Sid Hartman thinks Brad Childress, who was criticized last year for running an uninspired offense, will be more open to letting others take on play-calling duties at times this season. Here’s the quote from Childress that made Sid come to this conclusion:
"…we’re going to call them all together, but we’re not going to say, “Who called that one? Who called that one? Who called that one?” It’s always a collaborative effort."
And where does Childress say he’s going to let someone else call the plays? Sounds to me like he plans on running things the same way he did last year – meaning others will have input, but it will still be him making the decisions. The really telling quote from Childress comes when he discusses his feelings about play-calling, and why he doesn’t want to let someone else do it:
"…that’s the fun of the game. I’m never going to be very far away from it."
The issue of play-calling was raised last year because the Vikings offense was hopelessly vanilla, and mostly woefully ineffective. Childress seemed to get defensive, however, whenever anyone suggested he let Darrell Bevell or someone else call the plays. It’s his offense, in case we all didn’t notice – his kick-ass offense. He made it perfectly clear that it was the execution that was shoddy last year, not the design. Forget about Childress saying after the season last year that maybe he should’ve let someone else call plays at times – he was only trying to calm his critics. Trust me – Chilly will be out there every game with his laminated play-card over his mouth, running the offense. Maybe, if the team goes completely in the tank, he will give up some play-calling responsibility, just as a token gesture. But he will not do so willingly.
In the meantime, Sid Hartman continues spreading his usual thick layer of homer bullpoop. At the end of his column he says the following:
"I have been around more football coaches than any of the so-called media experts. I knew Childress before he got here and have gotten to know him better than anybody in the media since he became Vikings coach. I am convinced he is a winner, and the results will show this season when the Vikings compete with the best. There has been almost a 70 percent turnover in personnel since he got here. And all those changes will pay off."
I love how Sid brags that he’s gotten to know Childress better than anyone in the media since he became coach. Of course you have Sid – you’ve kissed his ass more than any other member of the media. That’s why he likes you. He buys into your nonsense. Flattery will get you everywhere with someone like Childress, who can’t stand any criticism. The two of you should really just get it over with, get on a plane to Massachusetts and get hitched.