And to honor my friend Ryman, it was a Snyderratto move to switch to the 3-4 without the proper personnel in place.
I have to agree with Lanky on the moves made by Allen here. As more of this story unfolds, it just appears more and more likely they were preparing for the worst while swinging for the fences.
We now have half of the Cap hit accounted for and we are better prepared to handle the other half next year. I can only imagine if we didn't have that space last year. Would we have Cofield? Bowen? Wilson? Those players are a part of our core on a defense that was 100% better than the previous year.
Call it dumb luck if you want, and prior poor management souring us aside, moves were made by Allen that put us in a position to handle a $36 million hit when the Cowboys are having a difficult time handling their $10 million hit. Makes me feel comfortable with Allen's work here.
We have entered the 3rd year of the Shanallen regime. I was not happy with the trade to acquire RG3 and several other moves along the way, but it looks like we are on the cusp of competing...of something truly exciting. I have to think they are on to something here, Shanahan and Allen seem to make a good partnership in regards to the whole picture of football operations. I have to agree with Lanky. I think Allen has known what the options were all along. They may not have worked to our advantage along the way, but they seemed prepared for the "surprise" hit from Goodell.
If we are granted some sort of compensation from the NFLPA suit, I will call it a bonus, especially if we will not be penalized another 18 million next year. At this point I just want Mara and Goodell with egg on their face. No matter what we are still in a position to move forward.