2008 defensive coaching staffs and base defensive schemes (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

2007 thread can be found here.

Current situation in the codebox below. We'll update and speculate whenever any major news hits.

BASE DEFENSE 4-3			CIN, HOU, JAX, TEN, DEN, NYG, OAK, PHI, WAS (some T2), GB, SEA. KC (some T2), 			   ATL, NO, CAR	4-3/Tampa-2	BUF, IND, CHI, DET, TAM, MIN (least T2 of the group)3-4 		   NYJ, CLE, SD, PIT, DAL, MIAMult Front	 BAL, ARI, NE, SFAFC EastBUF	**** Jauron/Perry Fewell	 	4-3, Tampa-2	MIA	TONY SPARANO/PAUL PASQUALONI	 3-4NE	 Bill Belichick/Dean Pees		 2-gap 3-4 with multiple frontsNYJ	Eric Mangini/Bob Sutton		  2 gap 3-4	AFC NorthBAL	JOHN HARBAUGH/Rex Ryan		   Multiple front (primarily 3-4, some 4-3, 46)CIN	Marvin Lewis/MIKE ZIMMER		 4-3	CLE	Romeo Crennel/MEL TUCKER 		2 gap 3-4	PIT	Mike Tomlin/**** LeBeau		  2 gap 3-4 with zone blitzAFC SouthHOU	Gary Kubiak/Richard Smith		4-3IND	Tony Dungy/Ron Meeks			 4-3, Tampa-2JAX	Jack Del Rio/GREGG WILLIAMS	  4-3TEN	Jeff Fisher/Jim Schwartz		 4-3AFC WestDEN	Mike Shanahan/Bob Slowik			  4-3 (some 3-4 passing downs)KC	 Herman Edwards/Gunther Cunningham	 4-3, some T2OAK	Tom Cable/Rob Ryan		   		 4-3SD	 Norv Turner/Ron Rivera				1 gap 3-4NFC EastDAL	Wade Phillips/Brian Stewart	  1 gap 3-4NYG	Tom Coughlin/Steve Spagnuolo 	4-3PHI	Andy Reid/Jim Johnson			4-3WAS	JIM ZORN/GREG BLACHE			 4-3NFC NorthCHI	Lovie Smith/Bob Babich		   4-3/Tampa-2 (aggressive)DET	Rod Marinelli/Joe Barry		  4-3/Tampa-2 (neutral)GB	 Mike McCarthy/Bob Sanders		4-3MIN	Brad Childress/Leslie Frazier	4-3/Tampa-2 (aggressive)NFC SouthATL	MIKE SMITH/BRIAN VANGORDER	   4-3CAR	John Fox/Mike Trgovac			4-3NO	 Sean Payton/Gary Gibbs		   4-3TAM	Jon Gruden/Monte Kiffin		  4-3/Tampa-2 (neutral)NFC WestARI	Ken Whisenhunt/Clancy Pendergast		   2 gap 3-4/4-3 mulitple frontSTL	Jim Haslett/							   4-3 SF	Mike Singletary/Greg Manusky				1 gap 3-4/multiple frontSEA	Mike Holmgren/John Marshall				4-3**Changes in CAPS

 

[Jene Bramel]

Aaaand, we're off. Ravens fired Brian Billick (reportedly) this morning and Bill Parcells has started the process of bringing in his own personnel in Miami. No word yet on the status of the Baltimore defensive coaching staff or whether the Dolphins will make changes to their staff.

 

[jgb95]

Thank the LORD!!!!!

 

[Tick]

I never saw the Cardinals this season, but I thought they were primarily 3-4. Am I just mistaken?

 

[Jene Bramel]

I never saw the Cardinals this season, but I thought they were primarily 3-4. Am I just mistaken?

They played a lot of 4-2-5 and 3-3-5 and 4-3 on base downs. I listed them as a multiple front, like MIA and NE, because they did so many different things I thought it was slightly misleading to label them a 3-4. I think the 3-4 is probably going to be the base defense moving forward, though, so their listing is likely to change at some point this offseason. With the unclear status of Dansby, Okeafor, Berry, Pace and Smith, I see them as in a situation similar to that of the 49ers in 2006, who had to move back toward a 4-3 due to personnel issues.ETA: Oops. Just realized that they were listed as "4-3, with some 3-4" in the team-by-team list. I'll change that now.

