Software Review
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12 Sep 07 Derek Johnson |  |
The concept of "Field Intelligence" and how it's taken to a new level by the New England Patriots
As I continue writing a white paper on "Field Intelligence", which I'll be presenting at our Intelligence 2.0 Symposium in Minneapolis November 8th, and this being my favorite time of year now that we're at the start of regular-season football, I found the New England Patriots' use of field intelligence [no pun intended] to correlate well with a few of my paper's concepts.
For those not familiar with the issue, head coach Bill Belichick has apologized for the team's use of a video camera in efforts to interpret the NY Jets play calling in this past Sunday's game (where the Patriots trounced 38-14). The incident made me think of many different things - from how recording devices are banned from tradeshow or exhibit halls that many of you as Competitive Intelligence professionals are experiencing, to how in an era where coaches routinely cover their mouths when calling the next play (and I even saw recently two side-lined players hold towels up in front of the coach as an extra layer of protection as he called the play), it's ironic that an obvious use of technology gets Belichick and the Patriots in hot water. Some writers are blaming it on the NFL's sense of urgency around winning, but when it stems from a team that's won 3 out of the last 6 world championships, it strikes me as an unnecessary proposition...
Hope you enjoy the story, and drop me a note if you have any other thoughts on the topic.
- Derek
Belichick speaks with Goodell, apologizes for videotape flap |
| By JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer September 12, 2007 FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick apologized to his team on Wednesday and confirmed that he has spoken to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about his "interpretation" of league rules that ban videotaping of the opposing sideline. It was not clear what Belichick was apologizing for, and the coach repeatedly refused to elaborate on a one-paragraph statement issued 10 minutes before a regularly scheduled news conference to discuss Sunday night's game against the San Diego Chargers. The statement said Belichick spoke with Goodell this week about a "videotaping procedure" during last Sunday's game and "my interpretation of the rules." After about 15 minutes discussing Sunday's game, Belichick was pressed harder on his "interpretation of the rules," and the coach walked out of the room. NFL security confiscated a video camera and tape from a Patriots employee during New England's 38-14 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday. The employee was accused of aiming his camera at the Jets' defensive coaches as they signaled to players on the field. ESPN.com, citing league sources, reported Tuesday that Goodell has determined the Patriots violated league rules that ban videotaping of defensive signals. The report also said the Patriots have not yet presented their case to the league. The Web site's report said Goodell is considering severe sanctions, including docking the Patriots "multiple draft picks." A league spokesman said only that an investigation is under way, and both teams said no decision has been made. Asked repeatedly to elaborate on the statement and the effect it might have on his team, Belichick was left begging for football questions. But few in the media workroom had come to hear about San Diego. "Any questions about the Chargers?" he pleaded in his standard other-things-to-do monotone. "Want to talk about the football game? If not, I think that statement pretty much covers it." It appeared that he might find no takers, before one reporter asked about defending against Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson. The coach smiled. "Whatever happens out there Sunday night, out there on the field, that's where everybody will make their statement," he said. |
