New Defensive Coordinator 2015

[REDSKINS4ever]

Originally Posted by DynamiteRave

Lmao. That is the best .gif to describe a response to that post ever.

Definitely a head scratcher.

You or MattyK didn't understand what I was saying....in short Orakpo or Kerrigan can play OLBs in a 3-4, but they are better suited as 4-3 DEs with their hands in the dirt....not just Kerrigan and Orakpo, but most of the Redskins OLBs were DEs in college....Most of their defensive front were defensive tackles playing in a 4-3 originally.....thus since they really have mostly 4-3 personnel they should be running the 4-3.....got it?

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by REDSKINS4ever

You or MattyK didn't understand what I was saying....in short Orakpo or Kerrigan can play OLBs in a 3-4, but they are better suited as 4-3 DEs with their hands in the dirt....not just Kerrigan and Orakpo, but most of the Redskins OLBs were DEs in college....Most of their defensive front were defensive tackles playing in a 4-3 originally.....thus since they really have mostly 4-3 personnel they should be running the 4-3.....got it?

you know they play a lot of snaps in a 4-3 right? you have watched the games i'd assume...

and kerrigan has 13 sacks and counting now, making him top 5 in the league. so i'm not sure what alternate reality you're getting your facts from, but i'd have to side with matty on this one.

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by DynamiteRave

I still don't miss Danny Smith. I know he's rolling in Pitty right now, but he downright sucked for us. What's good for the goose isn't necessarily good for the gander.

I feel like coaching isn't so much the issue as personnel. We have DJax, who we don't put back to return kicks (kind of understandable). We have Moss who we don't even use, who could be back there making himself useful (Not at all understandable). Instead we're using slow ass Roberts. That dude ain't gonna outrun anyone, as evident in the Giants game.

our STs here were much better with danny smith than without him. you realize that last year we weren't just the worst ST unit in the league, but the 2nd worst ST unit since they started tracking differentials in 2000 (the worst was the 2002 oakland ST unit).

why they don't use moss is simple, he's not that fast anymore, he doesn't play teams (ie, gunner on coverage) and he's been inactive most of our games. there's no point wasting an active spot on a guy that's not any better than roberts to maybe get 1 more ypr on a grand total of 3 punts in a game. roberts isn't that bad on returns (though he runs E/W too much for sure), though he's definitely not great either.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by REDSKINS4ever

You or MattyK didn't understand what I was saying....in short Orakpo or Kerrigan can play OLBs in a 3-4, but they are better suited as 4-3 DEs with their hands in the dirt....not just Kerrigan and Orakpo, but most of the Redskins OLBs were DEs in college....Most of their defensive front were defensive tackles playing in a 4-3 originally.....thus since they really have mostly 4-3 personnel they should be running the 4-3.....got it?

You really lost me on keeping Haz.

3-4 or 4-3 really doesn't matter.

[DynamiteRave]

Originally Posted by That Guy

our STs here were much better with danny smith than without him. you realize that last year we weren't just the worst ST unit in the league, but the 2nd worst ST unit since they started tracking differentials in 2000 (the worst was the 2002 oakland ST unit).

why they don't use moss is simple, he's not that fast anymore, he doesn't play teams (ie, gunner on coverage) and he's been inactive most of our games. there's no point wasting an active spot on a guy that's not any better than roberts to maybe get 1 more ypr on a grand total of 3 punts in a game. roberts isn't that bad on returns (though he runs E/W too much for sure), though he's definitely not great either.

Last year we were also working with Keith Burns. Who everyone KNEW needed the boot. Last year was inexcusable.

This is Ben Kotwica's first year and like I said we're already doing worlds better in putting, kicking (none of that low chip shot shit) and blocking for both (no kicks or punts blocked). Discipline still needs to be worked on... Still too many penalties and I feel we could use some personnel upgrades.

We are still at the back end of the league in terms of our ST unit, but we aren't making historical records and when you consider how awful the team has been this year overall, and how awful the ST unit was last year, you HAVE to consider that an improvement.


