[Starry Plough]

Ah chara Warpath!

After years of visiting the site and seeing the fantastic craic that’s had, not to mention the many insightful debates that go on, I finally thought I’d take the plunge and post myself.

It sucks that the organisation has seen so many changes for change sake over the years, as it perhaps makes the path forward that bit more difficult to see with real clarity which direction is best.

Had Mike been allowed to spend freely in FA the past 2 off-seasons and the team still be performing as it is now, then the decision to cut him loose would likely be a no-brainer. I for one am swaying towards wanting to see how this team would look if a better calibre of player hand picked by Shanny could be had, but then at the same time, I keep asking has he done enough in the almost 4 full seasons to justify being allowed to return and spend that money in 2014?

Then there’s the suggestions that the game has passed him by etc, and that could be accurate to an extent. It’s no coincidence that folk on here, as well as John Keim (amongst others) have highlighted issues with the line (to name one) being overwhelmed by guys who are stronger, but just as quick, which in turn nulifies the kind of personnel Shanny opts for i.e. undersized but athletic guys. Is this a sign then that his famed scheme which worked so effectively for him in Denver during the 90’s is an old school approach and he’s unable to adjust?

Maybe. I do know though that last season proved that he (and of course Kyle, but we’ll just focus on Snr for now) is still capable of putting together an offense that can go toe to toe with most in the league. Again however, the flip side makes me ask was that simply a combination of momentum and good fortune? I don’t believe so personally. I saw too many good things from too many players (even average ones). So where do the issues lie then?

I guess it’s normal when there seems to be no answers that that’s when most questions arise.

On a side note, one name I haven’t seen on anyone’s lists is Mike Zimmer. Wasn’t he considered someone who was sure to get a HC gig at some point not so long ago? Just curious as personally speaking, if the team were to move on from Mike then I’d like to see a defensive guy take over, albeit with an up and coming young mind as offensive co-ordinator ah-la Phil Montgomery or David Shaw.