02-15-2018, 11:57 PM
Just a few thoughts and my opinion on the Mike Brown "knowing football", "being a smart", etc...
I don't doubt that Mike Brown knows football. I don't think you can grow up in, and surrounded by the environment that he was without being (football) smarter than the average the bear. I'm sure he learned quite a bit growing up in it, and has continued to learn more as the years have gone by.
I don't care who you are, or what it is exactly that you do, spending hours, days, weeks, and years involved with any career or passion will result in you gaining a great deal of knowledge and wisdom. So yes, I'm sure Mike Brown is smarter than most will give him credit for in regards to actual football knowledge. If you were to put the old man in a room watching film with Joe Q. Public, he's probably going to be able recognize things that a guy with NFL Red Zone and fantasy team will not. I'd bet quite a bit of money on the idea that Mike Brown knows X's and O's better than me, and has a much deeper understanding of everything that surrounds the locker-room.
As opinionated as I am, and despite the fact that I consider myself to be a pretty darn knowledgeable sports fan, I'm also not naive enough to think he's a simpleton, or that I could, or people similar to me could, offer more from actual game knowledge standpoint. I can't.
So does he know the game? Sure he does. The problem is the game, and more important, the approach he knows is well in the past. Simply saying his thoughts are dated almost doesn't seem like a strong enough description. The man is a dinosaur, as stubborn as he passionate, involved in a game and business that he simply can't keep up with. The game had already passed him by the time he took over. His views and approaches were already dusty and had the mouthball smell before the old man died.
I'm sure I'll get flack for saying this, but the game had passed his old man by too. He's a legend, he deserves all the credit he gets, but Paul Brown, HC of the Browns, vs. Paul Brown, HC and GM of the Bengals, are two completely different animals. Paul Brown - Browns is a legend, a HOF'er if there ever was one, and most importantly, he was ahead of his time. He won, and he won a lot. Paul Brown of the Bengals, while still a legend, and still a capable coach, had average to below average success here, and rather continue to post above seasons, and show innovation, slowly became a little bit of old grouch, a little a cheap, a little stubborn... (Sound like anyone?) And that's ok, it happens to pretty much everyone at some point. It doesn't nothing to diminish his career or contributions. I only point all of this out to illustrate that some of this is either learned or expected behavior.
I know I'm rambling a bit here, but I really do believe what I'm about to say here in a sec. I'm sure I'm not saying anything revolutionary here, but I think a lot of know this to be true...
I think winning his way, or his father's way (not exact, just the influence mindset) is more important to Mike than winning itself. And you know what, I'm not sure I can sit here and say that makes him a bad man. I get it. I think running his team, as he sees fit, has a much to do with ideals, his background, and having the balls to take on the criticism, as it does with penny-pinching. I do not think saying Mike Brown is just cheap tells the real story.
The real story, I believe, is much more complex, and is basically summed by explaining that the Mike is ancient, the man was guided into his position by another, aging and stubborn man, his old man. Winning in a way that honors his dad (not being bullied into reckless spending, not spending money on thing PB would find frivolous, etc.) is as important to him as all else. His thoughts and beliefs trumps perception and outside influence. His age and approach to business itself will go a lot further to explain the dumpster fire than another Scrooge reference.
I do not doubt that the man wants to win. But you know what, that doesn't really say much. Everybody wants to win. Every owner, team, coach, player and fan want to win. So I while I can't doubt that his heart is in the right place, I also can't give him any credit for what should be an obvious statement, a common attribute of all of his peers. The question really becomes, how much does he want to win? What is willing to do for it? What changes are being made, o what procedures are being implemented, what are we reviewing, to make this wish a reality? Because simply wanting something, without certain actions or sacrifices, doesn't speak to dedication or passion. Self-reflection, and the ability to find and hurdle potential obstacles, can mean as much as the wanting itself. These are things he lacks. The ability to adapt, the ability to be pro-active, the ability to take risks, the ability recognize your own faults and to react or change accordingly. They all play a part, and unfortunately these are things that plague his product.
I would really love to spend some sexy-time (nice!!!) with a super-model/model,actress caliber of woman. I assure you, I want that very much. Mila Kuniz, Jennifer Aniston, prime Kelly Kapowski, the chick from Precious... I'd give my left arm... Am I doing anything to make that a reality? Not really. Things as simple as going to the gym every week, 5 days a weeks, has proved to beyond my level of sacrifice at times. I've never done much to elevate my social standing from middle-class to the type of dude that gets chicks like that to double down on him. So while I want something, that means very little in getting it. I want a Tesla car, but I still spend way too much on any number of things. So I don't wants as much, or am willing to do as much, as the guys who actually own one.
