After peeling back so many layers, the football onion begins to take a completely different form than its original shape. This season reinforced the idea to me that games are only tests to gauge how well practice is going and how Sunday is arguably the least important day of the week. Football is not a game, it's an experiment. The goal is for 70 or more individuals to share ideas and talents throughout the course of a week by the end of which they are to achieve perfection in both execution and design within the rules. Every team fails every time, but the idea is to get as close as possible. In a sense, by Sunday the game is already won or lost based on the success of the preparation involved. If the players are ready and the game-plan is solid, everything should take care of itself. Just like we practiced.
But what about human error and human triumph? People aren't robots, they will never do the same thing every time the same way, and also the ball takes funny bounces. Preparation can only go so far.
It's true. Of course, it's true. Nonetheless, the more prepared a team, the easier it will be to overcome the shit-happens rule. This is why it is imperative to have a program in place and it operate at a high efficiency.
I do not believe all programs are created equal but I also don't agree that there is only one way to do it right. Today's head coach is responsible for the program to be in place much more than he is to do any actual coaching. That isn't to say there isn't some of that, but as the game gets bigger, so does the program, and a head coach actually becomes more of a manager than a coach. He has to see the big picture, know the whole experiment to its smallest detail, do the best with the materials given him and try to achieve perfection.
Marvin Lewis has a program, and regardless of the jokes the media and fans incorporate into their Bengal remarks, professionals in the industry admire it. He dragged the Cincinnati Bengals out of the heart of darkness and into relevancy using it, and he seems more confident in it now than ever before. He sees it working.
When studying the program for so many years, one starts to notice consistent characteristics: Marvin loves the kicking game. He values its impact on games more than other coaches and many of his game-time decisions are based around the best possible kicking situation at hand. He doesn't trust younger players all that much, although he was forced to give a few kids a shot lately with the offensive youth movement that took place before the 2011 season. And he wants us to know as little as possible about anything pertaining to his program. The minute you tell him you understand it, he will laugh and say that you know nothing.
To my original point, however, Marvin's program allows for quality practices which lead to more wins and ultimately allows he and his staff to come closer to achieving football perfection. One interesting tidbit ML shared with us after the playoff loss was that offensive coordinator Jay Gruden had to adjust to the way Marvin runs his practice. Marvin has a very specific way that practice is run, when Gruden has mastered the way Marvin wants his practices run, the program will run more smoothly and the equation works its way back to more wins again. Every little detail that improves the efficiency of the program translates to a better showing in tests (Sundays), and in theory, when every detail is operating at its fullest potential, the Bengals will experience football euphoria and will become a collective beam of light right after winning the Super Bowl to cap an undefeated season. It will be blissful and we will be proud to say we were there. Only, it isn't likely to happen.
No program works all the time. Sometimes, a program will be as sound as it gets, but the player talent is too lacking. Sometimes both are in place and an owner or a GM (or both) gets in the way and messes around too much. Sometimes an equipment manager is blowing it, sometimes the bathrooms aren't clean enough, sometimes the plane is late. There is a lot to these programs and at the end of the day, if it didn't hold up to the 16-game test, it's the head coach that is blamed for its problems and out he and his program go.
There are certainly more successful coaches out there than Marvin Lewis. There are brighter, more innovative football minds, there are more fiery men who would love a shot at the NFL, but who runs a better program than him? Who would be better? His players—outside of one moody running back—seem to believe in his way of doing things. They play hard and don't grumble. They were shown the way of the professional and that's how they live.
I believe that as long as Marvin Lewis remains with the Bengals, the longer they will remain competitive. Now that they appear to have stockpiled potentially elite talent once more, this young group should help the program to operate even more efficiently in the years to come as they grow more familiar with it.
So as we tune in to the weekly tests next season, remember that it's more than two football teams meeting on a painted field, it's a week's worth of rigorous preparation and hard-nosed discipline by two large organizations colliding violently and repeatedly for three hours. It's the next chance to prove the program's working. It won't always be perfect, but it will always try to be.
Mojokong—the abstract.
1 recs | 68 comments
Well written article!
pemci - January 18, 2012
Good write up Mojo, will get some debates started here for sure.......
I think Marvin needs to take “Throwing the Challenge Flag, 101 – The Basics” in the offseason while he’s at it. Get tired of us challenging the wrong plays and refusing to challenge other plays that could have a big impact on the game.