 

[spec1alk]

 

[Jene Bramel]

Rob Ryan likely out as Raider DC.

It is strongly rumored that Ryan could end up with the Jets, who tried to lure him away from Oakland before the 2006 season. Including his failed attempt to play a 3-4 in his early years in Oakland with mismatched personnel, Ryan has plenty of multiple front experience. He's versed in his father's 46 schemes and in Belichick's hybrid playbook while the LB coach there from 2000-03. He was also one of the most frequent users of the Big Nickel in recent seasons, albeit due to thin and poor LB personnel. Even if he doesn't land with the Jets, he'll almost certainly find a place somewhere.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Bengals fire Chuck Bresnahan.

Early speculation will surround Donnie Henderson and Tim Lewis. Both have had up and down decades. Both have 4-3 and 3-4 experience. Both would be decent fits with Marvin Lewis' read-and-react style.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Aaaand, we're off. Ravens fired Brian Billick (reportedly) this morning and Bill Parcells has started the process of bringing in his own personnel in Miami. No word yet on the status of the Baltimore defensive coaching staff or whether the Dolphins will make changes to their staff.

All Raven assistant coaches, including DC Rex Ryan, were let go with Billick.Ryan is still under contract with Baltimore, however, and the Ravens could block him from any lateral moves. Ryan will get some interviews to land a head coaching job and may still be allowed out of his current contract, but would probably be a longshot to go to a team (like CIN) that would play the Ravens in an important game(s).

 

[Jene Bramel]

With the firing of Cam Cameron in Miami, there are three open head coaching positions and two additional defensive coordinator openings. No official word on Dom Capers' status right now.

 

[turnit643]

Bates out as Broncos defense coach - per Denver Post

 

[turnit643]

Raiders hold on to Ryan - sources say Kiffin wanted him gone - per SF Cronicle

 

[Jene Bramel]

Just catching up here. Thanks for the posts turnit, I haven't been able to keep the thread current since late last week.

There's some news, but probably no major changes to result.

1. Rob Ryan stays in Oakland.

Not surprisingly, Kiffin wanted to bring in someone versed in his father's Tampa-2 system. Also not surprisingly, Al Davis and the players carried the day, and Ryan stays. Free agency and the draft will tell the tale. There were also rumors that the team was considering Michael Huff at corner (again), so that'll be something to monitor. For now, though, it's probably status quo IDP.

2. Joe Gibbs retires in Washington.

Dan Snyder is a big Gregg Williams guy, so there's likely to be no change to the defensive staff for 2008.

3. Jim Bates resigned as Denver defensive assistant.

This seemed apparent already, as Bates refused to address the media's questions about the 2008 defense last week. Since many of his concepts were phased out by year's end, anyway, there's unlikely to be any major changes in value. DJ Williams, should he stay at MLB, should hold value. But he'll be more sensitive to a better WLB and a better defense overall. It likely also keeps the Denver SS value down after a nice start to 2007.

4. A number of current and former defensive staffers are drawing interest for head coaching jobs.

Jim Schwartz (TEN), Leslie Frazier (MIN) and Steve Spagnuolo (NYG) are drawing interest from teams with head coaching openings.

5. Tony Dungy is considering retirement.

. May or may not be meaningful, but Dungy is the most conservative Tampa-2 guy in the league now. Should he leave, there'll be some ripple effect in IDP expectations.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Browns fire defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.

Probably nothing major to come of this either. The scheme is Crennel's, by way of Belichick, and isn't likely to change. It's possible that a new coordinator can improve the defensive play enough to decrease the Browns' tackle opportunity, which was the eighth best in the league in 2007.

Depending on how the Rex Ryan situation shakes out, three of the four AFC North teams are looking for new coordinators.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Looks like Mike Zimmer may be the next defensive coordinator in Cincinnati.