I wanted to say, that apologize for the length of this (as I often do). Truth be told, I do really enjoy talking sports. And I've always loved writing about them (Fun fact: When I started college my initial plan was to go into Sportwriting). I know some here in the past have taken issue with what they found to be overly negative. And I get it. I won't deny that many of my thoughts on all things Bengals have slowly become influenced by a cluster#$%^ of disappointments, anger, biases, and by the years and years of following what has been at times, a product that is difficult to support. Am I negative on team issues? Yes. Have I gone out of my way to voice my displeasure, have I piled on at times. Sure have. But believe it or not, despite what many accuse me of, I am not an overly negative person in general, and I do not let this this team actually influence my mood a great deal.
I really am just a sports fan, born and raised in Cincy, who I one time followed everything this team did, and fell into more of the positive crowd. I enjoy speaking with many of you. I actually just enjoying writing and shooting the shit with like-minded people more than anything. Slowly posting less here has as much to with just pulling back from various forums and topics I like discussing, than it does with having had enough or walking way.
So anyways, glad to pop and say, hi. I'm not sure if I'm exactly a Bengals fan at the moment, and I can't say I have much if anything to add to any current issues. I've either said my piece, or I'm no longer informed enough to offer up much. My fandom went from fan-atical and passionate in early years, to cautiously optimistic, back to fanatical and passionate, then to anger and frustration. But at least I cared enough to allow them to frustrate me. Now it really is at the point of indifference. Complete apathy. I really don't care to follow them much any more, or to waste any time in thinking about what they could and will do, or what continues to ail them. Simply, I just don't care much any more. That's ok I think. It could change.
But thanks for having me. My advice to people who used to share the amount of frustration and disappointment that I did for many years is simply to let go. Easier said then done, I know, but it will eventually happen. I think understanding that Mike Brown, while terrible and bad for this city, is not a terrible and bad person, can go a long way in moving on. He's in a position he never eared or was qualified for (nepotism) to begin with, he was in over his head from the start. He was already old and had dated opinions when he took over 30 years ago. Now he's late in his life Milton Berle level old, trying to compete in an ultra-competitive, best of the best, no expenses spared business, with logic that was already behind the times when guys like Michael Irvin was still catching passes. He's not going to change, and this team will never run like it should with him at the helm. Just remember though, that his as much to do with the family history and approach, and an 100 year old man influencing a 1 billion dollar business in the year 2018, as it does just chalking it up to him being a POS.
Sucks for us, but that's the reality. We got a super old dude, greatly influenced by the logic passed down from an aging and stubborn father. Game passed the old man by, and it passed Mike by years ago. Like father, like son when it comes to modern approach. You just can't win in this league with Larry King running the show. Better just to accept, learn to laugh a little, and hope for the best.
I don't doubt that Mike Brown knows football. I don't think you can grow up in, and surrounded by the environment that he was without being (football) smarter than the average the bear. I'm sure he learned quite a bit growing up in it, and has continued to learn more as the years have gone by.
I don't care who you are, or what it is exactly that you do, spending hours, days, weeks, and years involved with any career or passion will result in you gaining a great deal of knowledge and wisdom. So yes, I'm sure Mike Brown is smarter than most will give him credit for in regards to actual football knowledge. If you were to put the old man in a room watching film with Joe Q. Public, he's probably going to be able recognize things that a guy with NFL Red Zone and fantasy team will not. I'd bet quite a bit of money on the idea that Mike Brown knows X's and O's better than me, and has a much deeper understanding of everything that surrounds the locker-room.
As opinionated as I am, and despite the fact that I consider myself to be a pretty darn knowledgeable sports fan, I'm also not naive enough to think he's a simpleton, or that I could, or people similar to me could, offer more from actual game knowledge standpoint. I can't.
So does he know the game? Sure he does. The problem is the game, and more important, the approach he knows is well in the past. Simply saying his thoughts are dated almost doesn't seem like a strong enough description. The man is a dinosaur, as stubborn as he passionate, involved in a game and business that he simply can't keep up with. The game had already passed him by the time he took over. His views and approaches were already dusty and had the mouthball smell before the old man died.
I'm sure I'll get flack for saying this, but the game had passed his old man by too. He's a legend, he deserves all the credit he gets, but Paul Brown, HC of the Browns, vs. Paul Brown, HC and GM of the Bengals, are two completely different animals. Paul Brown - Browns is a legend, a HOF'er if there ever was one, and most importantly, he was ahead of his time. He won, and he won a lot. Paul Brown of the Bengals, while still a legend, and still a capable coach, had average to below average success here, and rather continue to post above seasons, and show innovation, slowly became a little bit of old grouch, a little a cheap, a little stubborn... (Sound like anyone?) And that's ok, it happens to pretty much everyone at some point. It doesn't nothing to diminish his career or contributions. I only point all of this out to illustrate that some of this is either learned or expected behavior.
I know I'm rambling a bit here, but I really do believe what I'm about to say here in a sec. I'm sure I'm not saying anything revolutionary here, but I think a lot of know this to be true...
