Observations from Saints debacle

[membengal]

1. Ben Utecht was a great signing. It will be fun watching him play this year. He may be the only one of which that may be true.

2. The first team has played passionless football for three weeks now. I know the pre-season does not matter, but the lack of fire and attention to detail from the first unit is alarming. And then some. And that dates from even before the Chris Henry signing took the rest of Marvin's will to coach out of him. I just wonder if he is really in it at this point. I am afraid he might be heading to the dreaded zone of despair that we saw in coaches of this team in the 90s to 02. Dick Lebeau says "hi".

3. At the least, Troy Smith and Vince Young won't be able to squeeze balls into tight spaces like Drew Brees did last night. Then again, those two CAN hit wide open guys when there is no rush. That will remain an issue.

4. This team needs about 8 more Peko types. I know John Thornton is a clubhouse leader, but, jeebus, year after year of seeing no push from him gets old.

5. Ghuicac whiffed on two blocks last night where he double teamed a guy and let another run free to Palmer. That seems less than ideal.

6. Lifeless. They look lifeless. Was it the Henry re-signing? Not having leaders like TJ playing? Does CJ bring a fire to the offense that we underestimate? He's been gone pretty much all pre-season, and the team looks dead. Something else?

If they don't fix some of this, and fast, they will be lucky to win 4 games with the schedule in front of them.

It's not the injuries that concern me. Or the game-planning. Or the play-calling. It is the lack of emotion. The complete lack of caring.

I last saw it like this in the first few weeks of 2002. I never thought I would see it with a Lewis coached team, but am seeing it now. He better find some way to get them to give a s**t, and soon, or this season will be a disaster.

[Ickey44]

I heard a clip from Lewis last night saying that it wasn't his job to motivate the players. If they're not motivated all by themselves, we don't need them, he said.

I think he needs to reevaluate his stance there. Obviously his team is not motivated and it appears they won't be doing it themselves. He needs to step in and have a "come to Jesus" meeting with these fools. Especially the offensive line. They are confused and uninspired.

That Saints and Lions are two of the less-than-mediocre defenses in the league and they both OWNED our offensive line. I know they weren't great last year, but they were a lot better than this. And it's the same players. WTF?

[BengalszoneBilly]

I heard a clip from Lewis last night saying that it wasn't his job to motivate the players. If they're not motivated all by themselves, we don't need them, he said.

I think he needs to reevaluate his stance there. Obviously his team is not motivated and it appears they won't be doing it themselves. He needs to step in and have a "come to Jesus" meeting with these fools. Especially the offensive line. They are confused and uninspired.

That Saints and Lions are two of the less-than-mediocre defenses in the league and they both OWNED our offensive line. I know they weren't great last year, but they were a lot better than this. And it's the same players. WTF?

Exactly!! WTF!?! I now truly believe Marvin Lewis's days in Cincinnati are numbered unless he can get the Bengals to the playoffs this year. He will go the way of Brian Billick. Another alleged "guru" gone wrong.

[skyline]

I heard a clip from Lewis last night saying that it wasn't his job to motivate the players. If they're not motivated all by themselves, we don't need them, he said.

I think he needs to reevaluate his stance there. Obviously his team is not motivated and it appears they won't be doing it themselves. He needs to step in and have a "come to Jesus" meeting with these fools. Especially the offensive line. They are confused and uninspired.

That Saints and Lions are two of the less-than-mediocre defenses in the league and they both OWNED our offensive line. I know they weren't great last year, but they were a lot better than this. And it's the same players. WTF?

Exactly!! WTF!?! I now truly believe Marvin Lewis's days in Cincinnati are numbered unless he can get the Bengals to the playoffs this year. He will go the way of Brian Billick. Another alleged "guru" gone wrong.

You guys take quotes in interviews WAY too seriously.

Marvin made a great point. Every team wants the types of players who will get themselves pumped up and who motivate themselves. They feel emotion and pride, because that's who they are, and not because a coach tells them to.

