Sommers: Cards working on deal to make Wilks HC

[TJ]

All glory to @82CardsGrad for making this a reality

 

[Veer]

I have written a nice piece in another thread on how the Panthers defense compares to our unit. I don't think Wilks will blow up our defense and insist on the Panthers strict 4-3 zone-heavy scheme. Wilks has worked with multiple 3-4 based defenses in the past, and just happened to inherit a very functional Panthers 4-3 defense. I love that he puts emphasis on fundamentals, toughness an accountability. Say what you want about Mike Tomlin, but Wilks strikes me as Tomlin 2.0!

Our defense is the polar opposite of the Panthers unit. They have a big DL who can get pressure with just 4 all game long. Actually they have a rotation of 5-6 guys who can get to the QB in a pinch. They have 2 All Pro LBs and another rising star in Shaq Thompson. Their secondary aren't the best athletes, struggle in man coverage, but well coached in zone. Since they get a good 4 man rush, they can sit back in their zones and make plays on the ball. Panthers don't do much schematically, but they are a physical group that can tackle and avoid mental errors.

DL: Chandler Jones would have to bulk up again to play DE in that scheme and wouldn't have the schematical freedom he had this season, therefore being more predictable. Still would be a force most likely. On the inside we don't have the players to pull it off. Nkemdiche would be perfect as a 4-3 under DT, but honestly you can't count on him anymore. If he delivers, fine. But he really hasn't shown much to believe he can be a good starter next season. Olsen Pierre, who really is a promising player, wouldn't be a good scheme fit. His best chance would probably be slimming down a bit and try as a base end because he has size going for him. Golden hasn't shown good enough run and QB contain ability you need as a 4-3 end. He seems very maxed out to me, and in a 4-3 he would be nothing more than a designated rusher on passing downs. Just not the frame of a 4-3 end. I love his motor and spirit though, but 3-4 is much better for him. Reddick most likely a designated pass rusher too in 4-3.

LB: Bucannon could probably make a good 4-3 weakside LB. Similar to Thomas Davis if Buc makes that leap. Other than that, there isn't much to work with. Reddick isn't your typical off-ball LB. In a 4-3 he is a pass rushing DE imo, just like at Temple. We have no Mike LB. Most important position in that scheme. Heart and soul of any 4-3 defense. Panthers have Kuechly, the best to ever do it imo.

DB: Peterson is All Pro in any scheme. Maybe he can improve in zone coverage in a more zone-heavy scheme. Would probably set career high in interceptions. Mathieu is so smart in some aspects of the game, but he gets beaten in zone over the middle all the time. A more complex scheme where he can roam around suits him better. Budda I think shows more promise in zone. CB2 is a building lot anyway. Also the Panthers scheme requires very strong physical DBs. Our unit doesn't fit that mold at all.

So it looks like Wilks is going to be our HC. If he insista on using the Panthers scheme, he is at risk of setting us back a couple years and therefore being done quickly. However, I think he is smart enough to not totally mess up our scheme. Of course he will install many new packages. But our defense is build on aggressive blitzing and tight man coverage. He could improve the 4 man rush and zone coverage, but I don't see us reaching Panthers level anytime soon unless Keim aces the draft and FA. Remember, the 3-4 or 4-3 aspect isn't much of an issue, but scheming. 4 man rush and zone defense versus heavy blitzing and man coverage. Wilks will have to find a good mix and eventually transition to the Panthers scheme smoothly. Right now we just don't have the pieces.​

 

[az jam]

I have written a nice piece in another thread on how the Panthers defense compares to our unit. I don't think Wilks will blow up our defense and insist on the Panthers strict 4-3 zone-heavy scheme. Wilks has worked with multiple 3-4 based defenses in the past, and just happened to inherit a very functional Panthers 4-3 defense. I love that he puts emphasis on fundamentals, toughness an accountability. Say what you want about Mike Tomlin, but Wilks strikes me as Tomlin 2.0!

​

According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Tomlin took time away from his preparation to host the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Playoffs round to personally call the Giants and make a case for Wilks as the next head coach.

 

[82CardsGrad]

All glory to @82CardsGrad for making this a reality

LOL... all because I refrained from shaking his hand!

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I cannot wait to see what Wilks does with Patrick Peterson. Those Carolina teams were pretty damn good when Josh Norman was the man there.

DE:Jones
DT:
DT: Peters
DE:Golden
LB:
LB:
LB:
CB: Peterson
FS: Baker
SS:
CB:

There is work to do on the defensive side. The situation is not as dire as the list shows above, but questions need to be answered.

1. Can Olsen Pierre bulk up to 300+ ?

2. What would Wilks do with Reddick ?

3. Who are going to be the linebackers ?

4. The Panthers loved to switch safeties to linebackers, see Thomas Davis, and Shaq Thompson. Does Deone Bucanon stay with the Cardinals ?

