06-30-2015, 09:35 AM
I don't get the Andy/Marvin bashing going on in a thread about AJ McCarron and the new gunslinger approach he seems to be bringing. They have nothing to do with AJ.
But, I'll play ball on both topics....
- I was a Marvin Lewis hater from 2006-2012. But with the 2013 & 2014 seasons Marvin Lewis has shown he has become a better coach. MUCH MUCH better. He took way too long and spent a lot of time learning how to be an NFL head coach, but there isn't a reason to bash him moving forward, IMO. He could revert to old Marvin, but I don't see that happening. The 2013 loss to the Chargers I put squarely on the players and the roster was destroyed by kickoff in Indy.
- I find it unreasonable to lay the blame on last year's playoffs on anyone. The fact that they got there with the roster they had and the injuries/rehabs guys were going through was an outstanding achievement and should excite fans that this organization clearly knows how and desires to win - that is a huge positive for the coaching staff
- Andy Dalton was bad in the playoff game against the Chargers in 2013 and he was a loose cannon in the 2014 reg season. The 2014 playoff game I think he gets a pass for. Why? Because even the best chef in the world couldn't make a great dish with bad ingredients.
- The most consistent thing about AD is that he is streaky and inconsistent. I could live with that, but he does not make up for the down moments by coming up with big moments of glory. In time, I think that AJ McCarron can do this should AD continue to falter when it matters most. His mentality, competitiveness, track record, etc. allows/shows he can make a mistake and shrug it off and still take chances to make plays. As of now, AD folds in those bigger moments.
- In AD's favor, Drew Brees did not start to become DREW BREES really until his 5th year playing (6th in the league). I HOPE AD has a Brees like transformation, but I wouldn't predict it nor bet on it.
- I am mostly disappointed in AD's inability to get better when everyone else around him has done so and stepped up. Watching him, he is a similar player in year 4 as he was in year 2. I hope that the playoff performances have not "Klinglered" him mentally. If so, one win and I think he is the type of guy where a light will go on.
- McCarron is an exciting prospect for several reasons and I don't blame anyone for wanting to see more. Even if he has the exact same skill set as AD, his personality and temperament might be more suited to winning. Time will tell.
But, I'll play ball on both topics....
- I was a Marvin Lewis hater from 2006-2012. But with the 2013 & 2014 seasons Marvin Lewis has shown he has become a better coach. MUCH MUCH better. He took way too long and spent a lot of time learning how to be an NFL head coach, but there isn't a reason to bash him moving forward, IMO. He could revert to old Marvin, but I don't see that happening. The 2013 loss to the Chargers I put squarely on the players and the roster was destroyed by kickoff in Indy.
- I find it unreasonable to lay the blame on last year's playoffs on anyone. The fact that they got there with the roster they had and the injuries/rehabs guys were going through was an outstanding achievement and should excite fans that this organization clearly knows how and desires to win - that is a huge positive for the coaching staff
- Andy Dalton was bad in the playoff game against the Chargers in 2013 and he was a loose cannon in the 2014 reg season. The 2014 playoff game I think he gets a pass for. Why? Because even the best chef in the world couldn't make a great dish with bad ingredients.
- The most consistent thing about AD is that he is streaky and inconsistent. I could live with that, but he does not make up for the down moments by coming up with big moments of glory. In time, I think that AJ McCarron can do this should AD continue to falter when it matters most. His mentality, competitiveness, track record, etc. allows/shows he can make a mistake and shrug it off and still take chances to make plays. As of now, AD folds in those bigger moments.
- In AD's favor, Drew Brees did not start to become DREW BREES really until his 5th year playing (6th in the league). I HOPE AD has a Brees like transformation, but I wouldn't predict it nor bet on it.
- I am mostly disappointed in AD's inability to get better when everyone else around him has done so and stepped up. Watching him, he is a similar player in year 4 as he was in year 2. I hope that the playoff performances have not "Klinglered" him mentally. If so, one win and I think he is the type of guy where a light will go on.
- McCarron is an exciting prospect for several reasons and I don't blame anyone for wanting to see more. Even if he has the exact same skill set as AD, his personality and temperament might be more suited to winning. Time will tell.
