(11-29-2023, 03:37 PM)Jaguarmeister Wrote: They're a mess obviously.  Strong belief among fans that Tepper stepped in and directed the trade up to 1 to select Bryce Young over the GM and HC Frank Reich potentially preferring Stroud.  Another report was Reich was directed from ownership to change up the play calling to suit Bryce Young more and declined to do so resulting in his dismissal.  This would seem to line up with the idea that Tepper directed the selection of Young.

First, I don't have too much pity for that franchise.  I'm not walking around with a strong hatred for them, but I do remember when Jacksonville was awarded a franchise after Carolina and some negative opinions about Jacksonville coming out of Carolina media.  So, at best, I'm strongly indifferent toward that franchise and their fans.

Second, poor Frank Reich.  Tepper might be one of the worst owners in football given his short tumultuous history.  He reminds me of Dan Snyder a little, though will be difficult even for him to reach that low in the barrel.  Frank got canned last year by one of the worst owners in football in Jim Irsay, who was meddling in personnel decisions and was just canned in Carolina by Tepper, who sounds like he was also meddling in personnel decisions.  Reich may not get another shot, but as far as prior two time head coaches go I'd be more willing to give him a 3rd shot than most others with that track record given who he had to work under.

Third, can Bryce Young ascend to Stroud's level next year?  I know the book isn't written on either yet.  I think tinhorn fans think they're closer to the promised land than they actually are, personally.  That's less an indictment on their team and more a commentary about being behind us not only in talent, but in playoff experience as well.  But no doubt, Stroud is head and shoulders above all other rookie QBs at this time.  Making the post season this year for them would go a long way toward closing that gap somewhat even if they wind up as an early bounce.  It will be difficult for them to make it as there are several good teams fighting for the 6th and 7th seeds.  A lot of football left to play though.  Back to Young, I haven't watched any of him this year, so I have no real opinion on him.

Thoughts on these or other subtopics for this franchise?

I don't feel too bad for Reich. He's supposedly a good OC guy, but the roster is poop and butt in Charlotte. He tried, they stank; he relented and gave the reins to his OC for a week or two, and almost immediately took control back; that's gotta be overwhelming for a young kid trying to learn or relearn a playbook, develop familiarity and rhythm with the coaching style, and still trying to survive with little help around him. Reich made some pretty good cash this year and last, so he'll be OK. Even if he doesn't get another immediate hire at the top, he'll have a chance to end up somewhere as an OC. Vacancies tend to occur on successful teams whose assistants get called up. Heck, he could end up back in Buffalo now that Dorsey got canned. Not a bad deal.

Tepper is going to have to learn that he's the bankroll and little else. Hire your guys, and let them do their thing. Owners that like to assert their will on the franchise end up proving their inability to run their franchise. See also Mike Brown, Jimmy Haslam, and even Jerry Jones. Patience is important. If you have a history of failing to give coaches a chance to make their plan work, ain't nobody gonna want to take your job. 

As to Young, I have a feeling he and Fields are doomed to the same trajectory - there may be talent in there, but getting it out is going to be the challenge. Neither team is built, and they are left to try to carry mediocre players to decency. Neither will be Zach Wilson levels of bad as a pro, but I don't see them ever being dominant guys. At the present state of the NFCS, though, if they could build a support system around him, they should be able to compete. Time is of the essence, though - ATL and TB won't roll with subpar QBs for long.

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