Link

Most signs point to Zimmer

The Bengals are expected to remain quiet through the weekend but could name Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator as early as next week. Zimmer interviewed Jan. 4 with the Bengals in Cincinnati.

He was told by the Falcons to look for another job, though he was not fired, after Atlanta's season and staff fell apart with the resignation of head coach Bobby Petrino to take the Arkansas job.

Zimmer was Atlanta's coordinator in 2007 and was credited as coordinator in Dallas for moving its defense from a three-linebacker to four-linebacker scheme, a possibility this offseason with the Bengals.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Looks like Mike Zimmer may be the next defensive coordinator in Cincinnati.

Link

Most signs point to Zimmer

The Bengals are expected to remain quiet through the weekend but could name Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator as early as next week. Zimmer interviewed Jan. 4 with the Bengals in Cincinnati.

He was told by the Falcons to look for another job, though he was not fired, after Atlanta's season and staff fell apart with the resignation of head coach Bobby Petrino to take the Arkansas job.

Zimmer was Atlanta's coordinator in 2007 and was credited as coordinator in Dallas for moving its defense from a three-linebacker to four-linebacker scheme, a possibility this offseason with the Bengals.

That was all Bill Parcells. Zimmer acquiescing to a 3-4 front was a condition of him remaining Dallas' defensive coordinator after Parcells' first season in Dallas. Not that the Zimmer and the 3-4 can't happen in Cincinnati, but Zimmer prefers the 4-3. The in me prefers Zimmer to Donnie Henderson.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Mike Zimmer officially named the new defensive coordinator in Cincinnati.

This should probably set to rest rumors of the 3-4 in Cincinnati for yet another season. Zimmer meshes well with Marvin Lewis' preference for speed at the LB position and it could mean that the Bengal front office works hard to bring Landon Johnson back as a ROLB. Zimmer used a lot of ROLB/LOLB alignments with Michael Boley this year, so should the Bengals sign a talented OLB he could have an interesting impact as an every down player regardless of his OLB alignment. Not a monster scheme for a MLB -- Keith Brooking and Dat Nguyen weren't huge tackle producers in the most recent Zimmer 4-3 schemes -- but it still should be good enough for around 90 solos, assuming the MLB is an every down player.

------------

Also, it's being rumored that former Baltimore DC Rex Ryan is the frontrunner for the Atlanta head coaching job. If that plays out, it could prove interesting for both sides.

 

[Jene Bramel]

The Bengals will remain a 4-3 front in 2008.

Lewis, who has known Zimmer since their assistant days in the Big Sky Conference at Idaho State and Weber State respectively, said that Zimmer has agreed to work with the 4-3 foundation that is already in place.

"Neither one of us wants to reinvent the wheel," Lewis said, leaving open the possibility of a 3-4. "We don't want to have to go back and re-visit some things. I think we've been through those points and we're looking forward now."

Zimmer, who has yet to study his new players in-depth, says it won't be entirely his playbook from seven seasons as the coordinator in Dallas and this past year in Atlanta.

"We don't want to take a step backwards in what they have done here," Zimmer said. "Some of the things I'm going to have to learn. Different terminology. We all play a lot of similar things anyway... As far as getting down (to his style) to technique that I believe in that you have to get done and taught the right way."

Reading Hobson's entire piece, it sounds an awful lot like the only thing to change in Cincinnati in 2008 will be the name of the defensive coordinator and how loudly he yells. No major change in scheme, no major change in philosophy.

 

[the Jag Zone]

The Bengals will remain a 4-3 front in 2008.

Lewis, who has known Zimmer since their assistant days in the Big Sky Conference at Idaho State and Weber State respectively, said that Zimmer has agreed to work with the 4-3 foundation that is already in place.

"Neither one of us wants to reinvent the wheel," Lewis said, leaving open the possibility of a 3-4. "We don't want to have to go back and re-visit some things. I think we've been through those points and we're looking forward now."

Zimmer, who has yet to study his new players in-depth, says it won't be entirely his playbook from seven seasons as the coordinator in Dallas and this past year in Atlanta.

