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I'm a bit tired of the DA topic..so here's something different...

http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/13033817.html?page=3&c=y

Patrick McManamon: Key factor for Browns success is Crennel
Coach makes players believe first-game loss something they could survive

By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal columnist

Published on Friday, Jan 04, 2008

I spent some time talking to an NFL type the other day, a guy who works in the league.

Some might call him a ''background source.'' I call him a friend, someone I have known for some time and respect and trust.

He doesn't want his name used in this story because it would make his wife angry or something. So I agreed.

I asked him a question: Other than talent, what was the key reason for the Browns' turnaround this season?

''Romeo Crennel,'' he said.

''Huh?'' I said, going right to one of those pointed questions we journalists like to ask.

What about Derek Anderson? And Joe Thomas? What about the offensive line as a whole? Or Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow?

And what about Phil Savage, who, as it turned out, made a ton of right moves that helped the team — from trading Charlie Frye to hiring Rob Chudzinski to drafting Thomas? Savage could hardly have planned this better.

''Those are things that matter, all of them,'' he said. ''But Romeo is on the field and in the practices. And he has been the exact same guy there that he has been since the day he was hired.

''He's the same right now as he was when the Browns were losing.''

''Hmmm,'' I opined, again offering that deep insight. What difference does that make?

''Players can see through phonies,'' Mr. Background (his new name) said. ''They quit playing for phonies.''

''Hmmm,'' I said again.

''Think back to the opener,'' Mr. Background said. ''The world was ready to crash in. Folks were ready to revolt.''

He was right about that. The first two days after that opener were chaotic and filled with turmoil.

Even owner Randy Lerner was banging his shoe on the desk — a rare sight in Berea, where Lerner usually steps back from day-to-day operations.

Lerner held meetings that week to discuss every detail of the operation, right down to where the team stayed the night before games and how they met before games.

Crennel was involved in many of the meetings, but he also had to prepare a team for the next game.

''He was the same that week as he was the week of the opener,'' Mr. Background said. ''Players saw he didn't panic, and look what happened.''

Hmmm, I thought again. And I thought back to those days. Folks with the team rolled their eyes at the turmoil the first two days after the opener.

But the final three practice days, they said, were normal.

I thought back to previous coaches I've covered, coaches whom players did not trust. It showed on the field. Guys simply will not play for a coach they believe lies or deceives them.

I mean, they'll try to win, but the belief and confidence in the coach is not there, and eventually it takes a toll.

This might sound odd for a group of professionals, but it's true in any walk of life. People who lie or deceive are not respected (see: Clinton, Bill; re: Lewinsky, Monica).

Witness what happened with the Atlanta Falcons with Bobby Petrino.

He might as well have left for the University of Arkansas under dark of night, and when he was gone, the players made public their disdain. How in the world can a team believe in a guy who preaches ''team,'' then makes the best deal possible for himself?

Crennel is as honest a man as there is in coaching, a man who has finished every contract he has signed in the NFL. Imagine that in a league of gold-diggers.

Crennel simply does not have it in him to be deceitful or misleading. He might not reveal everything, but he's straightforward and he treats everyone the same — from the players to the trainers to the equipment guys to the assistant coaches.

''That,'' Mr. Background said, ''helped hold things together after Pittsburgh.''

Of course, there were other reasons things took off from that point.

''They were fortunate with Derek Anderson,'' Mr. Background said. ''Not many people believed he could do what he did. Especially in the first game.''

What about starting Charlie Frye in the first game, then trading him?

''Well, you can bring that up, but the bottom line is they won 10 games when nobody thought they'd win six,'' Mr. Background said. ''Something had to go right.''

Sports fans can be an interesting breed, and in Cleveland, the long years without a championship seem to affect perspective. Some people are ready to run Anderson to Bernie Kosar's Arena League team after he threw 29 touchdown passes and won 10 games.

Others want Crennel run out of town because of this, that or the other thing.

