David wrote:Just when I thought we'd maxed out the cliche meter with Benevides, I read this nugget from Wally Buono this morning:
News1130 Sports @News1130Sports
#BCLions gm Wally Buono on his 7-7 team : "I'm frustrated and concerned, we need to get on the same page".
** rolls eyes ** Get on the same page? Really?? What's next "we need to look ourselves in the mirror, do some soul searching, and dig down deep?"
I want a substantive plan from this group on how this offensive mess is going to get fixed. Yes, the talent level on offense is compromised without Lulay, Harris, and Taylor. No question. But they're not even playing anywhere close to where our modest talent bar is currently set. I don't have the answers (reinsert Fabien and put Tuinei at wideout?), but I expect Management to provide this leadership - not more hoary cliches and platitudes!
DH
So, Wally has to say something. And he comes up with this?
"frustrated and concerned" ... The horses are out of the barn. It is much bigger than frustrated and concerned. Any answers? Any solutions? Ummm .... One could say: "stay the course," or "we just need to execute."
"need to get on the same page" = confusion ... Yikes.
14 games in, and we "need to get on the same page." Ouch ...
con·fu·sion
1.
"there seems to be some confusion about which system does what"
lack of understanding; uncertainty.
synonyms: uncertainty, incertitude, unsureness, doubt, ignorance;
"there is confusion about the new system"
a situation of panic; a breakdown of order.
synonyms: disorder, disarray, disorganization, untidiness, chaos, mayhem; More
turmoil, tumult, disruption, upheaval, uproar, muddle, mess, shambles;
informal three-ring circus
a disorderly jumble.
synonyms: jumble, muddle, mess, heap, tangle;
informal shambles
2.
the state of being bewildered or unclear in one's mind about something.
synonyms: bewilderment, bafflement, perplexity, puzzlement, mystification, befuddlement; More
shock, daze, wonder, wonderment, astonishment;
informal head-scratching, discombobulation
OK, does Wally have an Xs and Os page? Methinks he relies on the coaches for that. Nice arrangement. They provide the strategy, and the planning. They get the responsibility and the accountability. Wally gets to look over their shoulders.
Does Benny have the ultimate strategy page, the Xs and Os? Or does Benny rely on his coordinators for that?
So one gets the impression that the Xs and Os are provided two levels from the GM seat and one level from the HC seat. Hmmmm ... Not good when things go poorly. Pretty hard to get on the same page, when the guys at the top rely on the assistants for the strategy page.
With a team such as the Stampeders one fully expects the core strategies to come from Hufnagel. And as Dickenson grows and develops, he gets more and more say. Tight, seamless operation. Instead of mass confusion. Instead of not being "on the same page."
John Madden's Team Policies: Be on time. Pay attention. Play like hell on game day.
Jimmy Johnson's Game Keys: Protect the ball. Make plays.
Walter Payton's Advice to Kids: Play hard. Play fair. Have fun.