Mike Zimmer New DC For the Falcons (1 Viewer)

[Fiddles]

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Bobby Petrino wasted no time in finding his defensive and offensive coordinators.

A day after being introduced as Atlanta's head coach, Petrino reached agreements Tuesday with Dallas defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Cincinnati receivers coach Hue Jackson to be his right-hand men with the Falcons. The hirings were confirmed by an official in the league Tuesday night, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they hadn't yet been announced.

The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the agreement between Petrino and Zimmer on Tuesday.

Petrino said Monday he wants the Falcons to run a 4-3 defense.

"One of my critical hires will be my defensive coordinator," Petrino said Monday. "It's certainly going to be very important to me. I want to be able to play the game very aggressive and be able to come after the quarterback. Obviously, you have to stop the run first."

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Any insight as to how this affects IDP value for Coleman, Kerney, DHall, etc?

 

[coolnerd]

Despite the last couple of years under Bill P., Zimmer is not a 3-4 guy. In fact, before Parcells the Cowboys used smaller quick LBs. I am not remembering how much zone verus man that they used, but the DLmen were not simply human speed bumps.

 

[DawnBTVS]

Does this news bode well for LBs like Demorrio Williams and Michael Boley?

If Brooking remains at MLB, does this bump him up as a probable Top 10-15 LB? He had 136 total tackles and finished 18th in my league's scoring system.

 

[Jene Bramel]

As coolnerd pointed out, Zimmer is a 4-3 guy. Parcells retained him as the defensive coordinator after he agreed to assist with the transition to the 3-4 front Parcells preferred. Although he is known for his offensive mindset, Petrino apparently had a fair amount of say in what the Louisville defense did. For the most part, it was an aggressive 4-3 front, and probably not that unlike what the Falcons ran under Ed Donatell.

Tough to project until Zimmer comments on his personnel, but any change has to be considered potential good news for Demorrio Williams. In his 4-3 scheme with Dallas, Zimmer ran some quick, undersized linebackers out -- Dexter Coakley and Dat Nguyen in particular -- so Williams may have some solid value here while Hartwell probably is in an even more tenuous position than he'd have been.

Brooking played nearly as much WLB as MLB this year and his numbers have usually been better playing from the pursuit position. Should they align Boley/Brooking/Williams, Brooking's numbers at MLB are probably dependent on how well the Falcons fill the DT/NT roles.

Interesting that Zimmer made a bit of a lateral move. With Payton moving on to New Orleans and Zimmer's long history with Dallas, it sounded pretty likely that Zimmer was the heir apparent to Parcells. Seems pretty likely that Parcells is staying put for 2007.

 

[Bri]

Initially, I'd expect a few moves(trades, FA, cuts) to be about speed. He has similar philosophy to that of Jimmy Johnson years before him.

However, I don't think he'll blow off the 3-4 completely. He learned under Parcells and certainly saw some advantages and disadvantages. I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes more like BB and tries to mix it up at times. The Pats will put in Wright at DT and go 4-3 "like that" even though they're a base 3-4. I could see him doing the opposite.

I really think this is unleashing a clever D mind with some new tricks up his sleeve moreso than reverting back to his old Dallas ways. He's very good. He had the top D in Dallas before the 3-4 switch really got underway.

 

[Bri]

Interesting that Zimmer made a bit of a lateral move.

was his contract up? Can't think of how else he'd be able to make a lateral move

 

[Jene Bramel]

Interesting that Zimmer made a bit of a lateral move.

was his contract up? Can't think of how else he'd be able to make a lateral move

ESPN/APHis contract with the Cowboys was expected to expire this offseason, and his future in Dallas was uncertain with coach Bill Parcells' status unknown.

 

[Biabreakable]

I do not see personel on the Falcons that would allow much 3-4 defense as thier defensive linemen are undersized speed guys more than pluggers. IIRC Abraham was tried as a 3-4 OLB before but that did not work well for him. So I don't see them forcing him into that role again.

I agree with statements about this defense probobly trying to be similar to how Bates runs the 4-3. DEs should lineup a bit wider than a typical 4-3 to give them more of a jump rushing from the edge. Lbers will need to be fast in pursuit. Ngyen had pretty good numbers as the MLB in this defense before so I would expect the MLB to be the main playmaker again whoever that ends up being. I think the WLB has a lot of coverage responsibilities in this defense and is not allowed to pursue as much as in a cover 2 4-3.

If Brooking moves back to WLB I am not sure he would be the one making the most tackles in this defense even though he is the most talented.

I think Demorrio Williams has some coverage weaknesses so he may not be the player they want at that position. Perhaps he will be phased out.

The SS should be very involved in run support and possible blitzing provided they can find a player to fill that role for them. I don't think that player is on thier roster yet.

 

[msommer]

Interesting that Zimmer made a bit of a lateral move.

was his contract up? Can't think of how else he'd be able to make a lateral move

ESPN/APHis contract with the Cowboys was expected to expire this offseason, and his future in Dallas was uncertain with coach Bill Parcells' status unknown.

Maybe he knew, regardless of whether Bill stayed or went that jerry would not give him a shot - wasn;t he a candidate when Jerry brought Parcells in?

 

[Bri]

Interesting that Zimmer made a bit of a lateral move.

was his contract up? Can't think of how else he'd be able to make a lateral move

ESPN/APHis contract with the Cowboys was expected to expire this offseason, and his future in Dallas was uncertain with coach Bill Parcells' status unknown.

thanks Jene

 

[Shiver44]

http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/sports/...118falcons.html

Hartwell played for new linebackers coach Brian VanGorder at Western Illinois.

I don't expect Hartwell to be supplanted. Especially since he's likely to be excused for poor performances due to injuries.

 

[Jene Bramel]

http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/sports/...118falcons.html

Hartwell played for new linebackers coach Brian VanGorder at Western Illinois.

I don't expect Hartwell to be supplanted. Especially since he's likely to be excused for poor performances due to injuries.

Thanks for the link. It's an interesting connection but I'm not sure it's enough to keep Hartwell in the lineup. Zimmer likes quick, sideline-to-sideline guys. While Hartwell was known as a quick reacting, quick filling backer in Baltimore, he has never had above average range, fluidity, or speed. Coming off two years worth of significant leg injuries (Achilles and two knee surgeries), I don't think Hartwell fits the Zimmer mold. With very viable Zimmer-like candidates already on the roster, I'm not sure Hartwell gets "excused" for injury.Will be interesting to see what Zimmer has to say on the matter.