However, that doesn't mean he's not going to try and be inspirational during half-time speeches, meetings, etc. It doesn't mean that he's not going to call them out when they screw up and get angry with them. All the inspirational speeches in the world won't make a difference, though, if players don't have some self-motivation as well. The initial rush from a great speech wears off if the person that hears it doesn't take it to heart and use it to fire themselves up later.

Anyway...

In a strange sort of way, I think that Carson's bloodied/broken nose may have been the best thing that could have happened last night. Reading quotes from players on the offensive line, etc., they really seem to be taking it personally (as they should). If that doesn't fire them up to work hard and get their act together, then I don't think anything will.

[membengal]

+1 to what skyline wrote.

Maybe the good news is that the Lewis and the Bengals will get a wake-up call from this, and find some focus for when the games matter.

While the pre-season does not "matter", maybe it can be helpful in this instance in terms of getting them to remove their collective heads from their collective backsides.

[gregstephens]

I heard a clip from Lewis last night saying that it wasn't his job to motivate the players. If they're not motivated all by themselves, we don't need them, he said.

I think he needs to reevaluate his stance there. Obviously his team is not motivated and it appears they won't be doing it themselves. He needs to step in and have a "come to Jesus" meeting with these fools. Especially the offensive line. They are confused and uninspired.

That Saints and Lions are two of the less-than-mediocre defenses in the league and they both OWNED our offensive line. I know they weren't great last year, but they were a lot better than this. And it's the same players. WTF?

Exactly!! WTF!?! I now truly believe Marvin Lewis's days in Cincinnati are numbered unless he can get the Bengals to the playoffs this year. He will go the way of Brian Billick. Another alleged "guru" gone wrong.

You guys take quotes in interviews WAY too seriously.

Marvin made a great point. Every team wants the types of players who will get themselves pumped up and who motivate themselves. They feel emotion and pride, because that's who they are, and not because a coach tells them to.

However, that doesn't mean he's not going to try and be inspirational during half-time speeches, meetings, etc. It doesn't mean that he's not going to call them out when they screw up and get angry with them. All the inspirational speeches in the world won't make a difference, though, if players don't have some self-motivation as well. The initial rush from a great speech wears off if the person that hears it doesn't take it to heart and use it to fire themselves up later.

Anyway...

In a strange sort of way, I think that Carson's bloodied/broken nose may have been the best thing that could have happened last night. Reading quotes from players on the offensive line, etc., they really seem to be taking it personally (as they should). If that doesn't fire them up to work hard and get their act together, then I don't think anything will.

I agree as to the Carson's broken nose thing (and seeing the picture, it's broken, whether anyone admits it or not). If that doesn't get that o line in shape for game one, the season is already lost. We really won't get to see Thursday. The Raven game will set the tone for the season on both sides of the ball.

[jjakq27]

Ghiachec looks overmatched physically and Levi and Willie are broken down. I am afraid that no amount of motivation can make up for their physical deficencies. I believe that teams will continue to overload gaps and find success until we can stop it.

Also can someone please stay home on a reverse, backside screen or naked boot? Anyone? Buehler?

[Ickey44]

I heard a clip from Lewis last night saying that it wasn't his job to motivate the players. If they're not motivated all by themselves, we don't need them, he said.

I think he needs to reevaluate his stance there. Obviously his team is not motivated and it appears they won't be doing it themselves. He needs to step in and have a "come to Jesus" meeting with these fools. Especially the offensive line. They are confused and uninspired.

That Saints and Lions are two of the less-than-mediocre defenses in the league and they both OWNED our offensive line. I know they weren't great last year, but they were a lot better than this. And it's the same players. WTF?

Exactly!! WTF!?! I now truly believe Marvin Lewis's days in Cincinnati are numbered unless he can get the Bengals to the playoffs this year. He will go the way of Brian Billick. Another alleged "guru" gone wrong.