The Van Buren Boys - January 18, 2012
+1
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
You would have thought he would have learned his lesson in the Jets playoff game.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 18, 2012
lol
well i dont think anyone here will defend marvin’s challenges. he’s never been good with them. almost think the bengals should hire an assistant to stand on the sidelines and watch jumbotron feeds to tell marvin when its time for a good challenge.
palewook - January 18, 2012
Or just call any one of us watching the game like a "lifeline" off a game show.
It’s so obvious most of the time, can’t understand how we continually miss these. Not trying to sidetrack the post, but is just mistake we keep repeating over and over.
The Van Buren Boys - January 18, 2012
its harder to challenge when your the away team because they wont show the reply on the jumbo screen
but when your at home, there should be no excuses
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
they could hire someone to sit in the booth with the oc
watch the tv feed or listen to the radio, who’s sole job is to identify suspect calls for marvin’s challenges. in short, we all know marvin needs help with his challenges. would love to see his challenge record, if you told me he was 30% (or less) successful at challenging nfl plays, i would not be shocked.
palewook - January 18, 2012
look at this article from cbs on marvin's challenges
http://eye-on-football.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/34238807
palewook - January 18, 2012
I agree and Im sure the colts have something like that
but its brown that wont pay for something like that. It would be way too much money for a position that wouldn’t be used that much at all.
I believe the colts bring their on reply system, that records the the feed, so they can replay it themselves.
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
its an odd comment on a coach and an organization
to say one of the things this team could do to improve its on the field record is to hire someone to watch for replay/challenge issues.
i do truly believe, challenges are something that hurt us a couple of times a year. the 30k-50k brown would need to spend on it would probably win a game or two more a season for us.
palewook - January 18, 2012
Agree......
we barely made the playoffs by backing in, a huge play like that could be the difference in a win that could mean making the playoffs or not.
The Van Buren Boys - January 18, 2012
like Greshams TD being called back?
just think if we could have won that game, we could have been playing for the Division championship in the last week if we would have won that first meeting in Baltimore…
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
Exactly.
Challenges are huge, we just don’t seem to put a whole lot of emphasis on it for some reason. It’s details like that which cause a 9-10 win team to just miss the playoffs.
The Van Buren Boys - January 18, 2012
I don't know that stats...
…but I live in Pittsburgh and therefore watch a lot of Steeler games by default…it seems like the Steelers have a lot of successful challenges—this goes back to Cowher. I don’t think it’s the “coach” per se, but I wonder if they have someone in the booth who is there specifically to look at replays and let the coach know what is a good challenge or not.
I have no idea, but it seems like a good idea.
goffchile - January 18, 2012
dont think we're sidetracking too much
most of us love marvin or at least appreciate the job he’s done in cincy given the circumstances he’s had to work with.
BUT, its hard not to notice the challenge issue seems to bite marvin in the tail often. like when you are asked during an interview to name your worse fault, i know marvin’s: challenges…
palewook - January 18, 2012
Agree...
..ironically, I was just contemplating a fan post along these lines (and I still might). I like Marvin Lewis—he has a plan, an idea, an end game. Granted he may not always make the “right decision” every time, but it is refreshing to feel that at least someone is steering the boat.
goffchile - January 18, 2012
Another reason I hope we keep Zimmer for next year too.......
For once it feels we have a direction and a good plan in place. I want Zim to stay because I think with a full off-season and training camp I think we’re going to be a very competitive team. Continuity is very important, just ask teams like Cleveland who turnover their entire organization on an annual basis. Marvin’s not perfect, but I believe he’s guiding us to where we want to be.
The Van Buren Boys - January 18, 2012
Nice food for thought
I agree with your perception of the Lewis era. Since Marvin has been here, we have been in most games. There probably has been a handful of games where we can say, we got blown out.
BUT! Here is the catch. Yes, Sunday is a test to see how we prepared throughout the week. And it is the most important day of the week or whatever day or night your team plays. Because the season is measured by wins, not good practices. My point is, Marvin has been mediocre. Until he can win us a few playoff games, he is just an average HC. That is the fact of the situation.
Until we can build a program that consistently gets double digit wins YEAR AFTER YEAR. We are just an average football team. I think you hit the nail on the head about the “winning” formula and there is a science to it. I feel like this team has the potential to be the team Marvin is trying to create. We almost did it with the Carson regime, hopefully with this next draft, we can bring in the playmakers we need to complete this puzzle Marvin is working on.
