Fiedler was set up to fail last year

[phinphanbill]

1) Dixon didn't pan out? He got hurt! Not the front office's fault. And, Smith played pretty well for a rookie.
2) A LG that was coming off a difficult injury and weighs 1000 pounds? Nails admitted to not getting in the best shape for 2003. Not the front office's fault.
3) A Center that is old enough to have fought in the civil war? Blame Wanny for not getting McKinney in the game!
4) A #2 WR that was a cheap addition? Gadsden refused a substantial contract offer in 2002 because he wanted to test free agency. He got lazy and fat and eventually hurt. We brought in a guy (Thompson) that was able to pull in over 50 catches in '02 while playing in Washington. Feidler couldn't get him the ball. Not the front office's fault.
5) QB coach? Norv took on those responsibilities so he wasn't "uncoached". Besides, our front office didn't offer Shula the Alabama gig...Alabama did! What were they supposed to do? Not allow him to take the job. Not the front office's fault.

Our opponents realized that they could play eight men in the box to stop Ricky because our QB couldn't beat them with the longball or any other play that may have been contrued as a "pass."

 

[Coral Reefer]

Originally posted by Dolfan4life
Im not saying it was a conspiracy or anything so dont take it that way, but he simply was not given a chance to do something contrary to what everyone is thinking.

Reasons Jay struggled:

1. Rookie LT, Dixon did not pan out and Wade Smith was left out in the middle of nowhere trying to figure out the difference between TE and LT.

2. a LG that was coming off the most difficult injury (arguable) in all of sports. Not to mention he weighs 1000 lbs.

3. a C that is old enough to have fought in the Civil War.

4. a #2 WR that was unproven and only brought in because he was a cheap addition.

5. Jay lost his QB coach. Shula left to Bama and that really hurt Jay.


These may be construed as excuses, but if they aren't then bring in Feeley and make no other additions to the Offense. If Feeley goes to the Pro Bowl then we will know it was Jays fault. If he gets a hurt knee then we will know that it was not Jays fault.


Last point:
* if we don't get a young gun like Rivers or Henson, IMO I will feel like the QB staff as a whole was not an improvement but rather a downgrade.

I would take Fiedler, Griese, and Sage over,

Feeley, Sage, and someone like Neil O'Donnel or Scott Mitchell

Excuse number 4 million....

In case you missed them Jay had ample opportunity to prove his worth in 3 additional years prior to last. Gee it's funny how Fiedler fans overlook that.