"We don't want to take a step backwards in what they have done here," Zimmer said. "Some of the things I'm going to have to learn. Different terminology. We all play a lot of similar things anyway... As far as getting down (to his style) to technique that I believe in that you have to get done and taught the right way."

Reading Hobson's entire piece, it sounds an awful lot like the only thing to change in Cincinnati in 2008 will be the name of the defensive coordinator and how loudly he yells. No major change in scheme, no major change in philosophy.

..maybe they'll get a few healthy LB's that can play for them next year though.. on second thought.. it's Cinci.. it doesn't really matter..

:(

 

[The Man With No Name]

Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith has been hired by Atlanta to be Head Coach.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Paul Pasqualoni hired as defensive coordinator in Miami. Still waiting to hear what Parcells' plans are for the Dolphins. Pasqualoni comes over from Dallas, where he was originally hired by Parcells. Has experience with both 4-3 (while at Syracuse as DC and HC) and the Parcells 2-gap 3-4.

Unless his DC is a surprise, the Mike Smith hiring isn't likely to bring a big change to Atlanta's system. It is possible that the LOLB/ROLB system that improved Boley's numbers this season could be scrapped. And Smith used a lot more zone concepts than Zimmer did. But there's probably no major impact on the money DE/MLB positions.

 

[Jene Bramel]

There is apparently still some significant buzz around the Bengals that Marvin Lewis and Mike Zimmer might be considering the 3-4. Rumors about the prospects they're watching closely at the Senior Bowl (NT and ILB talent) and a note Hobson recently wrote that suggested that moving Geathers to OLB was still a possibility are driving the speculation. And the new Bengal LB coach, Jeff FitzGerald, comes from Baltimore with plenty of mulitple front experience.

Much depends on the health of David Pollack and Eric Henderson, the status of UFA Justin Smith and suspended LB Odell Thurman so we'll probably not know until shortly before or after the draft, but it's worth throwing out yet again.

 

[Tick]

I didn't realize there was a chance David Pollack would play again.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Rex Ryan stays as defensive coordinator in Baltimore. Unless Terrell Suggs isn't re-signed, there probably won't be any major changes in the Raven defense.

Greg Blache replaces Gregg Williams in Washington. Blache is a #### Jauron guy, very much a read-and-react schemer who doesn't go out of his way to pressure the quarterback. If that holds, the value held by the WLB, given Williams' reliance on Tampa-2 coverage this season, drops by a fair margin. And there may yet be a little hope for LaRon Landry if the Skins can find someone capable in coverage to play FS.

 

[redman]

Gregg Williams was hired today to be the DC in Jacksonville.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Gregg Williams was hired today to be the DC in Jacksonville.

I can't find confirmation of this anywhere yet. It'll be interesting to hear what Williams has in mind for the Jags.

 

[redman]

Gregg Williams was hired today to be the DC in Jacksonville.

I can't find confirmation of this anywhere yet. It'll be interesting to hear what Williams has in mind for the Jags.

I hope I wasn't premature - someone on another board posted this story off of a radio report. I'll look for a more reliable link.BTW, given that today's the Super Bowl, I'd expect the Jags to wait a day to formally announce this.

 

[Rozelle]

Brief summary on a few of the new DC's for 2008.

Mel Tucker (Cleveland)

He’s a 36 year old Cleveland native, with not much on his resume.

1997 Michigan State University, graduate assistant (Nick Saban)

1998-99 Miami (Ohio) University, defensive backs coach

2000 Louisiana State University, defensive backs coach (Nick Saban)

2001-04 Ohio State University, defensive backs coach/co-defensive coordinator

2005-07 Cleveland Browns, defensive backs coach

I understand when Tucker was at Ohio State, he was considered to be one of the young up-and-comers, in terms of college coaches. He is supposed to be a smart, a great motivator and one who gets the most out of his players.

In 2005, his 1st year coaching the DB’s in Cleveland, the Browns pass defense was ranked 4th. They fell to 15th in 2006, presumably due to many injuries in the secondary. But with a healthy secondary this past year, they fell again, this time to 24th. On a positive note, Sean Jones took his game to another level under Tucker’s watch.