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
the football onion concerning the bengals
you didnt really make me think of this again did you.. yeah you did
palewook - January 18, 2012
Can we please go for it on more 4th and 2s. ESP when it's on their 40. Once we get the lbs and DBS figured out
Marv need to trust his D
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
I agree, but first they must earn his trust. EX: the Texans game.
Our D folded like a cheap lawn chair more than once when the chips were down. It takes more than a good front seven to make a trusted Defense. Ithe thing is, I don’t neccessarily think it was talent. I think it is coaching and scheme. JJoseph played her for years and once he went to the Texans he went to the ProBowl in his first year. Another example on O was Justin Smith. He played out his contract here in oblivion and became a ProBowler once he left. Green came here and became a ProBowler because of his natural ability – not because he was coached up. I would not claim that this evidence is conclusive – but it is indicative of a weakness.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 18, 2012
No thats what I was saying once we figure out the lbs and db problem. I love our front 7 I want to blitz slot more
But zim or whomever needs to trust our dbs
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
The pro-bowl thing isn’t necessarily an indication of coaching. I hate to say it, but its often true that the Bengals don’t have many pro-bowlers even if they play at that level simply because they don’t get voted for (Whitworth last year and Atkins this year are examples of players that should have made it, but didn’t).
You used JJoe as an example of someone that got vote to the pro-bowl elsewhere and attribute that to better play. Guess what? He stats over the last 2 years (this year and last season) are nearly identical – except for the fact that he player only 12 games in 2010 as opposed to 15 in 2011.
OhWell - January 18, 2012
his* stats over the last….
OhWell - January 18, 2012
Marvin for President of Football Operations
I couldnt agree more with Mojokong more if I tried. I think Marvin will one day make a great president of football operations for the team if and when Mike Brown retires. I genuinely believe that Katie and Troy Blackburn will reach out to him when that happens
Marvin would definitely add a larger scouting network and GM and his head coach would be entrenched in the ways of the AFC North.
That being said, his game management and game planning isnt the best in the league and allowing him to be in this newly created position would enable us to get better in this position. And how much does Marvin really talking to the media?
Time will tell if this happens but Marvin can be for Cincy what Kevin Colbert and Ozzy Newsome are for PIttsburgh and Baltimore. As much as I hate them, they have strong leadership
Simon Hunter - January 18, 2012
Marvin's Program seems to lack only 1 thing
The only reason I am a Bengal fan is Marvin Lewis. When he accepted the position I thought “this guy is either an idiot or a fearless leader” so I drove to Georgetown to find out. I watched him run practices, interact with players and then the fans. My conclusion: the guy is a fearless leader. That day I became a Bengals fan because I wanted a front row seat of the entire transformation process of the NFL’s laughing stock.
My support for Marvin has not changed; however, I believe the flaw in his program is not being able to have his teams come out of the locker room on game day with more passion, more confidence, more commitment to doing whatever it takes than the opponent.
By contrast, everytime I’ve seen SanFran play this year they have raised their intensity to match and usually surpass their opponents. Somehow Harbaugh brings this with his “program”. When Marvin had Ray Lewis he had this part of the program covered. Ray makes sure every player raises their game level to whatever is necessary. Marvin does not seem able to provide this element on his own – so the 2012 questions are… 1) Does he recogize this hole in his program and 2) will he find someone to supply what is missing?
Jim Spann - January 18, 2012
This could help to explain our propensity to come out and get down by two scores.......
in almost each game this year.
The Van Buren Boys - January 18, 2012
maybe Ray Lewis will be available next year as a LB coach
just saying
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
He is talking about retiring......
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
I'm in the same boat as you.
Wasn’t a fan until Marvin got here. The Attitude come game day has always been “Show us what you got.” Letting the other team set the tempo… They need someone to step up come game day and say “You can’t stop us!” Set the tone and let the other teams try to keep up. Tired of watching other teams set the Tempo on us and the Bengals steadily playing from behind. The Cardinals game this year was the best game of the year in terms of what I want to see every game. The first half anyway. Houston game too in the first half. I think it’s just the way it is. When they deferred the ball to Houston to let them choose in the playoffs let them set the Tempo. They took the ball and the rest is history. However, it’s the way Marvin is. He always wants to get a feel of how the game is going and then adjust…
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
I'm in the same boat as you.
