Shap last week: We don’t have enough access so I’m going to have to predict 1 win because we only get 1 practice. Why can’t the journalists get more access?

Shap this week: I have a feeling that the guys don’t want it because of some sub-tweets and I can look them in the eyes. I have the most access of anyone.

I get that the point of this whole discussion is to prognosticate but I think a lot of the prognostication needs to be taken with a grain of salt since this is all happening before fall camp even starts. Also, I don’t think Mac’s comments about recruiting and “looking a kid in the eyes” have anything to do with journalists getting access. This doesn’t mean your complaint isn’t valid, I think it is, and I wish you had more access too. However, I think a lot of what Mac brings to this team beyond strategy and recruiting is the motivational factor. You guys criticize him for crying too much and being overly paranoid, but the results that he’s shown on the field show that when he talks, the players listen. He has shown that he has been able to get these guys tuned in and on the same page now that he has a full cycle of his players on board.

I would expect a lot of the tweeting and bickering about player rankings will shut up once fall camp starts. I think most of that is just posturing amongst the players. If they want to use it as motivation, great. If they are being too selfish and not looking out for their teammates, I firmly believe Mac and the coaching staff will get that sorted out once they start camp.