Here's a guy in the league who says Crennel's approach is what worked with this team.

When the season ended, Willie McGinest led Browns players in a huddle in the locker room after the win over the San Francisco 49ers.

He presented Crennel a game ball, saying that when nobody believed in the players, he did. The gesture put tears in Crennel's eyes.

The first Cincinnati Bengals game showed a team that believed in its coach and coaches. The gesture after the season finale showed a team that not only believed in him, but also respected and admired him.

Evidently, that feeling is shared around the league.



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Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com.

Good read. Kinda makes me wonder about how many things we fans can be wrong about at times. We are so quick to judge and make knee-jerk reactions to things, most-likely due to the built in defense-mechanisms that come naturally with following this team for so long. But the things we used to chastise RAC for are now shining in a different light. He is cool, calm, and collected when nobody else is. He definitely has the players respect and you can see that they are in it to win it. They want to win for him. They are playing like a true team. That speaks volumes. I'll admit that I had my sincere doubts about RAC and there is still a part of me that wants to see more before I crown him the savior of our down-trodden franchise, but as time goes on, more of his personality and demeanor are shining through. And those things are what really puts RAC above the rest.

Ya know really us fans dont really know squat about what goes on, We know what we see and think we are smarter for what people tell us, and we put them all together add in what we read and we have all the answers...Now add in a few correct guess on who we draft, who we cut, who starts and we become stink'en experts, watch a few games and were certified geniuses, who are more than happy to let others know the real story or the bottom line scoop.

You mean who we should draft...I do know squat about the draft

"And I thought back to those days. Folks with the team rolled their eyes at the turmoil the first two days after the opener.
But the final three practice days, they said, were normal."

there was another time this franchise was in turmoil and that was when Collins was trying to take over the team and kick Savage out. Again RAC stepped in and brought things back to normal. Collins left and all knew Savage was the man outside the field...RAC was the man on the field.

I've always been a fan of RACs - I think he was the perfect coach to teach the youngsters how to play in the NFL - Slow and steady always moving forward never panicking.

When I read about the deceit and lies from coaches I had to think of Butch - He lost the team with his lies.

We are lucky to have RAC - he has organized the on the field/practices and preparation with mastery. His patience with the youngsters were like that of an Uncle (sorry father is the used term but I know better - you are most inpatient with your own kid...lol )

JMHO

Great read....thanks for posting. Here is RAC's final victory speech of the season, incase anyone wanted to see it.

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/multimedia/mediaplayer.php?id=4481

It really is telling how much these players respect RAC and believe in him, IMO.

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When the season ended, Willie McGinest led Browns players in a huddle in the locker room after the win over the San Francisco 49ers.

He presented Crennel a game ball, saying that when nobody believed in the players, he did. The gesture put tears in Crennel's eyes.

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The last win at home...did alot more...than bringing the team to a 10-6 season....Nice read...

Been saying that since the beginning,, I guess now that Pat put it in print,, I musta been right

Just kidding!

Honestly, if you just look at this one message board, you will see the entire spectrum of feelings.. They run from RAC isn't any good at all, or RAC is a good guy but can't manage a clock,,, all the way to he's the next superbowl winning coach (I just made that up, but you get my drift) and all points in between..

Truth is, he's probably just a decent man with a ton of Football knowledge. He tells his players the truth no matter what and they really do seem to respect him for it.

There are worse guys we could have for a HC of the Browns..

For me, RAC is the best guy for the job.. warts and all...

THanks for the read Attack

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Kinda makes me wonder about how many things we fans can be wrong about at times.

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Fans around here are wrong more often than they are right. It's amazing at some of the lunacy that is written.

I'm glad RAC's team had a good year and got most of the people off his back. RAC is a good man and he didn't deserve all that crap. Amazingly, there are still many ready to pounce on him if the Browns don't duplicate or improve upon this year's season. It's kinda like how it went w/DA...........people ignored all the good he did this year, acted like he wasn't a reason they were winning, but then turned around and lambasted him for his stinky performance in the Bengal game. Gutty.