You guys take quotes in interviews WAY too seriously.

I'm sorry, was he joking? Should I not take him seriously?

Seriously, I know you want to have players that motivate themselves. But if you're the head coach and you notice that your team isn't properly motivated, you should step in and take charge of the situation. That's your job. You need to make sure you players are prepared and properly motivated. That's what being a leader is all about.

[agreen_112]

Guys. TJ, Chad and Rudi were all out. This would be a different ball game with these guys in the lineup. A whole different ball game! Throw Odom out there as well on defense with Blackstock, Rivers, White, Hall, B. Johnson, Geathers, Peko, Joseph and this is a completely different ball game.

If we would've blew the Saints out, we'd still be bitching that it's just the Preseason. Take these games with a grain of salt.

[redsbengalsbucks]

Really need a servicable center, that can read defenses and not get blown off the line so often.

The play calling for the offense was less than desireable, when will the O-Coordinator finally come to terms with his need to throw the ball so often and the talent that is on the feild?

The first series was a mess. With only your 4,5 and 6 WR's healthy you end around, run up the middle and go deep?

I think this team needs to think about becoming a ball possesion/west coast dink and dunk team, with the occasional bomb to keep D's honest.

Why dont we use more Fullback passes, short routes and screens?

[gregstephens]

Guys. TJ, Chad and Rudi were all out. This would be a different ball game with these guys in the lineup. A whole different ball game! Throw Odom out there as well on defense with Blackstock, Rivers, White, Hall, B. Johnson, Geathers, Peko, Joseph and this is a completely different ball game.

If we would've blew the Saints out, we'd still be bitching that it's just the Preseason. Take these games with a grain of salt.

Yeah, Rudi averages 2.2 YPC ON HIS OWN--before you factor in the o-line that allows the runner to get--2.2 YPC. He would have made a difference.

Or Chad, who drops passes anytime a defender freaking touches him in the middle of the field.

Or TJ...what exactly is wrong with TJ again?

You gearing up for 2008 by practicing the 'Oh it's the injuries' song? Might as well, I guess. Hey, let's all say it together...

"Here's to the 2009 draft!!!"

[Walrus]

2. The first team has played passionless football for three weeks now. I know the pre-season does not matter, but the lack of fire and attention to detail from the first unit is alarming. And then some. And that dates from even before the Chris Henry signing took the rest of Marvin's will to coach out of him. I just wonder if he is really in it at this point. I am afraid he might be heading to the dreaded zone of despair that we saw in coaches of this team in the 90s to 02. Dick Lebeau says "hi".

I know this doesn't necessarily relate to the Saints game, but I've been meaning to comment on this. I will say, seeing Chris Perry come out in the second or third series of the Green Bay game was refreshing from this standpoint. The guy obviously had a huge chip on his shoulder when he scored his rushing touchdown it was almost as cathartic for me as a fan as it obviously was for him. I love watching him stretch every inch of his body to reach across the endzone line and then get up and pound his chest. That said, WHERE DID THAT PASSION GO?

[HoosierCat]

2. The first team has played passionless football for three weeks now. I know the pre-season does not matter, but the lack of fire and attention to detail from the first unit is alarming. And then some. And that dates from even before the Chris Henry signing took the rest of Marvin's will to coach out of him. I just wonder if he is really in it at this point. I am afraid he might be heading to the dreaded zone of despair that we saw in coaches of this team in the 90s to 02. Dick Lebeau says "hi".

I know this doesn't necessarily relate to the Saints game, but I've been meaning to comment on this. I will say, seeing Chris Perry come out in the second or third series of the Green Bay game was refreshing from this standpoint. The guy obviously had a huge chip on his shoulder when he scored his rushing touchdown it was almost as cathartic for me as a fan as it obviously was for him. I love watching him stretch every inch of his body to reach across the endzone line and then get up and pound his chest. That said, WHERE DID THAT PASSION GO?

