The Why Is Everything: A Story of Football, Rivalry, and Revolution

In this illuminating report, journalist Silver (Golden Girl) details how in the early 2010s, Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and “his Brat Pack of disciples” developed a novel approach to coaching that transformed the NFL. Their system relied on developing unique strategies for each opposing team and tailoring plays to their own players’ individual strengths. For instance, Silver discusses how for the 2012 season, Shanahan fused the “plays and blocking schemes that showcased [running back Alfred] Morris’s ability with a system that [rookie quarterback Robert] Griffin could digest and operate from the get-go,” helping the Redskins win the NFC East. Rivalries developed between members of the Redskins’ brain trust as they moved on to other teams, Silver writes, describing how as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Shanahan “was almost too angry to speak” after he was denied a spot in Super Bowl LVI by a loss to the L.A. Rams, headed by his former Redskins protégé Sean McVay. Silver is a true football wonk, delving into the minutiae of Shanahan and company’s plays to explain what made them so brilliant. By tracing how five Redskins assistant coaches went on to become head coaches in the NFL, he makes a persuasive case that the brat pack has been a “pivotal force in football.” This deep dive delivers plenty of rewards. (Oct.)