5. Who is going to play MLB ? Luke Kuechley, who I will always have to tip my cap to Mitch for being on that bandwagon (I thought he would bust out, LOL), types do not grow on trees, and are harder than ever to find in the NFL.

One thing I have always noticed about the Panthers, is they got a lot out of re-tread safeties, so that will be interesting as well.

.....OK, back to work, I could start sorting players, and ideas for the rest of the day! LOL

 

[RugbyMuffin]

LOL... all because I refrained from shaking his hand!

Good man.

That is sacrificing for the sake of team!

 

[82CardsGrad]

Good man.

That is sacrificing for the sake of team!

You have no idea how hard it was for me... My wife and son had to hold me down in my seat to stop me from walking over to them!!

 

[Ronin]

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[BigRedRage]

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[RugbyMuffin]

I have written a nice piece in another thread on how the Panthers defense compares to our unit.

Thanks for posting, good write up.

The only thing I would say, is I actually think Olson Pierre has to gain some weight, since he is listed at 293lbs at 6'4". The Panther's DT's are both 300+.

I think Peterson will be used like the Panther's used Josh Norman when Norman was still on the Panthers.

100% agree, the biggest hole is MLBer right now.

 

[DVontel]

Keeps getting better and better, minus the Bevell part. I'd take the other two in a heartbeat.

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Hell, I’ll take mediocre Bevell over atrocious McCoy. What has McCoy done to get continuous coaching considerations?

 

[Arz101]

Hell, I’ll take mediocre Bevell over atrocious McCoy. What has McCoy done to get continuous coaching considerations?

It matters when you carry Manning's holy water.

 

[Solar7]

Sounds like it's all but sealed. I do wonder how much this had to do with DeFilippo being unavailable for another two weeks, but I'm happy with this. It's my feeling that this was really one of the Cards' top 3 guys the whole time (I think they probably had Shurmur #1).

I kinda feel bad for Bettcher and the rest of this staff - the process went on so long that they might be the ones holding the bag when it comes to being employed this upcoming season.

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

Maybe Wilks can help PP shed his big puss label?jk

 

[BillsCarnage]

According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Tomlin took time away from his preparation to host the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Playoffs round to personally call the Giants and make a case for Wilks as the next head coach.

If true - who knows - makes ya wonder if the Giants may have been having second thoughts about Shurmur and the Cards decided to pounce on Wilks.

 

[TJ]

Hell, I’ll take mediocre Bevell over atrocious McCoy. What has McCoy done to get continuous coaching considerations?

Tebow and Peyton Manning had their best seasons under his watch, and he was largely responsible for reviving Rivers's career after he was in a funk.

 

[Shane]

and he was largely responsible for reviving Rivers's career after he was in a funk.

In interviews during that time much of that credit was given directly to Ken Whisenhunt and that comes direct from Rivers... Im not sure how much McCoy meddled in the Offense when he had a guy with Whiz experience..

 

[Arz101]

Tebow and Peyton Manning had their best seasons under his watch, and he was largely responsible for reviving Rivers's career after he was in a funk.

Tebow's offense that year was garbage. With Harold Goodwin, Peyton manning would have put up the same numbers.

 

[TJ]

In interviews during that time much of that credit was given directly to Ken Whisenhunt and that comes direct from Rivers... Im not sure how much McCoy meddled in the Offense when he had a guy with Whiz experience..

That's why I said "largely responsible" because I know Whiz had a hand in Rivers's revival, but Ken Whisenhunt is a hated figure on this board, so I refrain from giving him and credit

 

[Shane]

That's why I said "largely responsible" because I know Whiz had a hand in Rivers's revival, but Ken Whisenhunt is a hated figure on this board, so I refrain from giving him and credit

Touche

 

[Shane]

That's why I said "largely responsible" because I know Whiz had a hand in Rivers's revival, but Ken Whisenhunt is a hated figure on this board, so I refrain from giving him and credit

Just to add its one of the reasons Whiz has been retained in SD after regime change is his relationship with Rivers

 

[cardpa]

I'm stoke and will be even more if John DeFilippo comes in as OC and bring Nick Foles with him for one year while Lamar Jackson is groomed.

I was quite impressed with how Foles played yesterday. I suspect some of that had to do with the tutelage he received from DeFilippo.

 

[TJ]

Tebow's offense that year was garbage. With Harold Goodwin, Peyton manning would have put up the same numbers.

Yes, but he made a mechanically flawed QB look decent as he played to his strengths, and after Manning came to Denver after four neck surgeries, McCoy was able to help Peyton have his best season ever.

 

[TJ]

Just to add its one of the reasons Whiz has been retained in SD after regime change is his relationship with Rivers

Agree. Whiz is a good OC. If he were to come back to AZ as an OC, I wouldn't mind

 

[Shane]

I was quite impressed with how Foles played yesterday. I suspect some of that had to do with the tutelage he received from DeFilippo.

Meh.. I dunno about this.. Foles had many impressive games at the NFL level and a rather impressive entire season one year... Soon????