Well, I'll give you a few different theories...

1. The "Big Game" Theory. The GB game was a pretty unusual example of a preseason game. It would be silly to say it was a "must win" for the Packers (there's just no such thing in the preseason) but it was definitely a "must show up." A bad outing by the Pack and Green bay would have spontaneously combusted over Favre. In short, the team was fired up, the crowd was fired up...and the Bengals were fired up. You know our team: they rise to the big game, only to go into a Detroit or Arizona or Houston the following week to lay an egg. This team still cues off the opposition too much and needs to become more self-motivated.

2. The "Chris Henry Killed the Locker Room" Theory. Pretty self-explanatory. Mikey took a dump on Marvin's head, blew up whatever good offseason work he'd done in the locker room, and now everyone is in "how fast can we get the season over with?" mode. Variants of this theory include those that use Chad, TJ, Levi and/or Rudi in place of or in addition to Henry's name. Using them all is the "Too Many Divas" Theory.

3. The "We Just Suck" Theory. The Bengals just stink top to bottom. The D can't tackle, our LBs are mostly junk, the DBs are OK but can't cover forever and we have no line or pass rush, Carson's regressed, the o-line sucks, the WRs are overrated, Rudi sucks...well, you get it.

4. The "Mike Brown" Theory. Again, pretty self-explanatory. It's all Mikey's fault.

5. The "Marvin Lewis" Theory. "Mediocre Marv" is overrated and needs to go.

6. The "Bob Bratkowski" Theory. Bob "Drunkowski" couldn't play-call his way out of a wet paper bag.

Take your pick.

[Wraith]

New England is 0-3 in the Preseason and has been outscored by 28 pts

Indianapolis is 1-3 and has been outscored by 23 pts

Dallas is 1-3 and has been outscored by 23 pts

Cleveland is 1-3 and has been outscored by 27 pts

Green Bay and Minnesota are both 1-3

Conversely,

Detroit is 3-0 and has outscored opponents by 40 pts

Buffalo and Miami are both 2-1 as is Arizona, Houston, St. Louis and San Francisco.

So unless we live in Bizarro world and all of a sudden the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts are the worst teams in football, I guess preseason means nothing.

[gregstephens]

New England is 0-3 in the Preseason and has been outscored by 28 pts

Indianapolis is 1-3 and has been outscored by 23 pts

Dallas is 1-3 and has been outscored by 23 pts

Cleveland is 1-3 and has been outscored by 27 pts

Green Bay and Minnesota are both 1-3

Conversely,

Detroit is 3-0 and has outscored opponents by 40 pts

Buffalo and Miami are both 2-1 as is Arizona, Houston, St. Louis and San Francisco.

So unless we live in Bizarro world and all of a sudden the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts are the worst teams in football, I guess preseason means nothing.

Pre-season records mean nothing. The Pats and Colts haven't had either of their QB's AT ALL this pre-season. Pre-season play does mean something. Our first string teams are struggling against the first and second strings of other teams, not because they are rusty. It's because they are playing like crap...period. They haven't demonstrated any heart or desire to get better. That is not a good sign.

[Wraith]

So the Pats and Colts can skate because they are injured but the same rules don't apply to the Bengals? The Patriots have PLAYED awful, the Colts have PLAYED awful. Watch their games, the Cowboys have PLAYED awful, the Browns against Lions was one of the worst played football games in a LONG time unless of course you count the Redskins vs the Panthers. Think this is an anomaly just check out the Patriots and Colts records the last several preseasons. The only thing that counts is regular season and playoff games, nothing else (scrimmage, practice, exhibition) means ANYTHING.

[ArmyBengal]

The difference is those teams have a defense that hasn't sucked for the past 15 years. They aren't trying to rebuild with all new coaches either.

I'm always hopeful the team is going to do better than advertised, but this preseason does NOT bode well...

