martz compared Chicago’s offense to the Lions offense in 2008, which is the year they went winless.

Now, he’s focusing on the negative aspects of Fields’ game rather than how he helped lead his team to a comeback win over a Super Bowl contender. Something tells me Martz isn’t done this season. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Bear Necessities: Mike Martz believes Justin Fields has been set up for failure

Former Bears OC Mike Martz believes Justin Fields’ career has already been derailed.

This is our online morning newsletter, Bear Necessities. Subscribe to get the latest Bears news delivered to your mailbox every day.

Quarterback Justin Fields is entering a pivotal second season with the Bears. Following an up-and-down rookie season, the expectation is Fields will take a step forward in his development.

There have been concerns about Fields’ supporting cast, which includes an unproven receiving corp and questionable offensive line. Which is why some are doubting Fields heading into 2022.

Former Bears offensive coordinator and current 33rd Team contributor Mike Martz ranked the NFC North quarterbacks. While the top two don’t come as a surprise — Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins — it was a bit shocking to see Martz rank Fields dead last behind Detroit’s Jared Goff.

Fields is a guy that makes a lot of mistakes and is not particularly accurate at times. He’s not a quick read-and-react guy, and he’s on a horrendous team. But I don’t know if I’ve seen an offense that bad in talent since the 0-16 Detroit Lions (in 2008). They just don’t have anybody there. … It’s a bad football team right now.

But Martz didn’t stop with his criticism of Fields for the upcoming 2022 season. He believes Fields’ career has already been derailed given he’s landed in Chicago.

It’s going to be a rough career for (Fields) there. And I’ve seen a lot of really good players go to bad teams, and then their career just never takes off, and I think that’s what will happen with Fields.

While concerns about Fields are justified this season, it’s far too early to declare that he’s going to have a rough career. Especially given we’re just in the first year of the new regime.

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Mike Martz thinks Justin Fields’ Bears offense has as much talent as 0-16 Lions

“It takes one to know one,” Mike Martz, probably.

It’s been a long time since Mike Martz made his presence known in NFL circles. As one of the architects of the “The Greatest Show on Turf” Rams — who won Super Bowl 34 over the Titans — Martz made a few other intermittent stops throughout his pro football career. That includes later stints as the Lions’ and Bears’ offensive coordinator.

Both those squads came into focus as Martz wrote an article for The 33rd Team discussing the current state of the NFC North. After complimenting the other squads and their quarterbacks differently, Martz centered his thesis around Justin Fields and the Bears. Let’s just say he’s not a big fan of a quarterback who he thinks is “not particularly accurate” in what seems like an awful situation on paper:

He’s not a quick read-and-react guy, and he’s on a horrendous team. But I don’t know if I’ve seen an offense that bad in talent since the 0-16 Detroit Lions (in 2008). They just don’t have anybody there …  It’s a bad football team right now.

The 2022 Bears have as little talent as one of the worst squads in NFL history? That’s, uh … that’s a bit strong.

Before we discuss some (extreme emphasis on some) of the validity behind Martz’s sentiments, it’s worth noting aspects of his NFL background.

Outside of the 1999 Rams’ No. 1 DVOA rating with Football Outsiders, each of the years Martz spent as someone’s offensive coordinator (2006-2007 in Detroit, 2008 in San Francisco, and 2010-2011 in Chicago) — their best efficiency rating was No. 20 in 2007. Each of those Martz offenses routinely finished closer to last than anything even middling.

Huh. Kurt Warner, Torry Holt, Marshall Faulk, and Isaac Bruce must have been really good!

Now back to the modern Bears.

There’s been a lot of discussion and concern about what little they’ve done to support Fields — their promising second-year quarterback. And a lot of those thoughts are entirely valid. They have no proven receivers outside of Darnell Mooney. Cole Kmet is still waiting for a breakthrough campaign at tight end. There will be three new full-time starters up front, including Teven Jenkins, who is making the switch from tackle to guard (not an easy thing to do).

As it stands, the Bears’ offense is “horrendous” on paper. But for an offensive mind who accomplished little after he left St. Louis to denigrate their talent? And to compare them to one of the worst teams in recent memory? That’s a little on the nose regarding pots calling kettles black and whatnot.