AllDawgs5 wrote: I get sick and tired of hearing that 1 player doesn't make a team. No it doesn't, but he sure as hell can impact the performance of that team.
Not sure I understand this statement. On the one hand, you are sick and tired of hearing that 1 player doesn't make a team, yet then you agree by saying 1 doesn't. I don't think anyone has said that 1 or 2 players can't impact the performance of a team, just that 1 or 2 members are not solely responsible for a win or to blame for a loss.
My stance on this issue still goes back to coaching. The coaches are responsible for building depth AND having a reliable back up game plan for when these impact players are out. Our coaching staff has been guilty, in my opinion, too many times of being short sighted. They put all their eggs into the AJ and Crowell basket, (and others) with no safety net. If those guys don't pan out, or get suspended or injured, they are kind of caught with their pants down. Same with going after the pretty boy 5 stars recruits and not building up the line.
So I don't think these players or AJ lost us games, I think the coaches lack of planning did, and I would say the same to your example of the Colts. Their organization is responsible for not having even a halfway decent back up to Peyton and that is why they are paying the price now. Hell, the Dolphins are still looking for Marino's replacement.
I do think, however, that our coaches have gotten the message.