Wasn’t a fan until Marvin got here. The Attitude come game day has always been “Show us what you got.” Letting the other team set the tempo… They need someone to step up come game day and say “You can’t stop us!” Set the tone and let the other teams try to keep up. Tired of watching other teams set the Tempo on us and the Bengals steadily playing from behind. The Cardinals game this year was the best game of the year in terms of what I want to see every game. The first half anyway. Houston game too in the first half. I think it’s just the way it is. When they deferred the ball to Houston to let them choose in the playoffs let them set the Tempo. They took the ball and the rest is history. However, it’s the way Marvin is. He always wants to get a feel of how the game is going and then adjust…
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
the bad part about this team is
at halftime they don’t know how to adjust
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
Lewis must go!
ahhhrrrrggg! He will never win a playoff game much less 4 in a row. He’s got no emotion and always fails under pressure. A coach needs to get the team fired up and have confidence, Marvin looks like a shy puppy who peed in the corner.
cinci2socal - January 18, 2012
lol i know what you mean
just looking at his shit eating grin how can the players take him serious.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
some people don't practice like they play
case in point carlos dunlap did not practice the way marvin wanted him to. then he just went ahead and put him in the games and the rest is history now. he is one of our best players on the D now.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
Marvin is one if best coaches in game
To be as successful with Brown as owner speaks volumes for his coaching ability. Not taking up for him but thus year was first since he been here where I think he picked most players. We won with not a lot of talent on our team. U have to give Marvin his props for way he handled this off season with everything going on.
pray4gm11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Marvins a good coach
It’s not like we have guys beating down the door to work for Mike Brown. I got a feeling working for Brown would be like building a house with one arm tied behind your back. You can do it but it’s going to take more time. That’s what I see the first part of Marvins tenure being, he couldn’t build things before we started to see player turnover. It seems different latley with some good FA and draft, maybe he got to untie his arm lol. As far as being a good motivator, he shouldn’t have to be one. These players aren’t in college anymore. They get paid which makes them professionals. If they can’t get hype about making millions then theirs a problem. I like Marvin and I think he will have us where we all want to be soon enough.
Bigcatdaddy - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Marvin while he has done a good job is very overrated.
the fact he fears playing his own draft picks only to watch them be successful elsewhere as we will see this coming year with coffman. and like we have seen with simpson/kevin walter and others.
The fact he doesnt have a complete cast of compitent coaches under him and his failure to notice these things are why hes overrated. That and the fact he thinks its time to run the clock out with a 3 point lead.
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
unlike the rest of the league marvin doesnt have a WIN-NOW attitude.
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
marvin plays winning football
We don’t always have players that buys into system. Benson is only player left from that group. If Marvin didn’t have win now attitude Benson would’ve led league in attempts and our 2 rookies wouldn’t be in playoffs.
pray4gm11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
re read my comment
Ur argument is why I love Marvin. He doesn’t get to pick his players or coaches I believe up until last year. We all seen results of that. We have a WOMAN running our team. That’d unheard of in sports. We run our a unheard if organization. Marvin has done very well since his arrival with team. And we play our Rookies too much GREAT teams don’t play Rookies. Were headed in right direction for first time in years. This first year Marvins been here that we have zero distractions in off season but our coordinators leaving for head coaching jobs. We have money and picks to get and do what we want.
pray4gm11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
It’s not that unheard of…
Seriously, I know all of those Grand Slamwiches Mikey eats are starting to give him old man boobs, but calling him a woman is a low blow. Calling Katie a woman is more than generous. So I’m not sure who you’re talking about.
FYI, I heard that Dick LeBeau tried the whole “Win a game and a part of the clothes come off” motivation trick with a cardboard cutout of Katie. That was the year we only won two games. Week 13 against the Ravens almost exposed an elbow but our guys managed to get the Ravens to score 13 points in the 4th quarter to protect their lunch and heterosexuality.
