Norv @ Wade: Battle of The Embattled Commences
__________________________________________________________________________The Chargers @ Cowboys matchup in week 14 features a matchup of two coaches who have received exceptional criticism in spite of their winning ways.
Norv Turner plays Wade Phillips in a battle of embattled coaches.
Norv Turner: Norv’s early season struggles with The Chargers the past three seasons have inspired the annually ‘Fire Norv’ headlines. Since his arrival in San Diego, Norv’s reputation (as a sub-.500 head coach) has preceded him causing Turner to be the subject of harsh criticism from The San Diego media, many of whom believe previous coach Marty Schottenheimer (who lead The Chargers to a 14-2 record the season before his hiring but playoff wins in his tenure with San Diego) was fired prematurely.
In spite of all the negative sentiments about Norv Turner as head coach of The San Diego Chargers, The Chargers have overachieved under Turner and for the last two seasons they have done what they couldn’t do under Schottenheimer: Win in the playoffs.
Over the past two seasons, The Chargers have gone 3-2 in the playoffs after going 0-2 under Schottenheimer. With another season that sees San Diego surging late, Norv Turner has proven to have been a victim of unfair criticism as he continues to get the most out of his Chargers when counts the most. Isn’t that what a head coach is supposed to do?
Wade Phillips: Wade Phillips finds himself in a position similar to that of Norv Turner. After following in the footsteps of a legendary head coach, Wade Phillips has been fighting an uphill battle in big D.
Wade Phillips has been the target of Norv Turner-like criticism during annual late season Cowboy collapses that date back to the early 2000′s. It is widely believed that Wade Phillips will be fired if The Dallas Cowboys suffer a similar collapse in 2009-2010, and rightfully so, however Wade Phillips is 30-13 as The Dallas Cowboys’ head coach and has lead this team to a winning record in each of its past three seasons. Isn’t that what a head coach is supposed to do? Obviously, not in Dallas.
The Battle of The Embattled: As Norv travels to take on Wade, we like The Cowboys (see SpreadSHREDDER). It shuold also be noted that, moving forward, we like both of these teams to make the playoffs (yes, even The Cowboys). Maybe then, their respective head coaches will receive the respect and accolades from their peers that they have worked so hard throughout their careers to earn.
Related Stories
Tags: Chargers vs. Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys, NFl Week 14, Norv Turner, San Diego Chargers, Wade Phillips
