Not sure if your just trolling or giving your honest opinion, so I'll give you then benefit of doubt.
There is no question that McClain is an elite player when he's at his best. There's a difference in arguing versus debating though. It can't be argued that his presence on the field resonated through out our defense. His stats back up the emotion he brought with him and the bone crushing hits made opponents believers too. Here's a quote from Marinelli himself: "He is really a terrific leader in his own way. Guys seem to rally around a guy like that, physical presence. He hits. He runs. He likes to practice. He practices hard. He leads by what he does." The debate was whether the Cowboys should resign him and man him at MLB. The problem is his baggage and desire. Its actually sad because if he had the determination of Sean Lee, He realistically could be the best LB in the league. Personally, I think his mind is frequently dealing with off field issues...which in turn doesn't allow his heart to be fully into his craft as a player. I was hoping when he was giving a third chance last year that he'd refocused on his god giving talent. But as life would have it.. It seems like he's still dealing with obstacles. I just hope for his sake that he can sort through these trying times and not miss out on a golden opportunity while he's still young. Unfortunately, it doesn't look he'll have another chance in Dallas. Trust me, if or when he gets his head on straight.. teams will be lining up for his services.
Read more:
http://www.businessinsider.com/rolando-mcclain-2014-10#ixzz3V9MMmg1W
Bro, I don't troll. You can see my post count, join date and "likes" to back that up.
Furthermore, calling McClain "elite"
is questionable. Not only that, it is very
very easy to question. It's a label that McClain hasn't back up with any tangible production. It's a label based on potential and the projection of that potential. Even you stated that. I never once said he wasn't important to this team and I never once said he wasn't a good player I don't want back. I simply stated that many around here were greatly over valuing him and that what I've read around here, certainly doesn't seem to be the opinion shared by GM's and personnel people around the NFL.
Marinelli is an elite coach, but his ability as a talent evaluator isn't one I am completely sold on. He is also a classy individual who gives credit where credit is due and one I have never seen lament or talk down about a player. He has been "rah-rah" for Claiborne too, I wouldn't quote that in order to cement Claiborne's legacy or proclaim him elite and "defense defining" though.
Perhaps where you, I and so many other people on here differ is, I won't call a player with elite
potential, elite. In order for me to really proclaim elite status, a players output has to meet that potential. I also won't give credit for the resurrection of a defense to one player, specifically one who missed significant time and wore down tremendously. As I stated before, I think saying that significantly undervalues the contributions of guys like Crawford and Scandrick who were on another level last year.
Let me throw this out there one more time, because we seem to be arguing to argue here, more than actually discussing my point:
McClain was a very good player for us and his contribution can not be denied. However, he was not an irreplaceable component of this defense and he was not single-handedly responsible for any moxy this defense showed. That's absolutely laughable hyperbole. He showed potential and I would love to see that potential completely evolve into on-the-field production, but it just seems to be one thing after another with this player so I don't think that will ever happen. THAT is why neither the Cowboys or anyone else are backing up a dump truck of cash to McClain's door.
Does that read like trolling?