I don’t mean to give off the impression of trying to tear the guy down, just not much of a resume here. He very well may be a rising star among the coaching ranks. It’s obvious, with the Browns swift move to promote; there is something they see in him. I’m not sure if they even interviewed anyone else for the DC job. Maybe Romeo intends to be more hands-on with the defense? Never-the-less- Romeo is a 3-4 guy, and I don’t see any changes in that respect.

Brian VanGorder (Atlanta)

LB coach for Atlanta last year under Petrino.

December 17th, 2007 accepts the DC/LB coach position for Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina ball team.

January 24, 2008 resigns his position with South Carolina and accepts the DC job for the Atlanta Falcons.

VanGorder was very successful in his 4 year stint as a DC and LB coach at Georgia. His defenses were ranked very high nationally every year he was there. He also coached several players who moved on to the NFL and won the Broyles Award in 2003, as the nation's top assistant coach.

He left Georgia for the NFL in ’05, to be LB coach for Jacksonville where now Atlanta Falcon head coach Mike Smith was DC for 5 years. VanGorder was head coach at Georgia Southern in 2006.

Rumor has it, in addition to the offer to come back to Atlanta as defensive coordinator; VanGorder also had an opportunity to replace Smith as defensive coordinator with the Jaguars. Smith said. “He brings an aggressive approach that I’m sure will benefit our defense.”

Mike Zimmer (Cincinnati)

1994 Assistant Coach of the nickel defense Dallas

1995-99 DB coach Dallas

2000-06 DC Dallas

2007 DC Atlanta

Zimmer is in his 15th season as a NFL coach. Zimmer is a 4-3 guy, however in 2005, although he had no experience in it, he implemented a 3-4 favored by Parcells. I suppose there’s a chance the Bengals could move in a 3-4 direction eventually.

Zimmer and Lewis go back to the early 80’s when both were in the infancy of their coaching careers in the Big Sky conference. Lewis at Idaho State and Zimmer at Weber State, both holding the title as LB coach 1981-84.

Zimmer was dealt a difficult hand last year in Atlanta, losing both his starting DT’s and starting a rookie DE, not to mention the Vick fiasco.

I understand, if Zimmer can get you in predictable passing situations, he likes to come after you with blitz’s and exotic coverage’s, providing he has confidence in his corners.

Bob Slowik (Denver)

8 years experience as a NFL DC.

1993-98 Chicago

1999 Cleveland

2004 Green Bay (DB coach 2000-03)

Came to Denver in 2005 as a DB coach, was promoted to DC in ’07, after Bates was hired as Assistant Coach in charge of defense. So … he had the title, but not the authority that comes with. I suppose we could see more of an attack style defense in the mile high this year? He brings a lot of experience 16 years in the NFL, and is someone who is familiar with the personnel. Champ Bailey likes the change, and feels it was a year late. I think I like this move.

 

[Jene Bramel]

^^^ Great post, Rozelle.

------------------------------

Bengals still haven't committed to a front. Sounds like a multiple front scheme is possible, but we're stuck waiting until FA and/or the draft for details.

Bengals.com

GH: It sounds like you'll use a lot of your playbook.

MZ: One of the two, I don't know which one yet. Frontwise, we've gone back to when I was in Dallas in the 3-4 and 4-3.

GH: So you're keeping your options open for a 3-4 or 4-3.

MZ: Yeah. Coverage-wise, that's pretty stagnant regardless of what scheme you're in. We've been doing a lot of the coverage (with the coaches) ... but the way you play the coverage in certain things, it really doesn't matter what the front is. It's just who's rushing and who's dropping.

GH: You seem excited rather than anxious as you try to decide what to do.

MZ: It's exciting. I want to be around the players a little bit more than what we are. I haven't seen them at all. This part is just kind of busy work. But trying to get everybody on the same page: "This is how we're playing this, this is how we're playing that," that's been good.

GH: Will it make that much of a difference if you go 4-3 or 3-4? Will you show both?

MZ: I think if you have the ability to play both without substituting, that gives the offense a lot of problems. We tried to do that early in the year in Atlanta last year with (John) Abraham being a drop guy and an outside backer. The problem is some of the other guys have different things they have to do.