Jason Maggard - January 18, 2012
Marvin needs to understand that a fresh set of eyes (gruden) can help moving the org in the right direction. The quote about him learning how to adapt to ML practices is horrendous…ML running the same program for 8yrs…how is that been working for you Marv? At some point you get diminishing returns that is when its time to move in another direction. Had he had it his way, he would have sat the rookies. Dont forget people he wasnt entirely on board with Whit being the starting left tackle a few years ago. The guy is old and inflexible and that will hurt this organization next year I garauntee it
L.A. bengal fan - January 18, 2012
Dalton and AJ were named starters from day 1
How many teams been to playoffs 3 out if last 6 yrs?
pray4gm11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
how many games did marvin win in the post season
the 3 games he coached in were pretty much destroyed in.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
i agree with u all on points
But since we all don’t really have a standard for winning we have to accept. We ALL know it could be worse. If Marvin don’t win a playoff game next year then we have a problem.
pray4gm11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
+1
I think Marvin knows how to win and produce a championship caliber team. Marvin coached in pitt and baltimore, so he knows what he is doing. But overall performance from his team has been medicore. Now is the time to see championship results… I think we can do it, we got a lot of young pieces to this team and we could be good for a long time.
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
thanks to mike brown the standard is losing games,but he makes money
the fans had high standards when we lost the super bowl in 1988 now look what has happend ever sinse then its been all down hill with mike brown
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
Marvin Lewis's greatest contribution to Bengal fans
is he never became Bengalized while under contract. He still coaches hard between Sundays, he obviously has shown Mike Brown a better way to manage player selection and retention.
But we also know his ceiling as a coach under Mike Brown. 0-3 in the playoffs suggests he’ll not win a playoff game here. His blunders in critical games also is telling. Wasting his challenges in the 1st quarter against Houston was a big let down to the team. Players on the sidelines had to be asking themselves “WTF?”.
I’ll speculate that he is “one and done” as the Bengals coach, meaning this is his last season. Next season his contract expires and I’m guessing he’ll not stay, even if he wins 11 games.
BENGALS69 - January 18, 2012
im with u on challenges
But I’ll take that than the old Marvin not using his challenges at all. His not going nowhere no time soon he’s basically running team right now. Just getting too playoffs this year was huge for team chemistry and confidence. Next big move would be getting rid some position coaches from the old days.
pray4gm11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
defenately, his challenging can be improved
but thats kind of ticky tack to complain about a HC considering all a HC does throught the year.
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
It was just one example
There are many others. Marvin has a long history, and I’m too lazy to cite you chapter and verse, of making bad calls from the sideline.
BENGALS69 - January 18, 2012
And in a couple of years?
When Marvin has all the talent in the world and we still can’t win the big game, is he still a good coach? Marvin needs moved to another position in the Bengals organization. Like i have said before, he has done a good job of breaking Mikey boy down. Has been drafting well, and getting rid of the bad elements. I thank him for that. But as far as coaching, Marvin is always going to leave Bengals fans second guessing. Yes we were a young football team, but i believe we SHOULD have won 2 or 3 more games if Marvin didn’t play scared to lose when we had the lead, or we didn’t have to come back from 14 points down because the team was not prepared from the start.
CINCY1CATS - January 18, 2012
you cant say that
How many games did we lose tryin be aggressive before halftime? Marvin used his challenges and went for it on 4th down more than in past years. Everybody want us to be aggressive but when we did it really hurt us. Our best wins came when we were playing Marvin football, running the ball and controlling feild position. And we went 6-2 to start season so we were more than prepared.
pray4gm11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
And
We went 3-5 or 3-6, in the second half of the season if you want to include the Houston game we got blown out in. Not real sure you can say the Bengals were well prepared for that playoff game. In the Arizona game we came out aggressive, 16 rush, 22 pass. We have 20 to 0 lead. Second half, 18 rush, 9 pass. We win 23-16 with Arizona having a chance in the end. I understand Marvin loves to be a run and control football guy. But when things are working, stick with it. If they aren’t, new game plan, and thats where i think Marvin is lost.
CINCY1CATS - January 18, 2012
Hes thoroughly mediocre
In most cities preaching patience after 9 seasons with no playoff wins would draw the reaction of ‘WTF? You gotta be kidding me.’
occams_tiger_teeth - January 18, 2012 via mobile
and he had 2 4 win seasons 1 of which they were super bowl contenders the t.ocho team
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
before Marvin came how many times had team been to playoffs in last 40yrs?
