I have been reflecting back on last game and while I understand that the whole team did not play well it seemed to me that the QB, one position that can be "controlled" to a degree, is one that he has complete control over. If this is the case then with having a proven "starter" and more than capable back up in Glenn standing on the sidelines, why was it that MOS did not insert him into the game when it was obvious to everyone, except him, that Nichols was struggling mightily and needed be taken out for not only the teams sake but also for his confidence!
This is not the first time MOS has shown his stubbornness can cost us games; I need only refer to the start of the season and wonder how many games we may have won had he pulled Willy or started Nichols in his place. Then there are the DBs who supposedly won the starting jobs from training camp and were terrible in coverage only to be replaced when injuries dictated that was the case. Then we go on a 7 game winning streak with multiple games with at least 4 take aways per game or more. Slowly those originals have been inserted in the line up once again, save for Harris, and now we seem not to be able to cover a table!
My point is merely, a good coach needs to know when to pull players during games to stop the bleeding while at the same time give the player a breather and different view of the proceedings. To merely keep them in to "let them work it out" is not a function of good coaching. If the ability level of the team is supposed to be a close as they state, then substitutions should be made freely. That does several positives while keeping a non performer in the game does much damage.
The Bombers lost control of their own destiny for several reasons; the players were not and should have been ready to play this important game; the game plan to stop the Ottawa offense was poor, the offensive game plan was poor and of course so was the execution, and ultimately the coaching staff did not prepare this team to the level it needed. And finally bad decisions on behalf of the head coach sealed the deal.
Now it is only one game but the consistent stubbornness of MOS in my mind will ultimately destroy any chances this team has of winning any play off games let alone get to the Grey Cup.
I have been reflecting back on last game and while I understand that the whole team did not play well it seemed to me that the QB, one position that can be "controlled" to a degree, is one that he has complete control over. If this is the case then with having a proven "starter" and more than capable back up in Glenn standing on the sidelines, why was it that MOS did not insert him into the game when it was obvious to everyone, except him, that Nichols was struggling mightily and needed be taken out for not only the teams sake but also for his confidence!
This is not the first time MOS has shown his stubbornness can cost us games; I need only refer to the start of the season and wonder how many games we may have won had he pulled Willy or started Nichols in his place. Then there are the DBs who supposedly won the starting jobs from training camp and were terrible in coverage only to be replaced when injuries dictated that was the case. Then we go on a 7 game winning streak with multiple games with at least 4 take aways per game or more. Slowly those originals have been inserted in the line up once again, save for Harris, and now we seem not to be able to cover a table!
My point is merely, a good coach needs to know when to pull players during games to stop the bleeding while at the same time give the player a breather and different view of the proceedings. To merely keep them in to "let them work it out" is not a function of good coaching. If the ability level of the team is supposed to be a close as they state, then substitutions should be made freely. That does several positives while keeping a non performer in the game does much damage.
The Bombers lost control of their own destiny for several reasons; the players were not and should have been ready to play this important game; the game plan to stop the Ottawa offense was poor, the offensive game plan was poor and of course so was the execution, and ultimately the coaching staff did not prepare this team to the level it needed. And finally bad decisions on behalf of the head coach sealed the deal.
Now it is only one game but the consistent stubbornness of MOS in my mind will ultimately destroy any chances this team has of winning any play off games let alone get to the Grey Cup.
Curious to see others viewpoints on this.