Hi Welder:
Last night, after the game, I was ready to throw out even the kitchen sink. This morning after some sleep and coffee, I believe, I'm a little bit saner.
I realize that the league has greater parity this season, and I didn't expect this team to go undefeated. I did and do expect this team to be willing and able to compete every time they play the game. They haven't done that for two games now. It's not that they lost that bothers me so much, but how they lost and how little it seems to matter. We've gotten the same ridiculous speeches from the players and the coach after each of these debacles. I think, though, that the players' attitude is a product of what the coaches are feeding them.
But, even after last night's second disgraceful showing, I'm still not ready to write off Obie as a GM. Yes, he did hire the head coach, but he also brought us over the years some great players:
Otis Floyd
Garret McIntrye (now in the NFL)
Jamal Johnson
Chris Williams
Dave Stala
Avon Colborne
Justin Medlock
to name a few.....
Even with their record, this is still a talented football team. Perhaps, though, the personnel is not being utilized properly to their strengths or weaknesses. We have seen flashes of brilliance from this coaching staff (see this year's Labour day game), but not enough and consistently enough to compete at a level higher than .500.
As much as I think Chamblin has potential as a DC, why could we not have at least one co-ordinator on staff who has some experience in the role. And since Rich Stubler was available at the same time as Chamlin, why did we not hire him. He did a fine job in Toronto as a DC and seems to be putting the Eskimos in the right direction.
If we get rid of the coach or coaching staff now, then we are writing off the season, but then I don't see this team contending for the Grey cup at the level they are competing at now, anyway. And it might give the new man a chance to see his future players up close and personal and a head start on planning for next season.
Not sure if a more assertive person is needed for this team. Trestman and Miller don't fit that mold and they're doing OK. We do need a coach who holds their players (and coaches accountable for results and mistakes). I don't think that's happening here. For example, how many times has Kanya taken silly penalties and still he's out there playing.
I wish I could think of some good possibliities. My brain just can't come up with any names.
At this rate, I'm relieved that this season will be over for this team come the end of next month. But sad!!!