Fixing the Run Defense

[j-off-her-doll]

Digital is all over the issues of losing Soliai, and Fin Thirteen is right about the excessive stunting.

The way this D is built, we're going to need significant contributions from our 2nd year guys, and we're going to need the offense to jump out early.

 

[Austin Tatious]

I'm not convinced that Coyle analyzes his personnel and their strengths first, and then schemes effectively to the strengths and talents of the players. I see a D coordinator who wants to design and run certain schemes and game plans (stunting etc), then force-fits his personnel into what he wants to run.

The run defense in particular grossly underachieved relative to the talent and personnel the coaches had at their disposal. Perhaps the new LB coach can help with some fresh insights on how to get more out of the backers but the loss of Soliai is a concern.

 

[vagrantprodigy]

I'm not convinced that Coyle analyzes his personnel and their strengths first, and then schemes effectively to the strengths and talents of the players. I see a D coordinator who wants to design and run certain schemes and game plans (stunting etc), then force-fits his personnel into what he wants to run.

This is my biggest issue with Coyle. It's shortsighted, and a frankly bad coaching. You fit your scheme to the players that are there, not the other way around. Shula did that very well, as have coaches like Belichick.

 

[Atila]

You two guys are both laughable with that assumption. Are you in his head, understanding the philosophy of how he builds his defense? You're both just running with an assumption.

If the guy was "short sighted" and was committing "bad coaching" he wouldn't have a job right now. Our defense wouldn't have been as successful as it was last season. Where do you guys come up with this stuff? Couple of arm-chair GM's right here.

 

[Atila]

You want to fix the run D? Your offense needs to be better than bottom 5 in scoring... they need to be able to sustain drives, they need to be able to effectively run themselves in order to eat clock and keep the defense fresh. Our defense is CONSISTENTLY playing from behind, getting the run pounded on them because the other team is winning, and being asked to carry this team.

Our offense cant put up points, it hasn't put up points in over a decade. We had a top 10 defense last season, did you forget? We had a bottom 5 offense in most categories and were 9-5 heading into the last 2 weeks because of the CONSISTENCY of our DEFENSE.

And all of that was done with below average (put nicely) LB unit... yeah, I'd say Coyle, and his philosophy, and coaching methodology, is far from our problem right now.

 

[Sirspud]

The defenders besides the LB's did a decent enough job of funneling defenders towards the LB's, the problem was that the LB's were pretty much amongst the league worst in missing tackles. There is a reason why Koa Misi is being talked about for a heavier role, as Wheeler and Ellerbee are simply awful and Misi didn't see the field enough to make up for that.

 

[vagrantprodigy]

You two guys are both laughable with that assumption. Are you in his head, understanding the philosophy of how he builds his defense? You're both just running with an assumption.

If the guy was "short sighted" and was committing "bad coaching" he wouldn't have a job right now. Our defense wouldn't have been as successful as it was last season. Where do you guys come up with this stuff? Couple of arm-chair GM's right here.

Are you seriously telling me you weren't watching the tv last year and screaming at the tv to stop stunting? Because I sure as hell was. And when we stopped stunting, things were better.

Also, do you really think that every coach in the NFL is good? That they are fully capable, and never over promoted?

 

[gofins60]

This is my biggest issue with Coyle. It's shortsighted, and a frankly bad coaching. You fit your scheme to the players that are there, not the other way around. Shula did that very well, as have coaches like Belichick.

This is also my main complaint concerning Philbin/Sherman. Philbin got the job because he impressed Ross with his "offensive system" in a notebook. Philbin, Sherman, and Coyle all refused (or were unable) to gameplan/scheme to take advantage of the strengths of the players on the roster. I wouldn't be surprised if the offense of Sparano/Henning/Daboll/Henne scored more points per game than this regime. And, the rushing defense has regressed every year under Philbin/Coyle. Ross should have cleaned house!

 

[Kevlared]

we need to hope tripp steps up and wheeler gets sent to the bench.

 

[spiketex]

we need to hope tripp steps up and wheeler gets sent to the bench.

I have great hopes for Tripp as well, but he probably won't be rushed. Also, you realize that Wheeler is guaranteed to be paid like 5X what Tripp will get paid this year. Wheeler's agent managed the situation perfectly, but his client needs to contribute (and he knows it). Jenkins is the wildcard. I would not be surprised if he makes his move to pressure Wheeler for a starting position.

 

[Irishfinfan1]

It'll be interesting to see if we stunt as much this year, with Solai out and Mitchell in we have more gap penetrators in the starting lineup which could mean we have less need to stunt.