The defensive linemen were fine, it was more the inside linebackers had to do different things. We weren't able to (stick with both looks) because they weren't able to do what we wanted them to do. We worked on it all through training camp, but we just decided to play the 4-3. We were a 4-3 base, anyway. It just became more of a situational thing.

GH: I guess the Abraham here would be Robert Geathers.

MZ: I would think. A guy that can stand up and put his hand on the ground. Because they have to do that in nickel anyway. For the inside linebackers it's a little bit different whether they're in a 3-4 or a 4-3. For defensive linemen, it's just two different techniques. It's not a big deal.

GH: Size is an issue, right?

MZ: Right. Because if you have smaller linebackers it makes it really difficult to play a 3-4. They're not covered as much.

GH: I guess you would have big enough linebackers here with guys like Rashad Jeanty (245 pounds), Ahmad Brooks (260), Odell Thurman (235), Eric Henderson (255), David Pollack (255). No matter the scheme, do you have to get bigger?

MZ: I think we have some fairly good-size linebackers. The defensive line has some big-sized guys. We might need to get a little thicker inside, regardless at end or tackle. Little thicker there. At linebacker, I think the size is good.

 

[Jene Bramel]

The Niners may be up to something...

Released Derek Smith (ILB depth quickly snapped up by the Chargers)

Rumors that Tully Banta-Cain won't remain an every down LB (duh)

Rumors of strong interest in Lance Briggs (who isn't the greatest of fits as a SILB)

Rumors of strong interest in Justin Smith (who'd struggle to play RDE or OLB in a 3-4, even in a 1-gap scheme)

Mike Nolan has plenty of experience with 4-3 fronts, too, and didn't hesitate to go that direction when his personnel didn't fit the 3-4 in 2006.

No worries for Patrick Willis unless they stay in a 3-4 and move him to the strong inside spot to make room for Briggs, which I'd think pretty unlikely.

Stay tuned.

 

[Rozelle]

Mike Smith … Head Coach Atlanta

A Florida native. Played LB at Father Lopez High School / Daytona Beach, FL (All State in 1975)

1977-81 Played LB East Tennessee State … a two-time defensive MVP. The powerful linebacker led the Buccaneers with 186 tackles during his senior season (marking the single season ETSU record).

1982 Played LB for Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

1982-85 He served as a part-time assistant coach at San Diego State in 1982, and then spent the next three seasons (1983-85) coaching the Aztecs' linebackers. It was at San Diego State where he worked with Brian Billick.

1986 He served as defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Morehead State

1987-1998 Tennessee Tech.

1987 Defensive Line coach.

1988-95 Special Team coordinator

1996-98 Defensive Coordinator and LB coach. In 1998, Smith was promoted to defensive coordinator/assistant head coach.

1999-2002 Baltimore Ravens

1999-2001 Defensive assistant/defensive line coach

2002 LB coach (replaced Jack Del Rio). Was instrumental in the development of second-year pro Ed Hartwell, who made a team-leading 196 tackles.

2003-07 Jacksonville Jaguars (Defensive Coordinator). After the 2005 campaign, Smith was named to the USA Today All-Joe Team, which is an award that goes to the players and coaches who have overachieved and are often overlooked.

Smith with most likely be hands-on with the defense, with all his linebacking history, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take a particular interest in that area. In his 9 years coaching in the NFL, he has been associated with a 4-3 every year except one, (2002 Baltimore Ravens 3-4).

 

[coolnerd]

Just a minor update on the Texans scheme per 4/15 interview with DC Richard Smith. this the ideal set-up when everyone is healthy, no talent issues, etc.

It is a base 4-3. Neither the safeties nor the OLB flip with TE, but obvious the LS and LOLB traslate into the strong side more than guys on the defensive right. At CB, they play press man and depending on the defensive call and the offense will go with the WR or drop to play in short zone or force the run. The corners are expected to be good tacklers against the run and not pure cover guys. Overall, the idea is to be able to give a QB the same vanilla look from either side, but mix actually coverages, etc.