pray4gm11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
+1
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
Fella's
I tell you what. If the Bengals don’t get back to back winning seasons this year then call for his head. The Bengals are on the cusp of a great team with just a few missing pieces. Like Whit has been saying a couple more plays our way and we woulda have won. With those plays and players to make those plays for the team they will be fine. If they can’t get it together after this year then so be it. I’ll join the get rid of Marvin wagon. With players we have now and coming in via the draft, getting rid of Crockers, Benson, Wilson, and Livings! Replacing them with whom ever they believe can do the job better. Mines would be =)! Jenkins, Richardson or Polk, OL in the 2nd, and Lamichael James in the 3rd. Maybe some guy we don’t even know about via the Draft. Mays at SS! Meechum, Colston, or Garcon! Dontay Moch finally getting on the field, Sands aka Predator! The future is bright fella’s. It’s not 06 with a beat up QB and piece together Defense, it’s not 2012 with a beat up QB and more drama in the locker room! It’s a new team with fresh faces “Dalton/ Green”, FO making great moves to put Marvin and the Bengals in position to be contenders. What Marvin does with it this year will define him! I believe he pulls it off.
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
you are correct all new faces
but 1 face stays the same and that is mike brown. if marvin can keep minipulating him then with our talent we should be good in the near future.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
last time marvin was in his last year of his deal 2010 happened
you know the all in year where we were going to the Superbowl only to end up 4-12…
with marvins plan in place this will be an 8-8 season his plan hasnt worked the past 9 years why would it start now
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
It's a new team...
Nobody is saying Superbowl bound. Your calling 8-8??? Already?
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
The program is good, but sticking with it no matter what can cause problems
Marvin wants us to be a hard-nosed, physical team, with a strong running game and a strong defense. Unfortunately, he’s always acted like we have those things, even when we haven’t. Even with shaky guards and Cedric “Me First” Benson, he kept running it up the middle like there was no tomorrow. Marvin is on a lifelong quest for the holy grail of MLBs, which has involved Odell, Ahmad Brooks, Dhani Jones, Rey…and he expects them to be able to “quarterback” the defense whether they have the skills for it or not.
I agree that the program has yielded results. But every program-runner needs two things—adaptability and a willingness to admit when something (or someone) isn’t working. Marvin has frequently tried to fit square pegs into round holes. Instead of adapting to the personnel we have, he’s tried to force them into his ideal system, even if another approach would make more sense. Likewise, Marvin has been way too loyal to certain veteran players and coaches. The players that come to mind are guys like Thornton, Tory James, Livings, Chad (yes, Chad), and Crocker, while the coaches are guys like Bresnahan (it took forever to get rid of him), Bratkowski (ditto), and Paul Alexander.
Programs are great. We shouldn’t be like certain teams and give up on coaches/approaches just because it isn’t working after a year or two. But you need to adapt to your actual situation, and you need to manage your roster and coaching staff with as much objectivity as possible. That’s where Marvin is failing.
Big Sky Bengal - January 18, 2012
I like Marvin as HC
But IMO its the coordinator’s on this team that know the x’s and o’s
As long as Marv continue’s to surround himself with good people,we will continue to have success
Marvin doesnt appear on the surface to be a great motivator,his player’s never quit on him except for (Palmer,Ocho,Benson) but those guys had there own problems.
He has a eye for talent,but doesnt seem to do a great job of developing talent
I dont know weather its him or Mike Brown,but the one thing i’d like to see out of Marvin is better
discipline with player’s.I’m not sure if thats out of his control,or if he feels like he really needs that guy on the field
Penalties,and Challenges need to be corrected
keithp - January 18, 2012
This year is put up or shut up.
If you can’t win a playoff game in 10 years then you have got to go. Use the Mike Brown excuse if you want. I am sick and tired of seeing rookie coaches win playoff games. His record would not fly with most teams. Great coordinators don’t necessarily make great head coaches, so comparing what he did in Baltimore is really irrelevant. It is time for results. Don’t let fear of change cloud your vision. Fans will accept mediocrity because they are afraid of reverting back to losing. If you are not going to play to win a championship, then why bother? His way may never get us over the top. He has accomplished alot and I thank him for what he has done for this organization, but there comes a time when you have to take it to another level. If he can’t get us there then we need to find someone who can. Sometimes things just get stale. I don’t advocate firing a guy without giving him a fair chance, but I believe ten years is a pretty fair chance. I hope he can get it done, because I would like to see him get the reward for what he built, but unfortunately things don’t always work out that way. I hope 2012 is the year we finally break through. Who Dey!
D-Day77 - January 19, 2012 via iPhone app
+1
Just like when Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry. The game just passed him by. Same thing happening with marvin.
KentuckianaBrowncoat - January 20, 2012
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