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This is what gets me...my argument is not what he's done with what he's had, but what he's NOT done with what he had.
The season after we won the Division title, in a weak division I might add, we found ourselves in a win or go home situation to end the season against the Gnats. We had a pretty good chance to win the division as defending champs at 6-3-1 and lost 4 of 6 down the stretch.
Ah...the 'weak division'.... I never hear Gibbs, or any other successful coach, evaluated based on how 'strong' the division was - but when Gruden has success, it's because the competition sucked... that's super fair.
That is regression in year one after it looked like a corner had been turned.
The following season...ok, injuries, but the amount of motivation from that team was abysmal, in light of the adversity in front of them. They completely folded and ended the season with the most embarrassing loss to a terrible Giants team. It reminded me of the Shanahan debacle down the stretch.
Yes - that's a fair criticism
Then there is last year...even more injuries, but the team was playing with more heart. Was that Gruden? Per reports from last year, players were motivated by a veteran presence who pushed them. A lot of credit was given to AP for their spirited play, even though the talent was simply lacking at the most key position to overcome the QB situation. Letting Nate Sudfeld slip away was a huge mistake by Gruden...HUGE!
Nate Sudfeld - what has that guy done? I mean - seriously - that's the criticism??? Guy is the most over-hyped player since Sultan McCullough...
So you acknowledge that the team didn't give up last season, despite the worst spate of injuries in modern memory - but it was IN SPITE of Gruden, not because of him, that they were able to continue to compete? I mean - is that really your argument brother?
Look John, I think you agree with Ax, a few others, and I that Gruden is not ever going to be a Super Bowl winning head coach, especially here in DC with the ownership, and leadership in the front office. However, I applaud your dedication to a midland head coach who got this job because he was able to squeeze blood from Dalton.
No - I don't agree with that - not because I am certain he *will be* that guy, but because no coach is that guy until he is that guy. My argument is pretty consistently stated. Gruden has had numerous challenges to navigate. You can minimize those if it supports your position, but he's navigated them, and he's survived. The roster is rising, talent has been added, and Gruden has survived some incredibly tough years. Why not give him a couple more to see who he really is?
People write people off every day. Pretty sure you've been written off a few times in your life as have all of us. Were those folks right? Or perhaps was there more to you than your critics believed there was?