Right on spot there Cover. No doubt that FF has hit his ceiling and believe that the team knows it. No mistaking the dropoff since the bye week but I feel it is directly related to FF. I could be wrong but it definitely appears to be that way. The response of the team, the stats, and play can't hide it. Just hard for us being on the outside to narrow down the catalyst of why. But is sure seems that way.
Thanks TN. That's my thinking where Franks and the team perceptions are concerned. His play is an obvious factor, but character will eventually make or break you and the most effective leaders have to have a dynamic quality that make the ones you lead want to go to battle and die for you. If he had that early on, I'm thinking that is eroded or gone now.
@FireFoley makes a point that I have thought about in that Mullen has most likely (or should have) seen that Franks has topped out and likely lost the team and he will "help" him find a new home. I can't see anything to be gained at this point by continuing the project. I will tip my hat to Mullen for getting as much out of him as he has, but it is now pretty clear to me that Franks ain't it.
As for what lies ahead, we're in that wait and see place. Despite this debacle, I'm not unhappy with the positives that Mullen has brought. I know he's frustrated more than most can imagine after the performance yesterday, but a good cup of STFU is in order lest he blows up the bridge he has been building. It's a tough gig, but what a HBC can't do is let 'em see you sweat when the cameras and recorders are on. Maybe if he ever builds up enough clout, he can let it rip like SOS, but he ain't there yet and may never be. Keep your head while others around you are losing theirs is the script to follow IMO.