I have always been sickened by people who actually root for players/coaches to fail. Hell, Corpus was on here bragging about how he was so glad he was right about the team not making the playoffs. The guy was bragging about it and harldy anyone said a word.......because he is part of the oust DA mob.

Truthfully, I was so excited...... about the team,the season they were having, and their future, but coming on here has sure put a damper on the season.

But to RAC and DA..............not everyone thinks you guys suck. Some of us really appreciate all you did for us this year. Thanks. And perhaps there are a lot more people who feel the same way I do..........but are the silent majority. As w/anything, it is usually the loud-mouthed minority that makes the most noise and doesn't have a clue.

If you build a good working environment good work will come from it.

RAC did that in two years and an off-season.

RAC is a good man. He is making this a team of good men. Look a K2 and BE. That's what happens when they spend time with a well grounded individual like RAC. He is honest and hard-working with a team-first mentality; they are hard-working with a team-first mentality. The same for all the players on this team.

Look at Chad Johnson and the rest of cincy's thugs. That's what happens when they spend time with a coach who looks the other way, makes excuses for the misbehavior and has no real idea how to ground personalities like that. He is irresponsible; they are irresponsible.

RAC has built a team on the North Shore. Now all he needs to do is keep Chud, decide on a QB and share with Savage on what positions need upgraded on the team so Phil can go out and get 'em.

Through way this team practices and the way they play the games, the foundation has been built. They need only improve on the talent level and experience.

RAC is one subject...DA is another - they don't get lumped together as if its a condition or something.

I think RAC is good for this team.

I think DA is good for this team as a backup or Windfall in compensation. Two different subjects.

Btw...you are correct about one of the subjects

"Truthfully, I was so excited...... about the team,the season they were having, and their future, but coming on here has sure put a damper on the season."

Its all about what you wish to make about it. I've been excited about this team for quite some time.

Coming here...again its all about what you wish to make of it.

Corpus? He's not the bright bulb in the world...lump us all into his posting that's the ticket

I got to laugh Vers...where's your people skills. Why do you back yourself in a corner like this time again. Hang out and talk football.

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I got to laugh Vers...where's your people skills. Why do you back yourself in a corner like this time again. Hang out and talk football.

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I would like to, but you guys aren't talking football.......you are talking agendas. Hell, since I came back.....the only "football" discussion I had is w/Toad. I tried talking football on a few other posts, but it doesn't interest people. Making up BS about DA is the ticket around here.

It's always going to be about the quarterback in Cleveland. Always has been; always will be.

Besides, when you have your GM and Head Coach making comments and statements that sound like they'd definately entertain bids for their starting QB it is a justification for many to run with it whether they actually know what they're talking about, (some do), or not.

ddubia, it isn't about whether we should entertain offers for DA. Of course we should. Like I have said before..........I haven't proclaimed him a franchise QB yet.

My point is that people are making things up. They are misrepresenting the truth. They are using only certain stats and ignoring more important ones.

They make dumb ass comments like BQ could have done just as well or better. How in the hell would they know that? I've heard that anyone could have done what DA did. How do they know?

I read stuff like his accuracy is terrible and he has no touch. Both statements are BS. Things are written like how we won despite him but lost because of him. That is a lie.

And I think what annoys me more is that people who should know better are just ignoring these assinine comments and then question or rip on people who praise DA. Sorry bro............but it's lame.

As moronic as some posters are here...there are far more good posters than bad. That's why I left the clevelandbrowns.com site. There is the chance to have intelligent discussion here. I'm always happy to debate my opinion with quite a few posters, not just 1 or 2.

On RAC I'm probably more negative about him than most. The one thing that can be said is that he is respected in the locker room and has been good for the mindset of the youth of this team. On the other hand there are many negatives.

1. I think he is far too slow to develop younger players.
2. He is far too loyal to underperforming players/coaches.

Which brings to mind one of the most troubling .... the hiring, then standing by Maurice Carthon as OC.

