15 thoughts - Chargers game

[football karma]

They’ve spent three top 45 picks on linebackers, and only one played linebacker in college.

nothing Steve Keim likes more than a projection …..

 

[cardpa]

Thank you for linking to the article, Cardpa!

The other day I read an article that examines how defenses can counter the explosive offenses nowadays. It is based on statements and analyses from both defensive- and offensive minds at various levels. You can read it by clicking here.

The conclusion is that you need hybrid defenders.

Also, out of everyone on the Cards’ defense, Budda Baker might be the one who are being deployed at most different positions, and I don’t think he has been a disappointment to anyone.

Very interesting article. They are actually simplifying the defense in some ways and it seems to me each player on defense has one and just one individual assignment based on the defensive alignment called. The other thing I get out of it is you wold probably use quicker leaner dlinemen since some of their responsibilities can be pass coverage.

 

[ReasonableMan]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...dered-leaving-pats-as-recently-as-late-march/

Bill isn't NOT my favorite coach but you kinda have to think he might make a good GM? I dunno I'm just putting this out there.

Having a high pick, tons of cap room, tons of upside.... I don't know......

It would literally never happen but nobody in the NFL is better at getting high production out of terrible players than Bill

 

[Gandhi]

Very interesting article. They are actually simplifying the defense in some ways and it seems to me each player on defense has one and just one individual assignment based on the defensive alignment called.

I read it the same way, but I think the main point is that multiple different players can plays these simplified assignments which, in my opinion, correlates well with how Keim continuously has selected hybrid defenders in the draft. It’s probably a stretch to say that he has been ahead of the time, since several other general managers has done the same, but you could definitely say that he has been very up to date, if you agree with the points in the article.

 

[cardpa]

I read it the same way, but I think the main point is that multiple different players can plays these simplified assignments which, in my opinion, correlates well with how Keim continuously has selected hybrid defenders in the draft. It’s probably a stretch to say that he has been ahead of the time, since several other general managers has done the same, but you could definitely say that he has been very up to date, if you agree with the points in the article.

The defenses in the NFL haven't caught up with the philosophy of the article yet. Some may be moving that way. The real problem for the Cardinals is Wilks is oblivious to this kind of thinking and is stuck in a slowly yet surely archaic philosophy on defense. Quickness and speed are imperative to run a defense per the article.

 

[Gandhi]

The defenses in the NFL haven't caught up with the philosophy of the article yet. Some may be moving that way.

That’s right, but I think one of the reasons is that what the coaches in the article suggest simply isn’t possible in the NFL. At least not with as much success as they have had. They are coaching at various youth levels.

The real problem for the Cardinals is Wilks is oblivious to this kind of thinking and is stuck in a slowly yet surely archaic philosophy on defense. Quickness and speed are imperative to run a defense per the article.

I don’t think that is fair. Budda Baker is a safety who are often being deployed as a linebacker. Haason Reddick was a defensive lineman in college, and now he is alternately deployed as a defensive lineman, an off the ball linebacker and designated blitzer. Deone Bucannon was a linebacker in college yet is now deployed as a linebacker. Chandler Jones is a defensive lineman who often drops into coverage.

Also, Steve Wilks and Al Holcomb often deploys different players in different ways that makes them do things that are usually not expected at their primary position.

I don’t want to stigmatize, but is there any chance you are mad at Wilks, and thus criticize him for basically everything no matter if they are correct and fair or not?

 

[cardpa]

That’s right, but I think one of the reasons is that what the coaches in the article suggest simply isn’t possible in the NFL. At least not with as much success as they have had. They are coaching at various youth levels.



I don’t think that is fair. Budda Baker is a safety who are often being deployed as a linebacker. Haason Reddick was a defensive lineman in college, and now he is alternately deployed as a defensive lineman, an off the ball linebacker and designated blitzer. Deone Bucannon was a linebacker in college yet is now deployed as a linebacker. Chandler Jones is a defensive lineman who often drops into coverage.

Also, Steve Wilks and Al Holcomb often deploys different players in different ways that makes them do things that are usually not expected at their primary position.

I don’t want to stigmatize, but is there any chance you are mad at Wilks, and thus criticize him for basically everything no matter if they are correct and fair or not?

I'm not mad at Wilks, more like disappointed that he has not been the coach we were sold on. I wasn't sure of him when he was hired but you have to give the guy a chance. What I never expected was for Wilks to fail as spectacularly as he has. Carolina had a pretty good defense in 2017, but now I wonder if Wilks was the main reason. Maybe all the negativity here about Wilks has shaded my view of him. Thanks for pointing that out. I still blame Keim for this mess more than anyone else.

 

[LarryStalling]

I believe that the Cards, for some reason or other, will aggravatingly win one of the remaining games to screw us out of the #1 draft pick.

 

[Gandhi]

I'm not mad at Wilks, more like disappointed that he has not been the coach we were sold on. I wasn't sure of him when he was hired but you have to give the guy a chance. What I never expected was for Wilks to fail as spectacularly as he has. Carolina had a pretty good defense in 2017, but now I wonder if Wilks was the main reason. Maybe all the negativity here about Wilks has shaded my view of him. Thanks for pointing that out. I still blame Keim for this mess more than anyone else.

That is completely fair, Cardpa. I jumped to conclusion, and I am sorry about that.

I feel the same way as you. I didn’t have great feeling about Wilks right away – as I had with Arians when he was hired – but I also thought he should have a fair chance. Usually, I am a big proponent of patience and continuity with a coaching staff, but like you, I did not see this coming, and I must say that what this has turned out to be is enough for me to make an exemption from my basic view. The depths this team has fallen to in the transition from Arians to Wilks is shocking to me, and it can't only be because of roster changes, including a new quarterback. I believe it is due to a dysfunction somewhere in the organization close to the team, and since the previous seasons was much better than this, with the same owner and the same people in the front office, I think the arrow has to point at the coaching staff.