What if they win their last two Harry? Go 12-5?
Do we start talking extension for either Kliff of Murray?
Does Vance keep his job with a defense that participated in a 12-5 season?
Winning the last 2 is only a factor if the coaching change is based on record. I recognize many of you will consider that an insane observation. I have already said Kingsbury will coach next year regardless of remaining games. I would extend neither. My preference is to fire Joseph, but they won’t.
Murray is the toughest call. He could become one of the top 3 QBs in the league. I’m concerned he won’t move forward next year. So if they don’t extend him and he moves forward the Cards would pay a big premium if they follow my advice. I hope I’m wrong.
Kingsbury is a puzzle wrapped in an enigma. If he’d agree to an OC and a QB coach I‘d feel better about giving him another year. His decisions, like going for 2, almost cost the Cards a game. He wasted a TO. He’s lost his red zone edge. After 15 games, how does he finally figure out to rollout Murray and to put him under center? He also tried a read option play, though it failed horribly. It takes practice to perfect. Tebow could teach Murray, another crazy thought. Kingsbury even tried a 2-man game a couple of times; both worked. I think Kingsbury reads this board. I’m not sure what to make of this. I’ve never seen so many wrinkles added to a game this late. Was he flexible or just desperate? He drives me to distraction. I’d prefer a coach who’s more predictable. He seems to learn a lesson than forgets what he learns. It’s just too weird.
I though Kingsbury called a bad game in the first half but a great one in the fourth quarter. Is he manic-depressive? It’s just too odd. If he won’t agree to get more personnel, I’d still change, but somewhat reluctantly. The shock of being dropped would likely spur him to change for the better and the Cards would look like they made a major mistake.
As for Joseph, I’m over his loose zones and reluctance to blitz. He‘s had bad luck regarding injuries, but my observation says his philosophy leaves much to be desired. He is also hindered by having a head coach who’s not fluent about defense. In the end too often the offense has had to rescue the defense. The Cards need better balance.
Overall I fully realize that basing change on the record is traditionally the reason for change. Teams use a variation of the Peter Principle to evaluate coaches rather than asking if their skill set will sustain a move to the next level. I think, especially in the case of Kingsbury, his coaching philosophy will cause him to make too many wrong decisions. He’s too closed minded and too slow to change. Too often that change isn’t permanent. He reverts to ego based behaviors. It’s just who he is. The Cards have had to win too many times in spite of coaching.