Dilfer among many others were at their wits end. The guy couldn't call the right protection packages for plays...then Carthon was such a hot head that he wouldn't let them change them. And yet RAC stood by and watched until it was mandated from above to can the guy. We're so fortunate to have hired Chud.

I could go on but no need right now.

The fact is that I have opinions that run counter sometimes, but as long as you reasonably support your statements, good debate can be had.

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As moronic as some posters are here...there are far more good posters than bad. That's why I left the clevelandbrowns.com site. There is the chance to have intelligent discussion here. I'm always happy to debate my opinion with quite a few posters, not just 1 or 2.

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You are certainly correct about that. The posters on this board are much better than those on the other board.

Of course, my expectations for the posters here are higher than for those on the other board. It's like when you have a gifted child, your standards are higher for him or her.

I'm sorry, but I came on here yesterday and read so many things that were just not true. Statements that were presented as facts and common knowledge were anything but. To top matters off, the very same people who were making up crap to prove how bad DA was......turned around and said we could get a first and third rounder for him. I was so disgusted that I just logged off.

Today, you all weren't so lucky.

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He is far too loyal to underperforming players/coaches.

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IMO this is by far RAC's biggest weakness. I am a big Romeo fan, but he is not perfect. (Not that anyone is) I don't think that anyone on here would say that Romeo was right in keeping Mo as long as he did. Romeo knew that he wasn't the best coach, but he stuck with him because Mo was his friend and Romeo is loyal. The situation with Big Ted was similar; I am sure that RAC knew that Ted wasn't the best guy at the nose spot, but he stuck with him because he was a former player for him and was a veteran. I respect that he is loyal, but sometimes there is a thing of being too loyal. Despite this, I love RAC and think that he is a great coach. He may not be the best coach at thinking on the go, but he knows the game and prepares excellently. All the players and coaches in the locker room respect RAC as their leader. Nothing is more important than that in a coach.

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The one thing that can be said is that he is respected in the locker room and has been good for the mindset of the youth of this team. On the other hand there are many negatives.

1. I think he is far too slow to develop younger players.

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Imo...if he`s good for the mindset...would that not be a part of development ? Young players as who ?...Thomas... McDonald...Anderson...Cribbs...Wimbley...Who has`nt developed in your opinion....

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He is far too loyal to underperforming players/coaches.

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Like Frye...Can you please tell me who underperformed...and played 4 quarters if any ?...

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Which brings to mind one of the most troubling .... the hiring, then standing by Maurice Carthon as OC.

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I did`nt like that hire also...But I do believe that Rac being hired late...Due to a Superbowl ...Did`nt have as many coaches to choose from as he would have liked..As far as the support...Rac was a rookie head coach himself....Maybe he felt Mo needed some learning time....But we all know the answere to that....

But the Mo thing has been discussed enough around here....Racs 3rd year was what most wanted to see....Many thought 2...4...8...wins......10 is what he got... ....

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Maybe he felt Mo needed some learning time....But we all know the answere to that....

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Of course I have no way of knowing, but I think it was in RAC's mind that making a change mid-season wasn't going to help anything. In the end, it didn't.

Some will say that it gave us a chance to see for sure that Davidson was not the right guy to be our next OC. But Davidson never had a chance.

I'm not saying that I'd rather have given him a shot instead of signing Chud. I'm just saying that change in the middle of the season, unless it's a near perfect change, isn't going help anyone except those calling for the incumbent's head.

I believe RAC's been around long enough and seen enough to perhaps think that way. To stand it out until the end of the season is one thing, to give everything the look and feel of turmoil mid-season is damaging to the team psyche. Consistancy is the key to a successful locker room and team mentality. Firing coaches mid-stream does nothing to promote consistancy. It's percieved more as a wishy-washy, waffling thing. At least to me. Maybe to some others.

