We all love to come in the day after they game and fill our goal board up with check marks or decals. However, not every aspect of the game goes as planned. Sometimes, even with the best efforts, teams miss specific goals. Coaches and players regroup and refocus to get back on track. For Chris Sapp, the Defensive Coordinator at the University of Rochester, this process is an integral part of maintaining success throughout the season.
When one of his defensive objectives isn’t hit, whether it’s first-down efficiency, limiting big plays, or takeaways, Sapp takes a systematic approach to identify and correct the issues. “If we see that we missed a goal, we analyze what led to that,” Sapp explains. He and his staff watch the film and assess where breakdowns occurred. “We want to know why we didn’t get the ‘yes’ in that box,” he says, referring to their team’s tracking board, which outlines 11 key performance goals.
“If we see that we missed a goal, we analyze what led to that, we want to know why we didn’t get the ‘yes’ in that box.”
Chris Sapp
The Accountability System
Each week, the coaching staff clearly lays out and closely monitors Rochester’s defensive goals to keep the team on track. They measure the defense’s performance in categories like first-down efficiency, third-down stops, and big plays. The results are displayed on a large team board in the locker room. “It’s black and white,” Sapp notes. This visual accountability shows players where they need improvement and motivates them to correct their mistakes.
By reviewing the film and drilling down into the details, Sapp and his staff can adjust their weekly game plan. For instance, if first-down efficiency falls short, they will focus more on run fits and alignments during practice, emphasizing the importance of shutting down early-down plays.
Emphasizing Improvement
For Sapp, the key to rebounding from a tough week is over-emphasizing the areas that need improvement without overloading the players. The team may emphasize a specific drill or technique, ensuring everyone is prepared to execute better in the next game. It’s more than just fixing technical errors. Sapp emphasizes the mindset needed to get back on track: “If we feel like we missed something, we don’t just fix it technically. We fix it mentally.”
With the board constantly reminding them of their goals, the team works each week to turn those ‘no’ marks into ‘yes’ marks. The formula is clear—if Rochester’s defense can achieve seven out of their 11 weekly goals, they’re in a strong position to win the game.
Finding the Formula for Success
Sapp’s approach demonstrates that bouncing back after a missed goal requires both technical adjustments and mental toughness. By tracking performance rigorously and drilling down into what went wrong, the team can correct course and ensure they don’t repeat mistakes.
By focusing on incremental improvement, Sapp has found a formula that keeps his team striving for excellence despite setbacks. Through film review, careful goal-setting, and a team-first mentality, Rochester’s defense has shown that it can adjust, adapt, and keep winning.
D3 Defensive Coordinator of the Week
Coach Sapp and his defensive staff and players are recognized for their performance in a win over RPI. The Head Coach for Rochester is Chad Martinovich. Sapp is assisted by Vaughn Nichols-Taylor, Jason Henshaw, and Jason Benham.
Notable Stats
Chris Sapp | Rochester | 14-7 vs. RPI
- They allowed just 22 yards on less than 1 yard per rush
- Forced three turnovers, 5 sacks, 8 TFLs. and 4 PBU
- Held RPI well below season average passing
- Created 14 havoc plays on only 58 offensive snaps (24%)
- Sealed game with INT deep in their own territory w/ under 2:00 left
