Benevides trashing Phillips and then Marsh was bizarre as he used to be DC.TheLionKing wrote:Article confirms there is dissension in the locker room and was reflected in the play on the field.
This is not done to vets like that. Korey Banks didn't allow dissension it seems. Nik Lewis on Stamps O seems to be the guy that doesn't allow that on their O and we all know Cornish has had to change some but even know in the heat of a game he makes statements that will grate guys on the O line like after some great runs - 'that is how you block'. I know that any self respecting O-Lineman would not say anything in a game to that but would not appreciate that statement as it makes it sound like he is saying all the other times they weren't doing it right. Cornish has grown but has he has to have a regulator for his mouth.
Yes the coach has to see himself part of the team unlike many NHL coaches BUT with a different role. I mean by that a good HC feels and acts like he is accountable to his players as a group to deal with performance issues, bad play, undisciplined conduct. As a coach myself I had to balance giving guys from the bench time to play as you need a bench in sports to win but at the same time I always had to be concerned that I'd get the core of the team angry if I subbed when we were really under fire to win.“Austin’s real good with making everybody feel comfortable,” said Ticats tailback Nic Grigsby, who was with the Lions at training camp in 2012 for their first season under deposed coach Mike Benevides. “He acts as if he’s one of us. Guys feed off that energy.”
Austin is one of them but they all know he is focused on doing what needs to be done to win including changing QBs if for no other reason to give the D a different look, change of pace or feel to the O.
Where Wally was different is that he'd dump players before their best before date and while others said nothing it doesn't go down well. It seems Austin has done it only with a few like Burris but that was understandable as he had good young prospects and he knew he'd get Collaros in a heart beat as he couldn't see the end to Ricky Ray in Toronto and playing only when he's hurt for back up bucks was not his first choice.
Austin has built a unified team. Benny did not and I was shocked he'd trash long termers in the media.
As to a coach having control over personnel that is not as black and white as it seems. The coach must have the plan and a clear focus on his needs for the type of player and skills he needs and the GM has to get them but stick to his budget and SMS. GM must have the right to give guidance if he knows a player won't fit but the team on the field has to be the HC's. BUT he also has to listen to his boss if that is not good enough.
Lapo calling his own plays wasn't working but lapo forced to hire the OC of Mack's choosing was the wrong way to go. Lapo not listening to drop play calling is a HC doomed to fail.
