Friday, June 25, 2004

I Forgot

I few weeks ago I heard an interesting tid-bit on Steve "the Homer" True's sports talk show.

He was talking with his Packer expert about McKenzie and Hunt and the expert (whose name I foget) started talking about what he thought was wrong the players and Sherman.

Now, I've long felt that Sherman can't handle both jobs (GM and coach). He's an ok coach, good, maybe even very good, but he's yet to have a great draft and yet to put together any good trades or pick up any great players as a steal. Grady Jackson is his sole accomplishment, ...and Grady fell into his lap.

The Homer's expert sort of suggested that the players are losing respect for Sherman. He's losing the players due to his attitude and actions. He spends little time in the clubhouse (because he has other duties), and since last season's frustrating exit he's pushed the players harder than usual.

Here's the interesting part. The expert mentioned the Philly game in the playoffs last year. It's one of the hardest games I've ever had to get over. After going for it on 4th and goal in the first half and failing to convert (Green tripped over his lineman's leg), he stated (in the locker room at halftime):

"If we get another shot at it, we're going for it, and we're going to make it."

Sports fans will remember that they did get another chance at the end of the game to go for it and seal the victory.

Sherman blinked.

They punted.

Into the end zone.

And eventually lost the game.

Now, you can still say it was the right move to make since they forced Philly into a 4th and 26, ...but it is my feeling that he let his players down.

He told them they weren't backing down, that they were going for it, ...then backed out on them.

It's one of the reasons he is losing his players. He needs to give up the GM position and rebuild his relations with his players.