WHODEY !!!

[skyline]

I heard a clip from Lewis last night saying that it wasn't his job to motivate the players. If they're not motivated all by themselves, we don't need them, he said.

I think he needs to reevaluate his stance there. Obviously his team is not motivated and it appears they won't be doing it themselves. He needs to step in and have a "come to Jesus" meeting with these fools. Especially the offensive line. They are confused and uninspired.

That Saints and Lions are two of the less-than-mediocre defenses in the league and they both OWNED our offensive line. I know they weren't great last year, but they were a lot better than this. And it's the same players. WTF?

Exactly!! WTF!?! I now truly believe Marvin Lewis's days in Cincinnati are numbered unless he can get the Bengals to the playoffs this year. He will go the way of Brian Billick. Another alleged "guru" gone wrong.

You guys take quotes in interviews WAY too seriously.

I'm sorry, was he joking? Should I not take him seriously?

Seriously, I know you want to have players that motivate themselves. But if you're the head coach and you notice that your team isn't properly motivated, you should step in and take charge of the situation. That's your job. You need to make sure you players are prepared and properly motivated. That's what being a leader is all about.

The connection isn't logical. Someone says they like self-motivated players and you automatically assume that they therefore never try to motivate players when they need it? That makes no sense. I guess if a teacher says that they enjoy having intelligent students in their class, then they must automatically hate the dumb ones and therefore do nothing to help them?

Coaches are always motivators, and we've seen Marvin do plenty of it. Even the self-motivated guys need it from time to time.

I'm always amazed at how much people read into interviews and nitpick every little thing that's said. Just look at the big picture: Self-motivated players are good. We like them. We want them. What's there to be upset about in that?

[gregstephens]

So the Pats and Colts can skate because they are injured but the same rules don't apply to the Bengals? The Patriots have PLAYED awful, the Colts have PLAYED awful. Watch their games, the Cowboys have PLAYED awful, the Browns against Lions was one of the worst played football games in a LONG time unless of course you count the Redskins vs the Panthers. Think this is an anomaly just check out the Patriots and Colts records the last several preseasons. The only thing that counts is regular season and playoff games, nothing else (scrimmage, practice, exhibition) means ANYTHING.

I hope that you are right, because if not...this is going to be a long season. Here's the problem as I see it. We are not the Patriots. We are not the Colts. We are not the Cowboys. Those teams are fundamentally sound football teams and can enjoy a rough preseason because they are still good teams.

The answer to your question? No, the same rules don't apply to the Bengals. They are coming off two poor seasons and need the momentum of a great preseason to at least give them something to hook onto. The Bengals have not been an all around fundamentally sound football team since the Super Bowl '88-'89 team. Even the vaunted '05 team had a weak defense that relied mainly on turnovers to look decent.

The Browns and Redskins needed a good preseason, too. They aren't getting it. The Patriot/Colt rules don't apply to them, either. They needed to show something and aren't. The Pats, Colts and Cowboys can get away with playing bad ball now, because they have demonstrated they will turn it around when all the pieces are fitted together for sixty minutes. You think we have that same luxury? See you in 2009.

[Sandwedge]

So the Pats and Colts can skate because they are injured but the same rules don't apply to the Bengals? The Patriots have PLAYED awful, the Colts have PLAYED awful. Watch their games, the Cowboys have PLAYED awful, the Browns against Lions was one of the worst played football games in a LONG time unless of course you count the Redskins vs the Panthers. Think this is an anomaly just check out the Patriots and Colts records the last several preseasons. The only thing that counts is regular season and playoff games, nothing else (scrimmage, practice, exhibition) means ANYTHING.

I hope that you are right, because if not...this is going to be a long season. Here's the problem as I see it. We are not the Patriots. We are not the Colts. We are not the Cowboys. Those teams are fundamentally sound football teams and can enjoy a rough preseason because they are still good teams.