Now I know it's been revealed that Mo was very hard to communicate with. But he's still coaching and was mentioned, or presumed to have been mentioned, by Parcells as a possible head coach candidate. That probably makes a statement that he's not the evil coach many see him as. But it appears he is hard nosed as hell, old school, and maybe today's players don't like that so much.

All I'm saying is that just because RAC loyaly stood by his coach is not reason enough to label him as one who holds on too long to a bad thing. He just may have had solid reasons that folks don't think about. Just like folks thought RAC was doing nothing about BE's attitude because he refused to play it out in the media but instead kept it in-house where it belonged.

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I'm just saying that change in the middle of the season, unless it's a near perfect change, isn't going help anyone except those calling for the incumbent's head.

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Great point....That should have been learned with Davis / Robo......Sorry I mentioned that....

As far as the rest of your post ..I agee ...Keeping it to Rac....He does have the locker room....A solid foundation to build this young team around.....

Besides, when you have your GM and Head Coach making comments and statements that sound like they'd definately entertain bids for their starting QB it is a justification for many to run with it whether they actually know what they're talking about, (some do), or not.
Actually they both have shown confidence in DA...
Rac is Rac...he sees the practices and the games...but he's backed DA even after he said they would entertain offers...he dooesn't let circumstances faze him..

Visiting this board has been both a blessing and a resource for me. I've learned more than I ever could have imagined by hanging with you Dawgs. After all these years, I'm still on the short end where the technical craft of football is concerned... but I'm insatiable, and will continue to eat up all the info and wisdom that can be mined here.

The one area in which I feel I'm on equal footing with all posters is my knowlege of Human Nature... what makes people tick. And the game of football is populated by people, first.

I recently said (in another post) that RAC was the perfect hire at the perfect time. I was solidly behind it then, and have remained staunchy in support of it all along. Reason: RAC was the "Anti-Butch."

Butch Davis was the personification of all that was wrong with the New Browns since their inception: individual over team, ego, deceit, half-assed schemes, back-door politics, favoritism, lack of ethics, excuses..... [pauses to take a breath] He was the worst synptom of what was already a near-terminal disease.

And Romeo Crennel was the exact polar opposite of that. He was the anti- Butch/Dwight/Carmen/Collins- type. And he was just what Cleveland Football needed. After all the lies, half-truths, spin, low standards and bad football, we needed the exact opposite.

And so you have Romeo Crennel. Honest, forthright, steady, centered, self-assured, loyal (sometimes to a fault) down-to-earth and totally believable. Just the pill for what ails the patient... and the kind of Human Being that Browns fans always "say" they appreciate.

This is the first time since 1999 that Cleveland fans have actually watched a team on the field. This is no tossed-together group of mercinaries who are only in it for themselves. This isn't a bunch self-centered egomaniacs roling their eyes behind the back of the Biggest Ego in the house. These are no jaded, unmotivated specialists who couldn't care less about the colors, history, town or fanbase they represent. They are a team. For the first time in this century.

That doesn't come from the owner. It doesn't come from the GM, media or fanbase. It comes from the one Human Being who sees them, handles them and guides them every day at work. It comes from the Head Coach. Always has, always will. Period, End of story.


We can thank Randy for cleaning the house and making way for this present regime.
We can thank Phil for assembling the parts we now have, and are about to get.
We can thank the players for giving us an entire season of heart-stopping entertainment....
...but we have to thank Romeo Crennel for the way they played for us.

This team is finally developing that one major thing they've always lacked- an identity. Romeo Crennel is helping to build that identity right before your eyes. Please give credit where credit is truly due.

Place anyone under a powerful-enough microscope, and you're bound to find flaws. Sometimes, the basic truth can be seen by stepping back- and looking at the man. In this case, the Big Picture. (hehe)

Dude's a leader... in the way you want you leaders to be. Hell- if I were lucky enough to be on the team, I'd follow him.

h.02

You're a good writer. You also have a keen understanding of human nature in a sentimental, black and white kind of way. I have a feeling that you would make a great friend, spouse, co-worker, etc.

