Mikefive wrote:I have to say that in general, my short term view has improved dramatically this offseason. But I think the way to look at it is by judging the key individuals who drive the organization. I'll even give them all an A-F grade with an explanation.
George and the rest of the McCaskeys.... D
I have never had much respect for the McKnuckleheads. I believe they are nice people who mean well. But that doesn't count for much when their ability to run a winning organization sucks, IMO. They are smart to stay out of the way of the football people, which results in them having an improved grade since the Michael years.
Ted Phillips... C-
Ted knows his stuff when it comes to dollars and cents. And that has some real value when you're running a business, especially one that has the disadvantage of usually losing. But I don't have much confidence in his hiring football people and by extension running a successful NFL team. He hired Angelo, Emery and Pace. You need to hit better than .333 on those hires. Our record since he took over in 1999 is sub-par and that ultimately falls on him.
Ryan Pace... B+
I thought about giving him an A-, but he has made enough mistakes to keep him lower. I think most of us really underestimated the volume of problems that existed when Lovie left which festered under Phil Emery. Still, playing NFL GM is not an exact science and mistakes happen. But in general, for every Ray McDonald, there's an Akiem Hicks and a Jerrell Freeman. The same kind of positive ratio exists with draft picks. Further, Pace has a plan, he sticks to it and I can't help but feel he's moving us in the right direction. Nowhere is that more evident than his approach to the QB position. He didn't just take a swing, he boldly did what nobody expected and took all kinds of heat for it. But right now, that strategy is looking pretty promising. I'm also impressed with the patient approach being taken with Trubisky. Often you hear about GM's pressing coaches to play his draft picks. I don't see that with Pace and certainly not with biscuit. Is Pace perfect? Heck no. But I think we're darned lucky to have him.
John Fox... C+
I'm kind of ambivalent on Fox. I love his committment to a good locker room culture, which is underrated, I believe. I also think his connections in the coaching marketplace that get good coaches to work for him is a big plus. At the same time, we've had a buttload of injuries since he arrived and that seems to follow him around. And he drives me nuts when he gets a lead and plays not to lose instead of playing to win. We could do worse than Foxie. But we could also do better.
Vic Fangio... A
I love Fangio. History says that his defensive concepts are top shelf. And we have seen that here. Plus, we've seen him give Aaron Rodgers problems, a real plus in our division.
Dowell Loggains... B
I'm warming up to Loggains. He seemed like he got the best out of our bad QB situation last year, despite having not much to work with. And he showed that he could use Trubisky in a way that he was comfortable with, despite his lack of understanding and experience limitations. He also gets credit for his conservative approach to Trubisky. And when he gameplanned with Glennon, he made him look a lot better too. We seem to be fine with Loggains.
Quarterbacks are also key figures...
Mike Glennon... C+
Why such a high grade? We've seen about a D player in the preseason, but I think he'll be a C by the end of the year. Whole new coaching staff, offense and supporting cast is tough on a QB. Also, his contract bumps up his grade. Having him basically on a 1-year deal is perfect.
Mitchell Trubisky... B+
This guy has all the physical tools. He's got exactly the right attitude and approach. He's played well in preseason action. He does have a lot to learn, but he seems like a dedicated student. He has exceeded expectations thus far. Whether he is an excellent leader of men and is an NFL winner is yet to be determined. But right now, things are looking very, very good.
All in all, the grades of the QB position, Loggains and to a lesser extent Pace have all improved for me. That the ones at the top of the food chain aren't good isn't a happy thing long term. But short term, this team feels much more positive to me than it did at the end of 2016. I really have faith that as Trubisky develops--and all signs point to him doing so--the team will improve going forward. Especially if we keep Fangio directing the defense.
Overall excellent..... I agree almost 100%.
Health is key as last year was a train wreck. But other than the Patriots you cannot put time in a bottle. Every year dynamics change, injuries, age, lots of moving pieces in both coaches and players. It is a marvel that the Patriots have strung together so many successful seasons.
I have no issues with Pace and Fox always was a known short term coach. His window was 3-4 years under even the best of circumstances. I think Vic is a perfect Chicago personality for the HC job.
