Leadership

Today, I watched a brief interview with Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson and coach Jack Del Rio. I have always liked Del Rio, who is widely regarded as one of the best players' coaches. Today cemented that he is one of the most underrated coaches in the league.

During this press conference, Peterson assured the media that he had regained the respect of his teammates and his coach after questioning Del Rio's criticism of a celebration during Sunday's loss to the Bengals.

First, I love that Del Rio called Peterson out for celebrating when the team was trailing 21 to 3 in the 3rd quarter. I have always loathed when players celebrate individual accomplishments as the team struggles, and Del Rio has always cracked down on this practice.

Next, I have a profound respect for Del Rio's response during the week. After Peterson tried to defend his actions, Del Rio booted him from the meetings and practice for Wednesday and Thursday. Then, Del Rio met with him in private to discuss the issue, cleared it up, and reinstated Peterson for practice on Friday and said that Peterson would travel with the team even though playing time for Sunday's game was still up in the air.

Peterson clearly showed in his press conference that he respected Coach Del Rio's decision, and Del Rio made it clear that the discussion between the two would remain private. This is why Del Rio has the utmost respect of his players, and why they do not go running to the media to spew locker room gossip instead of dealing with it respectfully. Hopefully, Coach Del Rio's players will bring him a much needed win this weekend for his hard work this week.