Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
Horton has said he is a delegator---that he would put the offense and defense in the hands of "experts" and let them do their jobs.
I have been especially curious to learn what Horton's choices for offensive and defensive experts are.
MJ apparently knows who the defensive expert is---as he reported it is a college coach. Hmmm.
Curious that the expert didn't come from within Horton's defensive staff---and I wonder what the ramifications of that would be.
First---with regard to the current coaches---are they going to concede that a college coach is the expert?
Secondly---with the players---a totally brand new guy, when they guy they love playing for is no longer calling the defense.
Horton's choice here could be a sign of questionable decision making right from the get-go---
Or, depending on the college coach and his assimilation into or back into the NFL (if he had previous NFL experience) and into the Cardinals' system, it could be a stroke of genius.
On the offensive side, I have reason to believe that one of Horton's coaches would be Mark Whipple (Brown's QB coach---and former Steeler's QB coach).
Whipple is, imo, a superb choice, either as QB coach or OC. He has an Ivy League mind and a down to earth charisma that players love.
Earlier this year when the Browns unexpectedly won three games in a row---Whipple received a phone call of congratulations after the third win by Ben Roethlisberger (a divison rival no less, but a player who always appreciated the way Whipple helped develop him as a QB).
Whipple also coached Kevin Kolb for a year in Philly when Whip was one of Andy Reid's assistants---and Whip was fond of Kolb...liked his work-ethic and his character.
The job Whip did with Brandon Weeden this year was commendable. Whip likes Weeden a lot---and sees the makings of a very good NFL QB in Weeden.
If Chip Kelly lands in Cleveland, as expected, it's quite likely that Kelly would retain Whipple, who is still under contract with the Browns. Kelly and Whipple go quite a ways back and there is a mutual affinity there.
Thus, if Horton wants Whipple---he would have to offer him the OC job (that is unless Kelly offers him the Browns' OC spot, at which point Whip would stay in Cleveland).
Speaking of the Browns---what does it say that a new owner whose history has been with the Pittsburgh Steelers that his choice for HC is Chip Kelly over Ken Whisenhunt?
Update: prediction (team & coach):
Arizona: Ray Horton---the guy wants it badly---he has the respect of the players and the support of the fans. Bidwill will get outbid by the Bears for McCoy.
Buffalo: Lovie Smith---the Bills have invested a lot of money in their defensive personnel and in a division where the Patriots reign that's a very good idea, They need a defensive chef and in Lovie they get one of the very best---it only makes sense.
Chicago: Mike McCoy---makes all the sense in the world because they need Jay Cutler to play at the highest of levels.
Cleveland: Chip Kelly---new ownership and a whole new approach---this hire is a big splash and will have the hounds yelping rabidly.
Kansas City: Andy Reid---what a coup for Reid as he assumes the ind of power NFL HCs dream of.
Philadelphia: Bruce Arians---would be a popular choice and has in-state ties. Has done an amazing job with the Colts.
San Diego: Kyle Shanahan---they have been taking their time and by the time the dust settles, Shanahan gives them a fresh beginning of what could be a long-term tenure in SD.
Quick snaps:
* Is the college game exciting to watch? I can't recall being so genuinely interested and riveted to so many bowl games, can you?
* Watching Oklahoma dink and dunk and Landry Jones throw an array of 3-5 yard passes was painful to watch, for obvious reasons. The dink and dunk is just a turnover waiting to happen---it's like playing in a tight red zone all game long.
* Johnny Football---with Russell Wilson's tremendous success as a rookie, Johnny Football will be a top three pick when he comes out.
* My predictions: Texans, Packers, Ravens, Seahawks.
* Prediction: because it's the coordinators that are so critical to a team's success in the NFL today, some owner like Jerry Jones is going to pay a coordinator HC money---which will pioneer a dramatic change in coaches' pay.
* I feel about Ray Horton the same way I would if I were a Steelers' fan and Dick LeBeau was elevated to HC---I don't want anyone else but him to run the defense. This is why I would be happy if MB signed an offensive minded HC---because I do not believe that Horton will get a HC job this year and perhaps for a few years.
* If MB does hire an offensive HC (and there are several to be excited about: Mike McCoy, Jay Gruden, Kyle Shanahan, Tom Clements & more)---one can imagine he will give Ray Horton a raise and assistant HC status---not so sure that would appease Horton, but when he sees the higher figure on his paychecks that should ease the frustration somewhat.
