Boner seems to value offensive chemistry over defensive chemistry. In other words, if a line is scoring he rarely breaks them up but the blender will come out when the goals aren't going in. Maybe the fact that they have helle back there plays into that.
Also, for the people complaining the top line had a 22.73 xGF% last night, the Monahan line carried a 81.63, the lowry line a 68.35 and the Names line a 62.98.
You had 3 lines dominate in the "pretend stat of the day" and the team won yet some people are still fixated on that one gaddamn line. It really baffles me
IMO, Bones (boner) wants that top line to work - so he's going to let it play out for a bit.
He's not an idiot - and he sees the same numbers (only better) that we do - and he's a defense first coach.
You'd also have to assume that 81/55 want to play together - and they've all had that discussion (coach / players) about expectations, commitment to the game plan, and results that are needed. To assume otherwise is to assume these guys don't know what the hell they are doing - and i don't buy that. Especially when you consider how important the first line is and the impact they have on the jets.
So it's just as easy to assume he is allowing a little more leash than some might be comfortable with - he wants to win but he also wants to allow player input and he wants his stars to be part of the discussion - and happy. Because if you think we're running out of time for this trial and the concern of that impact, think for a moment of the impact that a couple of pissed of star players will have as you play through the home stretch.
It might make sense to allow the players to prove they belong together, and that means enough games to remove all doubt, and then make changes that are backed with meaningful, and current data - especially if they are producing. Bones can then work to influence the shortfalls and hopefully everyone wins. And if it doesn't work out, there's no complaining about opportunity - or at least there shouldn't be.
In the end, he'll need to make a decision - but he doesn't need to make it now - and that's the part that we are struggling with. Coaches are always more patient than fans.