“A strong leader takes blame and gives credit. A weak leader gives blame and takes credit.” John Wooden

That was a quote from the great John Wooden, who won ten NCAA Basketball championships at UCLA in the 1960s and 1970s. For years, former players would talk about how unique Wooden was as a leader, earning their respect while respecting his players.

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When Kingsbury was asked about the Washington Commanders having a first-and-goal from the 4-yard line last week, running once then throwing three consecutive times, Kingsbury took the blame. “There weren’t a lot of great play calls in that game, and that’s on me, and I got to get a lot better.”

Going back and watching the game film of that series, there were some things Kingsbury could have responded with on Thursday.

2G at 2: Brandon Coleman broke open and Jayden Daniels inexplicably hesitated. When Daniels then regrouped to attempt a second time to pass, defenders were converging on Coleman. Opportunity was lost, so Daniels threw away the ball.

3G at 2: Zach Ertz gets held on the play.

4G at 2: Jayden Daniels looks to his right for Zach Ertz and Noah Brown, then comes back and throws a strike to Deebo Samuel who dropped what would have been a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.

Kingsbury didn’t mention any of those things about the series of downs. He didn’t need to for those who had watched the film. However, he knows the gig. When dealing with the media, simply take the blame and move on.

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When I was high schooler I watched a big game one year where Alabama one of the highest ranked teams in the country lost. At the end of the game, a reporter caught up with Alabama head coach Bear Bryant, and asked what the head coach thought had occurred. Without hesitation Bryant responded, that he was to blame because he had not adequately prepared his team. It made an impression on me, because being as young as I was, Bryant’s reply totally caught me by surprise. So much so, I have always recalled to some degree the exchange.

It’s par for the course in present day NFL. Coaches blame themselves publicly, but behind closed doors truths are spoken regarding what the tape reveals.

Having said all of that, the hardest area to throw the ball is inside the 5-yard line. Perhaps could Kingsbury have chosen to run the ball at least one more time? (Wink)

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Kliff Kingsbury takes accountability