Nice job, Clem. Always nice to read an eloquent post.

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I read stuff like his accuracy is terrible and he has no touch. Both statements are BS.

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No they aren't BS - his accuracy and his touch are terrible... and I've been a DA booster since he started winning games.
His short/medium throws are all over the map too often for an NFL quarterback. Like, he misses some of those throws really BADLY.

He does good things and is dangerous - that's the thing about Anderson. He's a wacky QB... does really good stuff, then really bad stuff.
I think we should keep him unless we get bowled over with a trade offer. He won games, put up points,,, can't be denied. As much as we think Brady Quinn could be better, we still haven't seen him do it.

Vers & Eotab, you guys have alot of nerve putting people down for their opinions on a message board. Guess what the entire USA was founded on differing opinions but in your little worlds anyone who says something you don't agree with should be belittled for that opinion. I'll bet many people do not post on this site because of the intimidation factor by people like you.

I have been on this site for a few years now (going back to the old official site) and have been a Browns fan for about 43 years. I may not be as computer savy as you younger guys but I still don't deserve to be disrespected about my opinion!

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I have always been sickened by people who actually root for players/coaches to fail. Hell, Corpus was on here bragging about how he was so glad he was right about the team not making the playoffs. The guy was bragging about it and harldy anyone said a word.......because he is part of the oust DA mob.

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First of all I was not glad I was right about us not making the playoffs. The fact is I was hoping like hell to have to eat crow but I posted that statement in early December in responce to a post made by Peen titled Last Regular Season Loss?? Playoff Possibilities. The reason behind my guarantee that we would not make the playoffs are simple.

People around this site are so premature on the optomistic side and need to brought back to earth sometimes. IMO to have a thought like that when we had the last place defense and an unproven QB leading the offense was ridiculous.

Now I will explain why, I watched the 86 AFC Championship game (the drive) and was so heart broke after the game that I was in a state of depression for a couple of weeks afterward. Then in the 87 playoffs after (the fumble) I walked out my back door and screamed at the top of my lungs and began crying my eyes out.

Then came the new Browns, just not the same. But all of a sudden in 2002 we made the playoffs with a team with less talent (IMO) that this years team and a QB (Tim Couch) that loved this team and city, and what happened in 2003? The Butcher, the fans and the media took that team apart and trashed everything that was right.

Now I'm supposed to give Anderson and RAC a break because a couple of Dawgtalk posters feel I don't have any Idea about football or the a right to have my own opinion.

Well that is fine if you guys want to run this site then ban me. If not then don't belittle me for having the strong feelings and opinions that I have about my Browns. And in my eyes my Browns may not be the same Browns that is your team!

Eotab the above post goes to you also.

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Corpus? He's not the bright bulb in the world...

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Guess what buddy, that is not name calling but a smart guy like you has figured out a way around the rules. So I'll spell it out for the rest of us. In your opinion Corpusdawg is a dumb arse!

Thing about it is...with DA, he can make throws with touch, and throws with accuracy. He has the ability to, hes just very streaky. It's something not to do with his arm that causes his problems. Footwork perhaps?

I'm no football guru, but I've seen it mentioned on here. Thing is, hes young and throughout the season improved greatly (up to the Cincy game). I'd like to think its some flaw that can be corrected, as he improved it throughout the season.

But back to the thread topic. RAC's stability cannot be understated. It was exactly what this team needed. To be able to tear down and rebuild this team from nothing needed a solid foundation. I liken it to building a house, vs buying a trailer. With a (well-built) house you get a solid foundation which is able to weather a storm, a trailer not so much.

Getting RAC in here allowed for that foundation to form. Now that the rest of the house is being built (getting talent), we're seeing the results.

JMHO

Again I wonder how so many of you believe this will continue? RAC has been here 3 years and has one winning season and one hell of a tough schedule coming next year.

