In the absence of naming names, which obviously he can't do, and bearing in mind he is talking about a coach whose side is running 5th of 16, this seems more like an opinion, and one that doesn't stand up well to the light of day. He might have got more traction if the side had lost the last game, but then that might just have been seen as putting the boot in to a side that is down.
It has to be remembered that journos are required to come up with stories. Sowie is just starting out, and is at the bottom of the pile, just like Girdler. So they have to get noticed. They do this by making extravagent claims that can't be supported or by stating the obvious while ignoring the circumstances.
Girds burst into print after the finals loss to the Broncos with the line that the Panthers attack was poor. We could all see that. In a game where our captain and main attacking fulcrum was out, we lost May during the game, and the Broncos were allowed to stand offside at will (read the gameday thread). We all know the coach needed a bit of help with the attack, but now we have Ciraldo handling that is it any better? Sometimes it is but this year the problem is defence, not always, but at certain times, like after conceding penalties and when not having possession for extended periods.