In regards to Danny Smith's ST unit... It wasn't that great either. In 2012 the Skins ranked in the bottom third in both punting, kicking and returns. We were splitting the year with Forbath and Cundiff and if it wasn't for that Forbath pick up, we would have been royally screwed. That was also the year Sav Rocca started getting the weak leg and granted, a good punter is few and far between but we still hung around with him until after the 2013 season.

In 2011, we did great at kick coverage, but didn't have a consistent returner (and we still don't). We also were busy putting the coals to Gano who was busy missing kicks left and right (literally, right? )

So without me going back into Redskins lore, what I'm trying to say is. Our special teams has never been what could be considered... Hearty, well-rounded, and consistently good. At some points we've been abysmal and at other points we've been, "Okay". But we've never had a full on, consistent and competent ST unit. The last time I remember us having one was with Lorenzo Alexander but that was because he was practically THE ST unit by himself.

[MTK]

Smith and Kotwica are both quality coordinators. Problem under Shanny was we really didn't commit much to bringing in those mid to late round picks that can at least giving you something on teams. Losing Alexander was big but he wanted somewhere where he could play LB and Arizona gave him that opportunity.

[REDSKINS4ever]

Originally Posted by That Guy

you know they play a lot of snaps in a 4-3 right? you have watched the games i'd assume...

and kerrigan has 13 sacks and counting now, making him top 5 in the league. so i'm not sure what alternate reality you're getting your facts from, but i'd have to side with matty on this one.

I have watched the games....they might have four down linemen pushing the opposing offensive line at times, but the 4-3 is not their every down alignment like it should be. The Redskins have players that can play in a 3-4 but who are better suited for a 4-3....it doesn't make sense for the coaches to take guys who naturally play one thing, draft them or sign them as FAs and have them do something else....if Kerrigan played DE on every down he would have even more sacks than he does...

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by SFREDSKIN

My wish would be Todd Bowles ( he's going nowhere unless is HC)

My realistic DC if/when he gets fired is Ron Rivera

Alternate DC Ray Horton or Brian Baker

I say bring in Ron Rivera and bring back Sexy Rexy

'Midget' remark may loom large - Chicago Tribune

The NFL's favorite piñata took another beating off of it after San Diego linebacker Matt Wilhelm told a California newspaper that Chargers linebackers coach Ron Rivera advised his players they could rattle Grossman because he was "a mental midget.

[VTSkins1961]

Not to much as long as HAZ is is fired

Originally Posted by Mattyk

You really lost me on keeping Haz.

3-4 or 4-3 really doesn't matter.

[diehardskin2982]

Haslett puts his players out of position with some of his schemes. It reminds me of when G.Williams would line up the safeties 25+ yards deep. Unless it was Sean Taylor, the safeties where often out of position. But his schemes are way worst. Also, his problem is that he refuses to adjust the scheme at half time. The glaring holes in the middle of the field with scheme and consistent lack of effort to cover a TE warrants Haz's termination. Also the coaches have not been able to teach and improve the talent that was drafted.

The scouts and front office are not off the hook either, we could of drafted Chris Borland or signed UDFA Christian Jones. These dudes proved it on the field and we passed on them because of measurables. They focus too much on the good looking stud and not proven football players.

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by REDSKINS4ever

I have watched the games....they might have four down linemen pushing the opposing offensive line at times, but the 4-3 is not their every down alignment like it should be. The Redskins have players that can play in a 3-4 but who are better suited for a 4-3....it doesn't make sense for the coaches to take guys who naturally play one thing, draft them or sign them as FAs and have them do something else....if Kerrigan played DE on every down he would have even more sacks than he does...

quick things:

assuming kerrigan would be better as a DE is just that, an assumption, based solely on your opinion. I'd just say that if you end a season with 13+ sacks, you've done something right, and that kerrigan has proved he's playing where he should. I think orakpo would fare better as a 4-3 DE, but not kerrigan, who (unlike orakpo), was drafted specifically to play OLB in a 3-4.

Grilliams used a LOT of 3-4 in his 4-3, and it seemed to work out fine.

