Mike Munchak had a little bit of everything at his first press conference Monday. He adorned the masses with charming media friendly jokes, saying how his mother will be able to notice him on the sidelines and how he expects a gold watch for being with the organization for so long…just a gold watch Mike?
Mike Munchak even said all the ‘appropriate corporate words’:
"I'm going to be my own man, and I'll be judged by what I do and not what was done before me. I'm not looking here to blame anybody about what was left for me," Munchak said. "I think it's a great opportunity here with what we have, and I think I'm the guy to pick up the pieces and hopefully get us in the right direction." – AP Press.
It’s a clever move by owner Bud Adams, don’t get me wrong: fill the coaching vacancy of a beloved and accomplished head coach, with another beloved coach—and former player mind you—with his own established accomplishments…all ironically done with and within the franchise.
Yes, Mike Munchak is a franchise guy. He was drafted by the Oilers in ’82, blocked for Warren Moon and Eddie George, played and retired solely for Bud Adams and this franchise, made the Pro-Bowl nine times and is a HOFer. Not to mention he is currently the reason for an offensive line that gave up the second fewest sacks in the league (28.3) last year.
But aside from a stellar O-line the Tennessee Titans have more questions than a Barbara Walters interview. The receiving corp. is serviceable with Nate Washington and Kenny Britt (Justin Gage is also there currently, but he is a FA and he may not return.) but without a steady top notch QB, how good can they really be?
And don’t think you can simply over load with the run game either. Chris Johnson is an elite runner, but we all saw what happens when teams aren’t afraid to defend against him with 8 man fronts.
Not to mention the defense is inconsistent and they don’t even have a complete coaching staff for crying out loud. (Hey Jim Zorn, does any of this sound familiar?)
And who’s going to lead them for 16 games, Kerry Collins, Rusty Smith… Brett Ratliff??? What happens if the Tennessee Titans fall short in the early goings? Do those warm and fuzzy hugs steeped in nostalgia from the brass suddenly turn to a seat forged out of fire and brimstone?
Is Mike Munchak being hired for his ties and talents or as an easy scapegoat for Bud Adams? I mean really, of course Bud Adams is glowing over the hire; he sent Fisher on a permanent 'fishing' trip and in the process ticked off a lot of fans, only to win their adulation back all in one stroke with this move; a move that almost seemed out of haste—brilliant really.
The point being is this: I really hope that Mike Munchak thrives in the Smoky Mountains, I really do. But this just seems like a total setup—or at the very least—a haphazard way of finding a replacement for Jeff Fisher’s departure by Titans owner Bud Adams.
If I’m right, I hope they at least give Munchak that gold watch.
