Now that the initial disappointment of not getting the guys I personally targeted has worn off, I'm very open to this hire.
-I like the idea of having somebody young and hungry in the HC role, after trudging through the Jauron/Gailey years. It's a 24/7, high-pressure job and therefore a young man's game.
-Does anybody remember Drew Brees as a Charger? I'd venture to say he was not vastly superior to Fitzpatrick. When Payton and Marrone got a hold of him, his potential was unlocked. Couple that with people saying Nassib was not highly rated, we may have a bit of a QB guru on our hands.
-Saw Herm Edwards on ESPN this morning talking about Marrone's time as Edwards' o-line coach here in NJ...Marrone transitioned Brandon Moore from defensive tackle into a Pro Bowl OG.
-Marrone was apparently a finalist for the Browns in addition to meeting with SD at length last night. Eagles also appear to have had interest. This is very unlike both the Jauron and Gailey hires in that he was a target of other teams. Schefter calling him the hottest candidate on the market I find very very encouraging.
-How about the big brass balls on Russ Brandon? Would've been so much easier to justify Lovie or Whisenhunt to his angry season ticket clientele. Doesn't make this a better hire in itself, but at least he's trying to win rather than trying to appease us.
I think there's plenty of reason to be cautiously optimistic here.