Personally I hope he does well but I can't stop thinking Bill Cower is sitting back and waiting for this job. And if it was my decision it would not be hard, Cower in a land slide.

1st AD thanks for the great read.

I have to say emotions are as always running on high when it comes to RAC, I include myself. I was given the boot from the Browns board for sticking up for RAC. I have had my moments (very few), but my moments when I questioned whether RAC was the right guy or not. The thing I always go back to tho is do the players respect RAC as a person and as a coach? and do they play hard for him, and respond to his coaching? If the answer to those questions is yes and yes, then you have a solid HC.

Now there are those that will always work to discredit others. They expect perfection, and in the same breath they want understanding for their own short comings. Is RAC perfect, nope far from it, and being the solid individual that he is I would bet he would be the 1st to admit it. So I guess those that think they are above and beyond a mistake then you will never understand. To me it truly is as RAC says this team continues to be a work in progress, and mistakes are going to be made. Ask anyone you care to with 1 ounce of honesty and they will tell you that every decision doesn't always have instant results, and every decision isn't the right decision. I guess what I am saying is I expect that when something isn't working as planned that those in charge would develop a plan to correct it, and more importantly be willing to admit their mistake, and do whatever is needed to correct it.

I have a hard time with some of you guys continueing to beat the MC card. Look guys you could be right about MC, and you all could be dead wrong. What I mean is this! We went thru 2 OC last season with the same result losing. Then the off season comes we bring in ES, and we draft JT, and suddenly we have a solid O Line. I am far from saying that MC or JD would have done as well as Chud has done, but I sure as hell like their chances a lot better. In your quest to be right, you all leave that part out, as always its how you honestly see it... What Bull !!!

Vers I agree with 2 things you said very very strongly. People constantly make stuff up. It truly PO's me. But this board is way better then the Browns board when it comes to that. And RAC has been the victum of an unbelievable number of made up lie filled posts. Shame on those that do it, and shame on those that believe and repeat it.

I have reached the point where I truly trust and respect those in charge in Berea. We have not a good orginization in Cleveland, we have a great orginization in Cleveland. We have professionals at every level from the FO to the last coach. We as fans are luckey as hell to have these people, and often we don't give them their due. Yes there will always be bumps in the road, and yes mistakes will be made. I don't feel like I need to do anything but support and encourage as a fan. They know what they are doing and they have sound reasoning behind what they do, thats good enough for me. Anything I say is either my opinion, or my idea about how things should be, and I will as I have from the beginning of the current regime to support them, and the team. Thats my true roll, as a fan.

Now some will say they are all knowing and it is their bound duty to point out what they think is wrong. Yeah right!! Well all knowing how did your RAC isn't HC material idea work out? In the future I would hope that instead of making stuff up to discredit someone you would at least use the truth in defense of your point, and in the future I would really really hope that you would learn to evaluate a coach as I do.

#1 Do the players respect the person and his football?

#2 Do the players play hard for their coach, and do they respond to that coaching?

If the answer is yes to those questions you have yourself a solid coach. One that is deserving of your support and encouragement. That coach my not have players with the skill set to win consistantly at the NFL level, but they will win if given the pieces, and hopefully you all have at least learned that much, although I doubt it...

JMHO

Brown to the Bone

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Of course I have no way of knowing, but I think it was in RAC's mind that making a change mid-season wasn't going to help anything. In the end, it didn't.

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History shows very few teams make any type coaching and FO changes during a season...Unless there is just uncontrolable turmoil...Much like Davis and that Pres we had that escapes my mind right now...

CONTINUITY in an organization is HUGE...Look at the Best of the Best and u see it...

I laugh at all these cracks on Crennel...

1) Loyal to his Vet players...Well gee...Maybe the guys behind him AIN'T THAT GOOD...

2) Doesn't play Rooks...Well gee...Maybe the Rooks AIN'T THAT GOOD YET...

3) Carthon...Well gee...We SUCK with him and we'll most likely SUCK without him...

