[Goose]

I also wonder about the makeup of the recruits mirroring the head man.  Harbaugh signed a lot of hair on fire types; I don't see that trait as much now.

Of all the issues people have raised, I personally believe this is the most valid one. I am sure we have lots of guys who are motivated and want to succeed, but they aren't "hair on fire" types. Many of our previously successful players were "3 star" type guys (because we couldn't get 4/5 star ones), but they were 150% guys. It appears we now have more talented but much less motivated players. Having an entire team of "crazies" isn't a good idea, but having your share really helps. They make the people around them better. We don't seem to have that.

[Goose]

I also wonder about the makeup of the recruits mirroring the head man.  Harbaugh signed a lot of hair on fire types; I don't see that trait as much now.

Of all the issues people have raised, I personally believe this is the most valid one. I am sure we have lots of guys who are motivated and want to succeed, but they aren't "hair on fire" types. Many of our previously successful players were "3 star" type guys (because we couldn't get 4/5 star ones), but they were 150% guys. It appears we now have more talented but much less motivated players. Having an entire team of "crazies" isn't a good idea, but having your share really helps. They make the people around them better. We don't seem to have that.