"They've been soft all year."
You will never ever change the culture of L.A. (So Cal) which breeds softness. We've been through the list before: Sun, mild climate, ocean, women, celebrities, Hollywood, Sunset Blvd., etc. It truly is the "easiest" place on earth to live-if you can afford it -and professional athletes can. I like to call it the place of "soft landings". The trick is to find players that will not be affected by the soft and easy way of life here. Yes-we have found some in the past-but generally most players-even if its the slightest edge-will lose some of their genetic makeup (toughness) here-. Simply natural. Those in charge of acquiring personnel need to be able to look into the hearts of prospects-not just into the length of a lineman's arms or how fast a corner back can run and jump. That's the real trick. Finding players that can withstand the attraction of a soft landing following a close loss.
