12-23-2022, 02:23 PM
(12-20-2022, 06:47 PM)GodFather Wrote: I remember the first 2 years in the Zac era with Andy and then Burrow's rookie year, everyone wanted Lou gone...myself included.
Boy eating crow is an understatement. This guy got the players he wanted in his system and they have been the most consistent thing on this team week in and week out.
Now I feel selfish, because he deserves a head coaching job and new opportunities but I don't want the guy leaving...the schemes and adjustments he makes are like no other.
There were not a lot of people on this board that supported Zac and Lou back then.
I am proud to be one of the few that did not give up on Zac and Lou at that time. I argued with a lot of people that I was not saying they were going to be great coaches but that we need to give then 4 years to change this culture and get the right players for their system.
The problem most coaches face when taking over a team is restructuring roster quick enough to appease the fans win now mentality.
I thought Zac used his first year to evaluate the players they had and to zero in on potential free agents.
The signing of DJ Reader in 2020 was the one Free Agent that changed everything for the Cincinnati Bengals and how I viewed them.
I always judge free agent signings by the reaction of the players former teammates. JJ Watt was very disappointed and mentioned DJ reader as a big reason for his success. The next year when we signed Mike Hilton the Steelers teammate TJ Watt commented how happy he was for Mike calling him the most physical slot corner in the game. Earned not given he stated. Vonn Bell and Chidobie Awuzie were also a very important signings.
Once I was able to see Joe Burrow play before he was injured I knew we were headed in the right direction with this staff.
That is why I made my preseason bets on over win totals, AFC North Champions, AFC Champions and Super Bowl Winners.
This is why I also picked them this year for the same bet which is so far looking pretty good.
For some of the same reasons I picked the Lions to win more than 6.5 wins (winner), win NFC North (Loser), win NFC Championship and lose to the Bengals in Super Bowl!
I cannot take credit for believing in our coaches right away but do take credit in being patient to give them time to do their job before evaluating.
See everyone in Arizona for the Lions-Bengals SuperBowl!
