Sinkhole: Coaches

[Jimmya]

The Sinkhole: Chargers, Chiefs coaches deserve blame
By MICHAEL MIDDLEHURST-SCHWARTZ

Week 14 dealt a blow to several playoff front-runners’ hopes of obtaining a favorable seed for a postseason run. And with key divisional games still ahead, there’s little time to repair the issues.

The Sinkhole takes a weekly look at the people, themes and trends that are threatening teams’ competitive chances. Here are this week’s rankings:

(Denis Poroy, Associated Press)
(Denis Poroy, Associated Press)

1. Mike McCoy, San Diego Chargers coach

Few coaches can keep up with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots right now, but McCoy didn’t even give the Chargers a chance on Sunday night. Down 23-14 with 6:28 left in the fourth quarter, McCoy opted to punt on fourth-and-4 from the 50 rather than give the offense a chance.

“I’m the head coach and I did what was best for the football team,” McCoy told reporters after the game.

Has anyone checked on the New York Times’ 4th Down Bot and whether it burst into flames immediately after this decision?

MORE: Comparing the NFL’s top two running backs

There’s little arguing with McCoy’s full body of work in San Diego. But the Chargers aren’t talented enough to resort to such conservative methods against the likes of the Patriots or Denver Broncos. If McCoy can’t place any more faith in his offense, San Diego once again will have an abridged stay in the postseason.

(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

2. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs coach

The Chiefs are still irate over two controversial calls in a 17-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Though they are justified in their anger, fans should take a closer look at Andy Reid’s responsibility in their rapidly deteriorating season.

Reid’s pass-happy attack (39 throws to just 17 rushes) overlooked Jamaal Charles, who scored both of the Chiefs’ touchdowns yet had just 12 touches. Charles briefly left the game with an ankle injury and is dealing with soreness this week, which would account for his reduced workload. But he also recorded his second touchdown after returning to the game, so Reid shouldn’t have lost sight of his best weapon.

Instead, Reid insisted upon sticking with an Alex Smith-guided attack that ranks second-to-last in the NFL in yards per game. His nondescript wide receiving corps now has gone a full calendar year without scoring a touchdown, and they couldn’t take advantage of an Arizona defense that gave them every opportunity to thrive. Point to the refs all you’d like, but Andy Reid’s calls also have been central to this three-game losing streak.

[notorious]

And so it begins on a national scale.

[Jimmya]

I never thought I would see the words "pass happy" and Alex Smith in the same sentence.

[Coochie liquor]

Thank dog for Mike McCoy

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by Jimmya

I never thought I would see the words "pass happy" and Alex Smith in the same sentence.

You're right. It's usually 'incomplete happy'.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by ptlyon

You're right. It's usually 'incomplete happy'.

[Reerun_KC]

Brilliant analysis of Reid.

[Reerun_KC]

Originally Posted by notorious

And so it begins on a national scale.

Where there's a dumpster and smoke there's probably a Reid.

[Simply Red]

[Jimmya]

At some point Reid will have to make a decision on whether Alex Smith can lead this team to the big show.

[notorious]

Originally Posted by Jimmya

At some point Reid will have to make a decision on whether Alex Smith can lead this team to the big show.

Hopefully sooner then later.

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by Jimmya

At some point Reid will have to make a decision on whether Alex Smith can lead this team to the big show.

That's not in Clarks plan

[Reerun_KC]

Originally Posted by Jimmya

At some point Hunt will have to make a decision on whether Hermnel Reid can lead this team to the big show.

FYP

Hopefully sooner rather than later.

[acesn8s]

Get the planes ready.