3 & Out - Black Monday, Bengals make changes, Hurts still out
Jan 7, 2025
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The discussion kicks off with reflections on the surprising coaching changes following Black Monday, spotlighting Doug Peterson's firing and the Giants' decision to retain their leadership. Jalen Hurts' ongoing absence raises concerns for the Eagles' playoff aspirations. Insights into team dynamics reveal the pressure on coaches and GMs, drawing parallels between football management and dating. Finally, a lively mailbag segment engages listeners with their burning questions and thoughts on the current NFL landscape.
The relatively calm Black Monday saw only Doug Peterson fired, highlighting a trend of retention despite underwhelming performances.
The Giants' decision to retain Joe Shane and Brian Dable reflects a preference for stability over chasing quick fixes in coaching.
Jalen Hurts' continued absence raises alarms for the Eagles' playoff chances, emphasizing the critical role of starting quarterbacks in postseason success.
Deep dives
Black Monday Overview
The discussion highlights the calm and relatively uneventful nature of Black Monday, with only Doug Peterson losing his position as head coach. While it was expected that there might be many changes, it instead turned out to be a day of retention for several teams, notably the Giants, who decided to keep both their GM and coach despite their struggles. There's an acknowledgment that team dynamics often prevent owners from making drastic decisions, as they may wish to avoid the stress of extensive coaching searches. Maintaining stability, albeit amid disappointment, appears to be a common theme among franchises looking to regroup this offseason.
Coaching Retention and Its Implications
The retention of Joe Shane and Brian Dable by the Giants raises questions about team performance expectations and frustrations among fans. Despite indications that both might face termination due to poor results, the owner John Mara's preference for continuity suggests he is weary of the coaching carousel. The conversation notes that owners often prefer to avoid long, drawn-out searches for replacements, which may result in inadvertently prolonging what many perceive to be failed tenures. Ultimately, this situation showcases the complexity and challenges that come with decision-making in professional sports organizations.
Defensive Coordinator Changes
The recent firings of defensive coordinators, including the Bengals terminating their coordinator despite prior successes, underscore the often reactive nature of NFL team management. Performance evaluations can shift dramatically, with past achievements quickly overshadowed by the need for immediate results leading to scapegoating among the coaching staff. The example of Lou Anarumo illustrates how a once-celebrated coach can quickly fall out of favor if a team's expectations are not met, regardless of previous high points. This pattern emphasizes the volatility of coaching positions in the NFL where a string of poor performances can lead to significant changes almost overnight.
The Role of Team Ownership in Coaching Decisons
The dynamics between team ownership and coaching staff play a crucial role in determining the fate of coaches, particularly how much influence owners have on decision-making. Often, owners prefer to retain staff rather than undergo a search for new talent, as this can be a complex and daunting process. Illustratively, with rising operational costs in the NFL, many owners weigh the financial implications of firing coaches against the potential for a fresh start. This reluctance results in a tendency to keep underperforming coaches longer than fans and analysts would desire, fueling frustration among supporters.
Jalen Hurts' Injury Concerns
Jalen Hurts' prolonged absence from play due to concussion protocols raises significant concerns about the Philadelphia Eagles' playoff prospects. While the team has shown resilience with backup options, there are doubts about their capabilities in high-stakes playoff matches without their starting quarterback. The relationship between a team's success and their starting quarterback's availability is highlighted, particularly reflecting on how other teams have historically struggled in the playoffs when key players miss critical game time. This situation underscores the precarious nature of postseason games, where a single injury can dramatically alter a team's potential outcomes.
John reacts to the "Black Monday" firings and what moves may have surprised him the most. John also talks about how he still believes that Jerry Jones isn't going to make any changes to his coaching staff, and if the Giants have made the right decision by keeping their coach and GM. Later, John dives into Jalen Hurts still being out and if this should be a concern for the Eagles that he hasn't cleared concussion protocol.
Lastly, John answers your questions during this episode's mailbag segment.
5:50 - Black Monday
24:49 - Zac Taylor and the Bengals
31:00 - Hurts still hurt
37:12 - Mailbag
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