Crennel, Marinelli and Mangini Out

Well, I am 1 for 2 so far.

Detroit fired Rod Marinelli this morning. No one should be surprised. Some people just aren't cut out to be head coaches and maybe Marinelli fits that bill. I think Detroit is bad, but I don't think they need help at EVERY position. Most positions, yes. Every position, no. They don't need a running back, they have Kevin Smith. They don't need a # 1 Wide Reciever, they have Calvin Johnson. I heard something interesting bantered about on ESPN 2's 1st & 10 last week. What if, the Patriots and Lions talked, and one said "Hey, you give us two 1st round picks (presumably this year's and next) and we'll give you Tom Brady."

Would you do this deal if you are the Lions? Would you do this deal if you are the Patriots? I think it has pros and cons for both sides. I'll discuss that in a later blog.

Eric Mangini out as the New York Jets head coach. Somewhat surprised, but not shocked. Rumors of him not getting along with Brett Favre kind of doomed him. If you don't get alone with the star, you are more expendable then the star. If I were the Jets, I don't know that I'd want Favre back for his football playing ability anymore.

Romeo Crennel out as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Once again not a surprise. 4-12 with the expectations they had, somebody had to take the fall. This team is probably not that far away, but there are some things that need to be done to get the Dog Pound going again.

More later on

NFL Thoughts

- Watching the talking heads shows (1st & 10 on ESPN's First Take and others) debate the Derek Anderson benching is somewhat amusing to me. People argue that the Browns are performing a knee jerk reaction. I couldn't disagree more. The Browns obviously feel that Brady Quinn currently gives them a better chance to win then. I couldn't agree more. Anderson has underachived this year, but in reality, he probably overachived last year. Anderson is also being hurt by lousy play calling, and has been less then loved by the Browns fans. Plus, when you spend a first round pick on a player, you want to see them on the field in year one or two.

- Brian Urlacher is a little peeved at the Chicago fans for booing Rex Grossman. Keep in mind, the Bears did reach the Super Bowl under Rex Grossman, but Grossman is more associated with the worst of times, rather then the best of times. The best thing for Rex Grossman would be to get out of that city. I don't think Kyle Orton is the messiah either. I think Kyle Orton is a nice stopgap until they can find a long term solution. Grossman on the other hand, is a NFL backup at best.

- Rarely do you see what you saw on Sunday night football, Bill Bellichek with some very questionable coaching in the 2nd half. Bellichek called his 3rd timeout with 11 minutes left in the game. Then, going for it on 4th and 16 with 4:30 left. I understand you have no times out left, but you have the two minute warning. I think you put a little faith in the defense and you get it back with like 1:20 left. I guess Bellichek can win with any Tom, Corey and Randy. However, winning with Matt, Sammy and Randy is too daunting of a challenge.

- Daunte Culpepper retired, but then felt that the best fit for him was the Lions? I'd rather play with the Timberlake Lions Club team right now, then the Detroit Lions. I guess the Raiders didn't want Culpepper so he had to go with the next worse team.

More thoughts later