I have been especially curious to learn what Horton's choices for offensive and defensive experts are.
MJ apparently knows who the defensive expert is---as he reported it is a college coach. Hmmm.
Curious that the expert didn't come from within Horton's defensive staff---and I wonder what the ramifications of that would be.
First---with regard to the current coaches---are they going to concede that a college coach is the expert?
Secondly---with the players---a totally brand new guy, when they guy they love playing for is no longer calling the defense.
Horton's choice here could be a sign of questionable decision making right from the get-go---
Or, depending on the college coach and his assimilation into or back into the NFL (if he had previous NFL experience) and into the Cardinals' system, it could be a stroke of genius.
On the offensive side, I have reason to believe that one of Horton's coaches would be Mark Whipple (Brown's QB coach---and former Steeler's QB coach).
Whipple is, imo, a superb choice, either as QB coach or OC. He has an Ivy League mind and a down to earth charisma that players love.
Earlier this year when the Browns unexpectedly won three games in a row---Whipple received a phone call of congratulations after the third win by Ben Roethlisberger (a divison rival no less, but a player who always appreciated the way Whipple helped develop him as a QB).
Whipple also coached Kevin Kolb for a year in Philly when Whip was one of Andy Reid's assistants---and Whip was fond of Kolb...liked his work-ethic and his character.
The job Whip did with Brandon Weeden this year was commendable. Whip likes Weeden a lot---and sees the makings of a very good NFL QB in Weeden.
If Chip Kelly lands in Cleveland, as expected, it's quite likely that Kelly would retain Whipple, who is still under contract with the Browns. Kelly and Whipple go quite a ways back and there is a mutual affinity there.
Thus, if Horton wants Whipple---he would have to offer him the OC job (that is unless Kelly offers him the Browns' OC spot, at which point Whip would stay in Cleveland).
Speaking of the Browns---what does it say that a new owner whose history has been with the Pittsburgh Steelers that his choice for HC is Chip Kelly over Ken Whisenhunt?
Update: prediction (team & coach):
Arizona: Ray Horton---the guy wants it badly---he has the respect of the players and the support of the fans. Bidwill will get outbid by the Bears for McCoy.
Buffalo: Lovie Smith---the Bills have invested a lot of money in their defensive personnel and in a division where the Patriots reign that's a very good idea, They need a defensive chef and in Lovie they get one of the very best---it only makes sense.
Chicago: Mike McCoy---makes all the sense in the world because they need Jay Cutler to play at the highest of levels.
Cleveland: Chip Kelly---new ownership and a whole new approach---this hire is a big splash and will have the hounds yelping rabidly.
Kansas City: Andy Reid---what a coup for Reid as he assumes the ind of power NFL HCs dream of.
Philadelphia: Bruce Arians---would be a popular choice and has in-state ties. Has done an amazing job with the Colts.
San Diego: Kyle Shanahan---they have been taking their time and by the time the dust settles, Shanahan gives them a fresh beginning of what could be a long-term tenure in SD.
Quick snaps:
* Is the college game exciting to watch? I can't recall being so genuinely interested and riveted to so many bowl games, can you?
* Watching Oklahoma dink and dunk and Landry Jones throw an array of 3-5 yard passes was painful to watch, for obvious reasons. The dink and dunk is just a turnover waiting to happen---it's like playing in a tight red zone all game long.
* Johnny Football---with Russell Wilson's tremendous success as a rookie, Johnny Football will be a top three pick when he comes out.
* My predictions: Texans, Packers, Ravens, Seahawks.
* Prediction: because it's the coordinators that are so critical to a team's success in the NFL today, some owner like Jerry Jones is going to pay a coordinator HC money---which will pioneer a dramatic change in coaches' pay.
* I feel about Ray Horton the same way I would if I were a Steelers' fan and Dick LeBeau was elevated to HC---I don't want anyone else but him to run the defense. This is why I would be happy if MB signed an offensive minded HC---because I do not believe that Horton will get a HC job this year and perhaps for a few years.
* If MB does hire an offensive HC (and there are several to be excited about: Mike McCoy, Jay Gruden, Kyle Shanahan, Tom Clements & more)---one can imagine he will give Ray Horton a raise and assistant HC status---not so sure that would appease Horton, but when he sees the higher figure on his paychecks that should ease the frustration somewhat.
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