The answer to your question? No, the same rules don't apply to the Bengals. They are coming off two poor seasons and need the momentum of a great preseason to at least give them something to hook onto. The Bengals have not been an all around fundamentally sound football team since the Super Bowl '88-'89 team. Even the vaunted '05 team had a weak defense that relied mainly on turnovers to look decent.

The Browns and Redskins needed a good preseason, too. They aren't getting it. The Patriot/Colt rules don't apply to them, either. They needed to show something and aren't. The Pats, Colts and Cowboys can get away with playing bad ball now, because they have demonstrated they will turn it around when all the pieces are fitted together for sixty minutes. You think we have that same luxury? See you in 2009.

Excellent Greg... This team is not progressing... They need confidence and getting their asses handed to them in the preseason doesn't build confidence or momentum going into the regular season... Winning breeds winning...

[Sandwedge]

Really need a servicable center, that can read defenses and not get blown off the line so often.

The play calling for the offense was less than desireable, when will the O-Coordinator finally come to terms with his need to throw the ball so often and the talent that is on the feild?

The first series was a mess. With only your 4,5 and 6 WR's healthy you end around, run up the middle and go deep?

I think this team needs to think about becoming a ball possesion/west coast dink and dunk team, with the occasional bomb to keep D's honest.

Why dont we use more Fullback passes, short routes and screens?

Have you seen us throw a screen?? It's a chinese fire drill!! I agree with you though... I'm just hoping Brat is throwing things out there to evaluate players instead of actually having a game plan...

[Ickey44]

I heard a clip from Lewis last night saying that it wasn't his job to motivate the players. If they're not motivated all by themselves, we don't need them, he said.

I think he needs to reevaluate his stance there. Obviously his team is not motivated and it appears they won't be doing it themselves. He needs to step in and have a "come to Jesus" meeting with these fools. Especially the offensive line. They are confused and uninspired.

That Saints and Lions are two of the less-than-mediocre defenses in the league and they both OWNED our offensive line. I know they weren't great last year, but they were a lot better than this. And it's the same players. WTF?

Exactly!! WTF!?! I now truly believe Marvin Lewis's days in Cincinnati are numbered unless he can get the Bengals to the playoffs this year. He will go the way of Brian Billick. Another alleged "guru" gone wrong.

You guys take quotes in interviews WAY too seriously.

I'm sorry, was he joking? Should I not take him seriously?

Seriously, I know you want to have players that motivate themselves. But if you're the head coach and you notice that your team isn't properly motivated, you should step in and take charge of the situation. That's your job. You need to make sure you players are prepared and properly motivated. That's what being a leader is all about.

The connection isn't logical. Someone says they like self-motivated players and you automatically assume that they therefore never try to motivate players when they need it? That makes no sense. I guess if a teacher says that they enjoy having intelligent students in their class, then they must automatically hate the dumb ones and therefore do nothing to help them?

Coaches are always motivators, and we've seen Marvin do plenty of it. Even the self-motivated guys need it from time to time.

I'm always amazed at how much people read into interviews and nitpick every little thing that's said. Just look at the big picture: Self-motivated players are good. We like them. We want them. What's there to be upset about in that?

Except that's not what he said, he said he shouldn't have to motivate anyone. If he believes that, he's a fool, and a terrible leader.

[skyline]

I heard a clip from Lewis last night saying that it wasn't his job to motivate the players. If they're not motivated all by themselves, we don't need them, he said.

I think he needs to reevaluate his stance there. Obviously his team is not motivated and it appears they won't be doing it themselves. He needs to step in and have a "come to Jesus" meeting with these fools. Especially the offensive line. They are confused and uninspired.

That Saints and Lions are two of the less-than-mediocre defenses in the league and they both OWNED our offensive line. I know they weren't great last year, but they were a lot better than this. And it's the same players. WTF?

