Sunday, February 22, 2009

Jon Wilner's Thoughts on Cignetti's Departure

Link.

“Here's how I'd rank the departures of Cal offensive personnel in terms of the impact on next season, from most to least significant:

Center Alex Mack, offensive-line coach Jim Michalczik, fullback Will Ta'ufo'ou, tight end Cameron Morrah, guard Noris Malele, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti.  So Cignetti just accepted a similar position at Pittsburgh. Wake me when it matters.  Does anyone think the Bears benefitted significantly from Cignetti's presence? That the play-calling was dynamic? That the quarterbacks were well-coached?  Obviously, the offensive problems were not all Cignetti's doing. Coach Jeff Tedford is responsible for the playbook and the personnel and how both are used.  And that's the point here: It's not that Cignetti screwed up, or isn't capable. But the areas under his control didn't exactly shine, and ultimately Tedford's running the show anyhow.”

 

 

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I thought it was just me! Cignetti was terrible, but Tedford was worse. I just don't get how a coach of his stature, can blow so many offensive opportunities. It's not the players, I blame the coach and his staff. Tedford had great talent at the wide receiver position, but yet he chose to play only two the majority of the game. Cunningham was by far the best receiver on the bears, but you wouldn't get that from Tedford. All he did was feed into Longshore (who's a loser), Mack, Follet and Best (a great running back with a good NFL future, if he can stay healthy). You got experienced players on the side-lines and yet he let newbies come in and try to make a name for themselves at seniors and juniors expense. Tedford/Cignetti combo equals DISASTER!.

Anonymous said...

Pittsburgh get ready! Although he's an alumni, he might make them better since that's his neck of the woods. I really believe he held back at Cal! Maybe Tedford had the reigns too tight, but never-the-less, why run mickey mouse offenses with such a talented team? I just don't understand that. Tedford could learn a few things from Pete Carroll, that's why he will continue to rule the PAC 10. Carroll plays all of his players or at least gives them the opportunity on more than one ocassion to contribute to the team's success. Tedford rides his starters for the entire game and that's stupid and sets them up for injuries. Carroll to Tedford, play your players you idiot.