Tucker’s offensive philosophy is to evaluate, utilize players

B OULDER» Under the direction of Bill Belichick for the past 19 seasons, the New England Patriots have been known for their ability to find the weaknesses of the opponent, adapt the game plan and attack.

New Colorado football coach Mel Tucker aims to take the same approach, especially with the Buffaloes’ offense.

Tucker is a longtime defensive coach, and when asked about his ideas for the offense, he said: “I know what gives defenses problems, and I think you have to be multiple. I think you have to be able to run the ball on your terms. I think you have to be able to make big plays and be explosive. Most important, you have to do what your players can do.

“Identify who your best players are, find out what they can do best and do that.”

Tucker said he won’t be tied to a specific scheme or type of offense because each game might dictate a different approach. That’s part of what has made the Patriots so successful.

“You have to be able to play the game that you need to play,” he said. “You can’t be (tied to a scheme). If you look at Bill Belichick, I’ve coached against him and one of the great things they do, they identify where you’re weak and they take advantage of it. If they need to run it 40 times, they run it 40 times; if they need to throw it 40 times, they’ll do that. It’s whatever they can do to put their team in the best position to win and that’s my philosophy.”

It’s a philosophy that Tucker said will be used on defense, as well, because there will always be different ways to defend the opposition. Being able to adapt and play different styles from week to week will be important, he said.

“I think that puts your players in the best position, where your players have confidence in the game plan for that week,” Tucker said.