I think there's a problem with the players (and injuries) and also possibly the DC (he's never had a great defense here, and only 1-2 decent years in a very long career).

injuries:
hatcher (DE)
cofield (DT)
carriker (DE)
neild (DT)
orakpo (LB)
murphy (LB)
Hall (CB)
porter (CB)
merriweather (S)
Ihenacho (S)

and that's just people that were supposed to be top 3 at there position. so believe it or not, we would have been awful in a 4-3 too. if it really were that simple, don't you think a staff of people paid millions per year would at least consider it at some point during the last few years?

[Dirtbag59]

Rex Ryan told friend he expects to be fired by New York Jets - ESPN New York

[DYoungJelly]

Originally Posted by REDSKINS4ever

I have watched the games....they might have four down linemen pushing the opposing offensive line at times, but the 4-3 is not their every down alignment like it should be. The Redskins have players that can play in a 3-4 but who are better suited for a 4-3....it doesn't make sense for the coaches to take guys who naturally play one thing, draft them or sign them as FAs and have them do something else....if Kerrigan played DE on every down he would have even more sacks than he does...

There is a really good article about the Cowboys defense switch to a 4-3 which basically quotes Lovie Smith that preaches simplicity.

Lovie Smith Explains The Big Advantage Of The 4-3 Defense - Blogging The Boys

Says it is much simpler to plug guys into the front of the 4-3 with a rush first responsibility because of the limited time with coaches after the cba.

Makes sense to me, but I'm not a football guru.

There seems to be more pressure from our 3rd down nickle sets with 4 rushing down lineman that are not playing gap first. More does not equal much. Murphy and Kerrigan next to each were stout on 3rd downs.

[diehardskin2982]

I think Haslett planned to run aspects of the Seattle styled defense with three rush linebacker set, however he didn't know what he was doing, it didn't work.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by DYoungJelly

There is a really good article about the Cowboys defense switch to a 4-3 which basically quotes Lovie Smith that preaches simplicity.

Lovie Smith Explains The Big Advantage Of The 4-3 Defense - Blogging The Boys

Says it is much simpler to plug guys into the front of the 4-3 with a rush first responsibility because of the limited time with coaches after the cba.

Makes sense to me, but I'm not a football guru.

There seems to be more pressure from our 3rd down nickle sets with 4 rushing down lineman that are not playing gap first. More does not equal much. Murphy and Kerrigan next to each were stout on 3rd downs.

TL;DR Version - 3-4 Defense cheaper, more players capable of being plugged in, better suited for passing league, just needs new DC.

I still like the 3-4 better though. For starters from a pure cost perspective its generally cheaper, which is a huge plus with a salary cap.

On top of that I believe its easier to find pass rushers for a couple reasons. For starters your pool of talent ranges from DE's in 4-3 systems to OLB's in 4-3 systems. I also like the idea of 3 big DT's in the middle occupying blockers rather than 2 DT's for edge rushers.

I also feel its easier to find productive 3-4 OLB's then it is 4-3 DE's. If you look at the Top 6 leaders in sacks for 2014 (6 because our own Ryan Kerrigan is tied with Mario Williams at present time) 4 out of 6 are 3-4 OLB's. 5 out of 6 play in a 3-4 ( though in all fairness JJ Watt is kind of a freak regardless so I don't think his production is so much a reflection of the system as much as his once in a generation level talent).

Nose Guard can be kind of tough to fill but it seems much easier than finding a 4-3 DT that can collapse the pocket and get after the passer. Paying guys like Vince Wilfolk who are just space eaters in the middle is on average a hell of a lot cheaper then gap penetrators (cough Haynesworth cough).

In a passing league I have no problem with a 3-4 system that on average provides more flexibility for disguising coverage as well as more athletic guys on the field when using the base package. Mostly lowering the frequency of needing to use 6 in the box 4-2 Nickle Packages. In all honesty I believe the problem is more Haslet then the 3-4 itself.

I've long since admired Rex Ryan as a coach so if we got a chance to put him in his ideal role as a Defensive Coordinator rather than a Head Coach I feel we would see a pretty sizeable improvement over years past. Not to mention he would likely be easy to keep as a Defensive Coordinator since teams will likely be gun shy on making him a HC going forward.