Honestly, after the humiliation this organization has cooked up for it's fan base for Free Agency, I honestly don't have much left in the tank.
I like Philbin and Sherman. I think they did a stellar job landing those two guys. And I like the feeling that from the HC down to the players, we are a sound organization. It's this stupid "acorn" philosophy that is more than I can handle. And an alouf owner who has no filter for his mouth.... who continues to write checks with it that he can't cash..... that has sapped all hope from me.
Ireland does not inspire me he is capable of change. If he could take his ability to build on his philosophy by knowing when to "go big" and seal the deal on big time players, then I would change my mind. But he is so infatuated with finding all the hidden gems, he's terrified to take the OBVIOUS ones in front of him. You have to augment those abilities.
If he would make the obvious moves, he could utilize his "acorn" ability to fill the holes left over. Instead he STARTS the process looking for acorns while the biggest and plumpest nuts lay on the ground and spoil right before his eyes.
His minimalist approach offers no hope. This league cannot be won completely with acrons. You have to have elite players at certain positions to create leadership and credibility within your locker room and on the field.
When you find people in an organization who constantly get excited about change, they have no ability or desire to truly execute a plan. At some point, someone has to be held accountable for the plan and it's success. If they succeed, reward them. If they fail, punish them. Let the organization see that success is the goal. Failing has consequences. You CAN NOT allow the executor of failed plans or enabler of no planning to continue running the show. Ireland must be held accountable.
Get on your squirrel suit boys, it's time to go get some acorns.