Whole Lotta Change

[BURROWorBUST]

(03-25-2020, 09:07 PM)Benton Wrote: So, I've been quarantined for the last two weeks and reading a lot of the signings. (Sidenote: I'm friggin excited).

But I had a thought: maybe Mike wasnt the reason we were so darn cheap. Maybe it was... Marvin.

I get the obvious question: why would any coach ham string himself by not signing big free agents?

Well, here's my thought. Marvin Lewis signed on 30+ years ago (that's what it felt like). He hires in and Mike, citing not wanting to go spending crazy, nixes some potential signings. As time goes on, Marvin gets more roster control, but he doesn't realise his spending limit has increased, too. Mike, as a lot of bosses do, think his feelings are known and doesn't really express it. Instead, he goes off the recommendation of his coach.

Maybe Mike Brown isn't the cheapest guy in the world, maybe Marvin just wasn't good at asking to use the checkbook?

I think you're onto something here. I wonder if part of the issue with Marvin was his ego. "I can coach these guys up. I can take Nick Vigil and make him into Ray Lewis, just like I made Ray Lewis into Ray Lewis." The prima dona coach didn't want any "prima dona" free agents, when he could build through the draft.

Well, so much for that. 

What I appreciate about Zac Taylor and his staff is how honest they were in their assessment of the talent they had to work with. Whether it was because of circumstances or a matter of choice they did they right thing. They took a year to REALLY assess the talent level on this team. After their brutally honest assessment of the team and it's talent, they made the decision to make a total overhaul of the defense, filling key positions with proven quality players that will lay the foundation for the 2021 draft. The 2020 draft is going to be dedicated to a youth movement on offense that starts with Joe Burrow. 

2020 will be the year we win our first playoff game in over 20 years.