I think winning his way, or his father's way (not exact, just the influence mindset) is more important to Mike than winning itself. And you know what, I'm not sure I can sit here and say that makes him a bad man. I get it. I think running his team, as he sees fit, has a much to do with ideals, his background, and having the balls to take on the criticism, as it does with penny-pinching. I do not think saying Mike Brown is just cheap tells the real story.
The real story, I believe, is much more complex, and is basically summed by explaining that the Mike is ancient, the man was guided into his position by another, aging and stubborn man, his old man. Winning in a way that honors his dad (not being bullied into reckless spending, not spending money on thing PB would find frivolous, etc.) is as important to him as all else. His thoughts and beliefs trumps perception and outside influence. His age and approach to business itself will go a lot further to explain the dumpster fire than another Scrooge reference.
I do not doubt that the man wants to win. But you know what, that doesn't really say much. Everybody wants to win. Every owner, team, coach, player and fan want to win. So I while I can't doubt that his heart is in the right place, I also can't give him any credit for what should be an obvious statement, a common attribute of all of his peers. The question really becomes, how much does he want to win? What is willing to do for it? What changes are being made, o what procedures are being implemented, what are we reviewing, to make this wish a reality? Because simply wanting something, without certain actions or sacrifices, doesn't speak to dedication or passion. Self-reflection, and the ability to find and hurdle potential obstacles, can mean as much as the wanting itself. These are things he lacks. The ability to adapt, the ability to be pro-active, the ability to take risks, the ability recognize your own faults and to react or change accordingly. They all play a part, and unfortunately these are things that plague his product.
I would really love to spend some sexy-time (nice!!!) with a super-model/model,actress caliber of woman. I assure you, I want that very much. Mila Kuniz, Jennifer Aniston, prime Kelly Kapowski, the chick from Precious... I'd give my left arm... Am I doing anything to make that a reality? Not really. Things as simple as going to the gym every week, 5 days a weeks, has proved to beyond my level of sacrifice at times. I've never done much to elevate my social standing from middle-class to the type of dude that gets chicks like that to double down on him. So while I want something, that means very little in getting it. I want a Tesla car, but I still spend way too much on any number of things. So I don't wants as much, or am willing to do as much, as the guys who actually own one.
I wanted to say, that apologize for the length of this (as I often do). Truth be told, I do really enjoy talking sports. And I've always loved writing about them (Fun fact: When I started college my initial plan was to go into Sportwriting). I know some here in the past have taken issue with what they found to be overly negative. And I get it. I won't deny that many of my thoughts on all things Bengals have slowly become influenced by a cluster#$%^ of disappointments, anger, biases, and by the years and years of following what has been at times, a product that is difficult to support. Am I negative on team issues? Yes. Have I gone out of my way to voice my displeasure, have I piled on at times. Sure have. But believe it or not, despite what many accuse me of, I am not an overly negative person in general, and I do not let this this team actually influence my mood a great deal.
I really am just a sports fan, born and raised in Cincy, who I one time followed everything this team did, and fell into more of the positive crowd. I enjoy speaking with many of you. I actually just enjoying writing and shooting the shit with like-minded people more than anything. Slowly posting less here has as much to with just pulling back from various forums and topics I like discussing, than it does with having had enough or walking way.
So anyways, glad to pop and say, hi. I'm not sure if I'm exactly a Bengals fan at the moment, and I can't say I have much if anything to add to any current issues. I've either said my piece, or I'm no longer informed enough to offer up much. My fandom went from fan-atical and passionate in early years, to cautiously optimistic, back to fanatical and passionate, then to anger and frustration. But at least I cared enough to allow them to frustrate me. Now it really is at the point of indifference. Complete apathy. I really don't care to follow them much any more, or to waste any time in thinking about what they could and will do, or what continues to ail them. Simply, I just don't care much any more. That's ok I think. It could change.
But thanks for having me. My advice to people who used to share the amount of frustration and disappointment that I did for many years is simply to let go. Easier said then done, I know, but it will eventually happen. I think understanding that Mike Brown, while terrible and bad for this city, is not a terrible and bad person, can go a long way in moving on. He's in a position he never eared or was qualified for (nepotism) to begin with, he was in over his head from the start. He was already old and had dated opinions when he took over 30 years ago. Now he's late in his life Milton Berle level old, trying to compete in an ultra-competitive, best of the best, no expenses spared business, with logic that was already behind the times when guys like Michael Irvin was still catching passes. He's not going to change, and this team will never run like it should with him at the helm. Just remember though, that his as much to do with the family history and approach, and an 100 year old man influencing a 1 billion dollar business in the year 2018, as it does just chalking it up to him being a POS.
Sucks for us, but that's the reality. We got a super old dude, greatly influenced by the logic passed down from an aging and stubborn father. Game passed the old man by, and it passed Mike by years ago. Like father, like son when it comes to modern approach. You just can't win in this league with Larry King running the show. Better just to accept, learn to laugh a little, and hope for the best.