Has had mixed success on the field, but i hope that helps some of you in large IDP leagues where these distictions matter some.

 

[Rozelle]

Just a minor update on the Texans scheme per 4/15 interview with DC Richard Smith. this the ideal set-up when everyone is healthy, no talent issues, etc.

It is a base 4-3. Neither the safeties nor the OLB flip with TE, but obvious the LS and LOLB traslate into the strong side more than guys on the defensive right. At CB, they play press man and depending on the defensive call and the offense will go with the WR or drop to play in short zone or force the run. The corners are expected to be good tacklers against the run and not pure cover guys. Overall, the idea is to be able to give a QB the same vanilla look from either side, but mix actually coverages, etc.

Has had mixed success on the field, but i hope that helps some of you in large IDP leagues where these distictions matter some.

Thanks

 

[Jene Bramel]

Just a minor update on the Texans scheme per 4/15 interview with DC Richard Smith. this the ideal set-up when everyone is healthy, no talent issues, etc. It is a base 4-3. Neither the safeties nor the OLB flip with TE, but obvious the LS and LOLB traslate into the strong side more than guys on the defensive right. At CB, they play press man and depending on the defensive call and the offense will go with the WR or drop to play in short zone or force the run. The corners are expected to be good tacklers against the run and not pure cover guys. Overall, the idea is to be able to give a QB the same vanilla look from either side, but mix actually coverages, etc. Has had mixed success on the field, but i hope that helps some of you in large IDP leagues where these distictions matter some.

I noticed that in the article about what Adibi's role might be and meant to post some questions about here so this is very much appreciated. I don't get to see many Texans games and the safeties and SLB have been so poor over the past couple of seasons, that this really wasn't apparent in the boxscores or on the depth chart.Could be valuable in the long term if Adibi lands an every down LOLB role (a little Michael Boley-ish??) or if the Texans ever find a run supporting FS with a little talent.

 

[coolnerd]

Just a minor update on the Texans scheme per 4/15 interview with DC Richard Smith. this the ideal set-up when everyone is healthy, no talent issues, etc. It is a base 4-3. Neither the safeties nor the OLB flip with TE, but obvious the LS and LOLB traslate into the strong side more than guys on the defensive right. At CB, they play press man and depending on the defensive call and the offense will go with the WR or drop to play in short zone or force the run. The corners are expected to be good tacklers against the run and not pure cover guys. Overall, the idea is to be able to give a QB the same vanilla look from either side, but mix actually coverages, etc. Has had mixed success on the field, but i hope that helps some of you in large IDP leagues where these distictions matter some.

I noticed that in the article about what Adibi's role might be and meant to post some questions about here so this is very much appreciated. I don't get to see many Texans games and the safeties and SLB have been so poor over the past couple of seasons, that this really wasn't apparent in the boxscores or on the depth chart.Could be valuable in the long term if Adibi lands an every down LOLB role (a little Michael Boley-ish??) or if the Texans ever find a run supporting FS with a little talent.

From everything thing that I understanding the Texans want Zac Diles to win the LOLB job, but thompson and Bentley are in the mix if he does not step up. Long term Adibi will play on right or Weak side and depending on his development he will be Greenwood's replacement. Greenwood is not terrible, but not worth the money they are paying him so if Adibi comes along in 2008, Marlon may not see the field.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Just a minor update on the Texans scheme per 4/15 interview with DC Richard Smith. this the ideal set-up when everyone is healthy, no talent issues, etc. It is a base 4-3. Neither the safeties nor the OLB flip with TE, but obvious the LS and LOLB traslate into the strong side more than guys on the defensive right. At CB, they play press man and depending on the defensive call and the offense will go with the WR or drop to play in short zone or force the run. The corners are expected to be good tacklers against the run and not pure cover guys. Overall, the idea is to be able to give a QB the same vanilla look from either side, but mix actually coverages, etc. Has had mixed success on the field, but i hope that helps some of you in large IDP leagues where these distictions matter some.

