100% confidence in Ireland? I have defended him against the bashers but mostly as the devils advocate because I think he gets all the blame for the "BP" oil spill and no credit whatsoever but even I would gauge my confidence at 58%.

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“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers

The next 3-5 years of this franchise will be dependent on how this offseason is handled by our GM. With 45 million plus in cap room, so many FA's from our starting roster... As many early draft picks as we have, this offseason will define us for a long time... I don't know how anybody can feel good about giving Ireland another shot at defining the future of our team.. Unfortunately , he
Most likely will get the job by default, for no better options at this time that i have heard that make me feel any better...The situation we are in Scares the hell out of me, like the rest of u I am tired of the status quo....

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All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.
Nietzsche

You are correct, my friend, the next 3-5 years will be dependent upon how Ireland handles this offseason, and if his previous draft picks come thru. That is how he must be judged; that is how any GM must be judged. He has not done a terrible job, up to this point. He hasn't drafted any superstar(s) that we fans wish to see, but he has done a pretty good job in that area.

Now, we must see if his previous draft picks finally come around, and how he does with the numerous picks in the top 3 rounds this year. If he can get at least one superstar this draft, and the majority of the other picks remain on the team with a few starters, then he has done his job.

Yeah, he does have the job by default, but what has he done for Ross to wish to dump him? From my understanding, the 3-year point is where the draft picks either prove they belong or not. This coming year will show what Ireland has or has not done. If that doesn't pan out, and he does a poor job with this year's draft, then I can see Ross saying goodbye.

And yes, I am also tired of the status quo, and have been for a number of years. But, I am willing to give Ireland this year to see what he can do.

I am firmly in the camp that believes drafting talent is only 50% of the mix. After that you've got to develop talent effectively. This franchise has been woeful in the latter for many, many years. And yea, there have been some really sad drafts as well.

But... And YES, I'm doing my best to be an genuinely optimistic fan, I believe there's sufficient evidence that Ireland & Philbin can be a formidable combination. Why?

Philbin has done more on the player development side his first year than I've seen around here for 6 or 7. I think it's arguable that EVERY PLAYER* ON THE ROSTER has improved their NFL game in some significant way under this regime. And dudes like Jones, Hartline, Jerry, Misi and a bunch others have emerged as very good players on the rise.

*minor exception = soLong and those lost to injuries.


Beyond that we've added some really sharp talent in the draft like OV, Lemarvelous Miller and Thill. And there's a number of other rooks who look like they have a bright future in the N F L. So no matter how you slice it -- if (???) Ireland can put together that same kind of concentrated, highly efficient effort this draft -- with all the ammo we have -- it's highly likely this team will take a BIG STEP in the right direction.

100% contingent on Thill's development!

BNF.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/30/2012 07:58AM by BigNastyFish.