I keep contemplating this Grantham thang...I'm seriously leaning toward KEEPING him...Going into year 4 with him...The FACT is that we obviously do not have the horses YET to see exactly what he can do with this defense...

We'll make marked improvements on the defense this off season...I'm positive of that...2008 will be the year of NO EXCUSES...I gotta believe Savage and Crennel see that also...Get him some horses up front and see where we go before making yet another change...

I'm 100% positive Crennel does not have what he wants in place YET...

We finally have some continuity across the board...Hopefully Chudzinski stays...

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...he dooesn't let circumstances faze him..

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No he doesn't. Another fine quality I like about him.





Quotes, the likes of which we'll never hear from RAC...

"Playoffs?! Playoffs? Are we talking playoffs?!?"

"They are who we thought they were. We let 'em off the hook!"




"Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you're in control, they're in control."

Tom Landry

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No they aren't BS - his accuracy and his touch are terrible... and I've been a DA booster since he started winning games.

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I disagree lamp. I think DA is extremely accurate most of the time. There are occasions when he is inaccurate. I think this is due to poor footwork when he gets some pressure up the middle. I broke it down on another thread...I think it is the Lewis and DA thread. Read it and see what you think. DA makes some accurate throws that very few QBs can make. There are times when he struggles w/accuracy, but I don't believe he is an inaccurate passer. I think there are a few mechanical things he needs to work on, and it starts w/his feet.

Touch? LOL.....it's funny, but about a week or so ago I had just got off the board after reading about how awful DAs touch is. I turn on the NFL network and they are showing a clip w/DA in it. They showed about 6 passes and 5 of those passes were thrown w/great touch.....where he actually took something off the ball.

I'll stand by my comments.

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Making up BS about DA is the ticket around here.

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Not all of us do that Vers,,, so be fair!

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Again I wonder how so many of you believe this will continue? RAC has been here 3 years and has one winning season and one hell of a tough schedule coming next year.

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If you didn't make ignorant statements like this people wouldn't insinuate that you're stupid.

Did you really expect a winning record sooner than the third year? Did you really?

You saw Savage completely tear-down the team and start from scratch and you expected what in year one or two?

It's incomprehensible to me what lies behind your thinking to make statements like that. It's like you see what's happening before your eyes but take no heed of it whatsoever. You want, or don't want, what you want or don't want, and will not let facts or common sense get in the way of your demands or agenda.

Great. You want the Steelers coach. At least have some valid reasoning behind your agenda other than RAC has had a winning record only ONCE in three years.

If you can explain, using a valid arguement, based at least in part in factual information, why RAC should have had this team a winning record before now I'd LOVE to hear it.

You've been saying forever that we need a bona fide, big school, championship winning, 1st round draft pick of a QB to ever be successful here. Well, RAC has gotten us a 10 win season using a 6th round draft pick from Suckapoose, Oregon.

What the hell more do you want besides to be proven right?



Oh, and I missed your post about being glad you were right about us not making the playoffs. You hoped you were wrong but glad you were right?

Where's the dude singing "Real Men of Genius"?

Announcer: You hate your coach
Singer: He's just a big fat loser.
Announcer: You're not satisfied with a winning record.
Singer: 10 wins are not enough.
Announcer: You bet against your team making the playoffs
Singer: I'm so glad I won the bet.
Announcer: But you still want your opinion respected.
Singer: Why's everybody picking on me?

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Besides, when you have your GM and Head Coach making comments and statements that sound like they'd definately entertain bids for their starting QB

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Wow,, what the heck did I miss.. I don't remember hearing anything remotely like that.. Geez,,, when did that happen?

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Where's the dude singing "Real Men of Genius"?

Announcer: You hate your coach
Singer: He's just a big fat loser.
Announcer: You're not satisfied with a winning record.
Singer: 10 wins are not enough.
Announcer: You bet against your team making the playoffs
Singer: I'm so glad I won the bet.
Announcer: But you still want your opinion respected.
Singer: Why's everybody picking on me?

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