It looked to ME like Haley was MUCH slower to make adjustments and counter-adjustments on-the-fly, and the AZ offense was much less productive in the first quarter or two of the SB than they could’ve been. It looked more like a theoretical approach to the game than a clear-eyed assessment of what was happening on the field and taking what is given.

But I’m no expert, and a guy who understands the theory of a thing can generally make better decisions in the moment than a guy who deals with each situation on its own merits, without the guidance of principle. In chess, a grandmaster knows the theory AND is ready to chuck it all in a heartbeat if the opponent’s throat is exposed… By understanding the theory, the grandmaster usually only has to think one or two moves ahead, and doesn’t have to make a jillion concrete calculations at every turn.

Long as I’m dragging out the chess analogy… When you’re in a bad situation, it gets harder and harder for you to make good decisions and easier and easier and easier for your opponent to make genius-type moves. In such a situation, onlookers will point to your obvious blunders. Expert onlookers will realize that there weren’t a whole lot of good moves at your disposal, if any.

But as someone else said, (sarge? Jeremy? too lazy to look back now that I’m typing) the cupboard was pretty bare in FA, and retooling the D-Line was a must. Going 3-4 wasn’t short-term smart, considering they prob’ly could’ve upgraded the 4-3 much more easily by chasing every DE prospect available. But long-term, probably smart.

And the OL got a surprising influx of talent late in the game (August/September) with O’Callaghan, Ndukwe and Alleman – probably better prospects than any they were going to land in FA, short of Jason Peters, who, I THINK, is struggling with injuries, after giving Philly a shot in the arm early.

Pioli’s not hit any home runs. He’s just trying to hit plenty of singles, hoping one will go for extra bases, but not painting himself into a corner, like King Carl REPEATEDLY did. With the 3 named OLs, Pioli got VALUE. We’ll see how many of ‘em are starting next year, but still upgraded talent at modest cost and low risk.

We always look at the top of the roster for big names. Pioli “churns” the bottom of the roster, setting a floor (depth), hoping for a diamond, and preparing for his one or two “big moves” (like Cassel and T-Jax). As a whole, the team might take a step or two backwards, but the pieces he’s putting into place probably won’t need scrapping or be crybabies or headcases.

As for all the criticisms of Haley, I just plain like his fire and how he handles himself, generally (except for his burgeoning waistline). When I’m with “the guys” or “my guys,” I’m ashamed to say that F-Bombs proliferate. It’s how we talk. And with that kind of understanding coach-to-player, I think the players know it’s the deed and not the person Haley’s hating on.

And I haven’t seen Haley coming unglued at a guy for lack of talent. Promote or demote on that basis, but Haley’s exposed nerve is MENTAL breakdowns. That’s the ONE thing (other than conditioning) that the players can control, and it’s the one unforgiveable sin in his (and my) eyes.