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best teams, their win/loss records, their turnover margin, explosive plays, and giving up or getting explosive touchdowns in the red zone.

“Lost-yardage plays, third down conversions can be so critical. Lately it has been finding quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes who can get outside and make plays. When the defense breaks down, he can take advantage. Stetson Bennett had those qualities—an ability to get outside the pocket and make plays. It is great when you can use your quarterback as a runner. That is why we played Stetson, believing that he gave us the best chance to win.”

It was always illuminating to listen to him when he was waxing philosophically about his life as a football coach, talking about a game for which he holds the deepest regard.

“You have certain priorities, such as not turning the ball over. How do we become explosive with the talent that we have? How do we score touchdowns in the red zone? How do we, if we aren’t explosive, convert on third and fourth downs; the conversion downs are so critical. How do you eliminate low yardage plays so that you stay ahead of the chains?”

During his time at Georgia one of his graduate assistants, Ryan Williams, was always lobbying for trick plays. “I believe in trick play packages, but you better have a feel for the percentages before you suggest such a call to the head coach.”

Kenny McIntosh— now with the Seahawks but will miss the Super Bowl with a torn ACL— threw a halfback pass in the Orange Bowl in 2021 that helped the Bulldogs defeat Michigan 34-11 on the way to Kirby Smart’s first national championship.

Before he accepts applause for that memorable occasion, he will tell you that the play never worked in practice. He would never throw caution to the wind when he is calling a game.

Those who worked with Monken at Georgia are confident that the troubled Browns have hired a winner, but the former Bulldog offensive coordinator is a firm proponent of the adage that, “You can’t win without the hosses,” so let’s hope that General Manager Andrew Berry can enhance Monken’s longevity by giving Monken the personnel he needs for the Dawg Pound to experience nirvana.