Exactly!! WTF!?! I now truly believe Marvin Lewis's days in Cincinnati are numbered unless he can get the Bengals to the playoffs this year. He will go the way of Brian Billick. Another alleged "guru" gone wrong.

You guys take quotes in interviews WAY too seriously.

I'm sorry, was he joking? Should I not take him seriously?

Seriously, I know you want to have players that motivate themselves. But if you're the head coach and you notice that your team isn't properly motivated, you should step in and take charge of the situation. That's your job. You need to make sure you players are prepared and properly motivated. That's what being a leader is all about.

The connection isn't logical. Someone says they like self-motivated players and you automatically assume that they therefore never try to motivate players when they need it? That makes no sense. I guess if a teacher says that they enjoy having intelligent students in their class, then they must automatically hate the dumb ones and therefore do nothing to help them?

Coaches are always motivators, and we've seen Marvin do plenty of it. Even the self-motivated guys need it from time to time.

I'm always amazed at how much people read into interviews and nitpick every little thing that's said. Just look at the big picture: Self-motivated players are good. We like them. We want them. What's there to be upset about in that?

Except that's not what he said, he said he shouldn't have to motivate anyone. If he believes that, he's a fool, and a terrible leader.

Ideally, he shouldn't. But, we don't live in an ideal world, and he knows that.

We've all seen him cheer players on from the sidelines, pat them on the back, give inspirational-type locker room speeches, etc.

But, I guess we should all ignore what we've seen and, just criticize the man for a sound bite that we have decided is the complete Gospel According to Marvin when it comes to motivating his players.

[HoosierCat]

At the risk of delving into semantics, I think Marvin is exactly right when he says it isn't his job to motivate players. He can encourage, he can reward, he can chew out, all of that, but motivation on the NFL level has to come from within. Pee-wee coaches and high school coaches and even college coaches can motivate, but their ability to do that diminishes the further along the line you go. By the time you get to the NFL, if you can't motivate yourself, then you shouldn't even be in the game any more (see Askew, Matthais). Seriously, an NFL player makes loads of cash, and success on the field brings you more fame and fortune. If you can't get charged up about that, no amount of speechifying by the coach is going to help.

What a coach on the NFL level has to do is inspire confidence. Remember all that talk about "buy-in" back in 2003 after Marvin came in? That's what that was all about -- getting players to believe that Marvin was large and in charge and would make a difference. And they did, at least through '05. Over the last couple of years, it looks like that belief has wavered, and it had definitely cracked by the end of last season. That's why the tough offseason stand with Chad and the flushing of various "turds" was so important -- and why the return of Chris Henry was so devastating. If the players have lost faith in Marvin (again) then we can pack the season in right now.

[gregstephens]

At the risk of delving into semantics, I think Marvin is exactly right when he says it isn't his job to motivate players. He can encourage, he can reward, he can chew out, all of that, but motivation on the NFL level has to come from within. Pee-wee coaches and high school coaches and even college coaches can motivate, but their ability to do that diminishes the further along the line you go. By the time you get to the NFL, if you can't motivate yourself, then you shouldn't even be in the game any more (see Askew, Matthais). Seriously, an NFL player makes loads of cash, and success on the field brings you more fame and fortune. If you can't get charged up about that, no amount of speechifying by the coach is going to help.

What a coach on the NFL level has to do is inspire confidence. Remember all that talk about "buy-in" back in 2003 after Marvin came in? That's what that was all about -- getting players to believe that Marvin was large and in charge and would make a difference. And they did, at least through '05. Over the last couple of years, it looks like that belief has wavered, and it had definitely cracked by the end of last season. That's why the tough offseason stand with Chad and the flushing of various "turds" was so important -- and why the return of Chris Henry was so devastating. If the players have lost faith in Marvin (again) then we can pack the season in right now.

I agree completely on the motivating question. Unfortunately, this team isn't playing as though it is very inspired right now, either.