Before you run Gannon out of town, you’d better consider who’s coming next. The attempts to get Reid and Payton should tell you even big offers are not going to get top coaches to work for Bidwill. I prefer to stay with Gannon for now. I like his philosophy and I think the team plays hard for him. He needs some staff changes, but don’t lose sight he’s a first time HC.
Being a first time Head Coach means a tough learning curve. The two toughest immediate tasks are assembling a coaching staff and evaluating players.
As to the staff, as a coach goes through his career aiming to be a Head Coach he encounters other coaches and typically assesses them mentally as to who might fit on his imagined staff. Choosing coordinators is obviously the most critical task. There are essentially 5 groups to choose from. Lower level coaches looking to move up. Former coordinators who are not under contract. Former Head Coaches who have lost that job and current coordinators teams are looking to let go. Finally, college coaches moving to the NFL. Most often the first choice is a guy moving up, like Petzing. Play design, game plans and calling plays are things a new OC has rarely, if ever, done. I think Petzing is an example of the Peter Principle. The job at present is beyond his capabilities. At season’s end, it’s time for a change. The options are greater then.
I see Rallis differently. Actually I thought last season, he did more with less. I’ve felt like this season he’s tried to hard to duplicate what Gannon did in Philly; using mostly a 4 man rush. He’s also seemed timid, especially on late game deciding drives. How you intentionally have Thompson, notably poor in coverage, single covering Kupp is beyond my understanding. The Cards assembled an outstanding set of pass rushers. Rallis has struggled to maximize their effectiveness. I believe he will figure it out, but the delay has been costly. I’d stay with him. He has likely hurt his chances of competing for a head coaching job by this year’s results. Still the defense is reasonably effective. If Rallis ever gets it at maximum efficiency he may yet be lured away.
Justin Frye is getting a great deal of heat about the Oline play. There almost always is a period of adjustment moving from college to the NFL. Again I’d urge patience, though waiting is painful. He’s been forced to make Adams work at G and he seems to lack an on field Oline leader. Adams may grow into his role, but for my money the passion alone makes Hernandez a superior performer when he can play. Another problem is Williams has returned from injury, but isn’t the same player. He seems too often to backpedal at the snap. He’s too easy to manipulate when he adopts that strategy. Johnson is still learning to play LT. Brown and Froholdt have limitations. On the whole Frye wasn’t dealt a great hand with which to start.
I’ve got no clue about Israel Woolfork, QB coach. Obviously I’m not pleased with Murray’s play, but I’m not sure anyone’s up to the task.
When it comes to players, I think the team has done a decent job of evaluating and developing players, especially on defense. The overall attitude of this team is definitely improved.
I like Gannon’s focus on defense. He needs a better offensive leader on the field. I’ll put something up on the possible QB resolution. Gannon needs Ossenfort to cooperate and give Gannon better offense personnel. I think it will take Gannon 2 more years to get the team the way he wants it. If 2 isn’t enough then I agree it’s time to move on.