I noticed that in the article about what Adibi's role might be and meant to post some questions about here so this is very much appreciated. I don't get to see many Texans games and the safeties and SLB have been so poor over the past couple of seasons, that this really wasn't apparent in the boxscores or on the depth chart.Could be valuable in the long term if Adibi lands an every down LOLB role (a little Michael Boley-ish??) or if the Texans ever find a run supporting FS with a little talent.

From everything thing that I understanding the Texans want Zac Diles to win the LOLB job, but thompson and Bentley are in the mix if he does not step up. Long term Adibi will play on right or Weak side and depending on his development he will be Greenwood's replacement. Greenwood is not terrible, but not worth the money they are paying him so if Adibi comes along in 2008, Marlon may not see the field.

Totally agree on Adibi's future. Shouldn't have implied that I expected him to land at LOLB, even though it reads that way. Stranger things have happened as linebacker trends ebb and flow, however. These tidbits can help predict the Boleys and Thorntons, etc. Devil is in the details, for certain.

 

[coolnerd]

Just a minor update on the Texans scheme per 4/15 interview with DC Richard Smith. this the ideal set-up when everyone is healthy, no talent issues, etc. It is a base 4-3. Neither the safeties nor the OLB flip with TE, but obvious the LS and LOLB traslate into the strong side more than guys on the defensive right. At CB, they play press man and depending on the defensive call and the offense will go with the WR or drop to play in short zone or force the run. The corners are expected to be good tacklers against the run and not pure cover guys. Overall, the idea is to be able to give a QB the same vanilla look from either side, but mix actually coverages, etc. Has had mixed success on the field, but i hope that helps some of you in large IDP leagues where these distictions matter some.

I noticed that in the article about what Adibi's role might be and meant to post some questions about here so this is very much appreciated. I don't get to see many Texans games and the safeties and SLB have been so poor over the past couple of seasons, that this really wasn't apparent in the boxscores or on the depth chart.Could be valuable in the long term if Adibi lands an every down LOLB role (a little Michael Boley-ish??) or if the Texans ever find a run supporting FS with a little talent.

From everything thing that I understanding the Texans want Zac Diles to win the LOLB job, but thompson and Bentley are in the mix if he does not step up. Long term Adibi will play on right or Weak side and depending on his development he will be Greenwood's replacement. Greenwood is not terrible, but not worth the money they are paying him so if Adibi comes along in 2008, Marlon may not see the field.

Totally agree on Adibi's future. Shouldn't have implied that I expected him to land at LOLB, even though it reads that way. Stranger things have happened as linebacker trends ebb and flow, however. These tidbits can help predict the Boleys and Thorntons, etc. Devil is in the details, for certain.

Okay I follow. yes, considering that the Texans don't flip, if they get a LOLB with something to him there is a better chance for hidden fantasy value.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Didn't bump this thread after the Jim Haslett or Mike Singletary promotions. Neither seemed likely to cause a major philosophical change, other than possibly increasing the overall aggressiveness of the defense.

Today, the Chargers dumped Ted Cottrell in favor of Ron Rivera. Rivera was never a big Tampa-2 guy in Chicago, but had little 3-4 experience before joining the Chargers. It's hard to see the Chargers moving away from the 3-4 with their current OLB group, but it's worth listening to what Rivera has to say this week.

It's pretty farfetched but not totally impossible to think Phillips could move to RE, Tucker to SLB and Dobbins/Cooper to the MLB/WLB slots in some combination. In reality, we'll probably only see more frequent blitzing from Cooper and both OLBs.

Just to throw a little silliness into your Tuesday.

 

[Seatown Mofos]

Thanks for the heads up! I just picked up Cooper in a tackle heavy league. Do you think if they switch to more of a Cover 2 D is Cooper going to play more of the MLB or WLB? Would either of those positions effect his value to what it is now, up or down?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Thanks for the heads up! I just picked up Cooper in a tackle heavy league. Do you think if they switch to more of a Cover 2 D is Cooper going to play more of the MLB or WLB? Would either of those positions effect his value to what it is now, up or down?

They won't play much, if any, Cover-2 with the corners they have. Cooper's value may go up marginally in big play leagues and could drop just a bit in tackle leagues if the defense starts getting off the field with any regularity. Difference will probably be marginal though.