Phil's hands were tied from the start because the Bears didn't want to pay the final year of Lovie's contract and not have him coaching. So yeah, Phil added little to the 2012 win total, but what did you expect him to do in one offseason where he wasn't allowed to make any major changes? It would be like drafting a QB #1, have him sit on the bench his rookie year behind the vet starter, then at the end of the year you ask the rookie QB "what have you been doing all year??".
Two things. One, the natural cycle of NFL teams had the Bears on the downturn. So to expect them to improve upon a 10 win season in which everyone was healthy (for the most part) and the Bears had a pretty easy schedule is probably a bit optimistic. Two, I thought Emery did enough to have the Bears in the playoffs. I put the blame on Trestman for missing the postseason. His decision in the Vikings game directly cost the Bears a postseason bid. His decision to bench McCown possibly cost the Bears a postseason bid. I think if the Bears made the postseason last year, Emery would be viewed as more of a success. But thats JMO.
----We basically agree that Phil couldn't and didn't do much his first year. Because so much was out of the GM's hands is why I don't find it delusional that I could get similar outcome in 2012.----
----I'm not blaming him totally for MT throwing away games but 8-8 was the total. I think based on track record, Lovie gets you 8-10 wins. By standing pat at HC and making draft picks equal to Phil's drafts I likely get similar results.---
Thats usually the barometer of success for an NFL GM...do my employees take my calls?
More good stuff from you.