(Deep breath) I’m rolling the dice here with another post that tips the cap to Chuck Finder, but he did this interactive thing today where he went online, took questions from readers and answeredthem. I believe it’s called a “chat.” While observing I found something interesting withing the interaction.

Stef_Djordjevic: Is there any truth to the clash of personalities of the offensive coaches? Namely Mullen with Beatty and Doc?

Chuck Finder: Nice to see you back, Stef. I’m not going to name names because, frankly, i don’t know if it’s internal or external pressures that are affecting offensive coordinator Jeff Mullen and, as a result, the offense. There may be too many cooks trying to get into, if not already in, the kitchen. And Mullen may be too nice a guy to allow in too many cooks, especially this being his first OC rodeo. Look on the flip side, though: Jeff Casteel has a defensive meeting room where two out of his three assistants had careers as defensive coordinators before, and they all seem to get along and produce coherent, cogent, cohesive game plans and units.

I know what some of you are thinking, but let’s not, um, throw Chuck under the bus. After all, is this not highly relevant and resourceful?

Stef_Djordjevic: If you preface something with, “I’m not throwing him under the bus,” can you say anything you want about a player?

Chuck Finder: I’m not throwing Stew under the bus, but, yeesh, i hear squealing tires every time that phrase is uttered. Same as when former coaches — including one at Pitt — used to invoke “no excuses,” then proceed to make one. Or several. Stew, who is new to this new age of head coaching, had just been up front about all injuries, a lot of trouble might have been avoided. Now, you can understand him hiding Jarrett Brown’s ailments. But first thing in the post-game presser, you should — after addressing the White head issue — is marvel about, “Man, that Jarrett Brown played with a bad thigh and a bruised throwing shoulder when we absolutely needed him to play, and wasn’t that courageous? Wasn’t that taking one for the team?” There goes my career as a speech writer, but you know what I mean….