(06-25-2023, 09:37 AM)Bullseye Wrote: For those of us who rated Caldwell a "C: or lower, what would you like to see more of from the defense>
Does the team blitz rnough?
Is it like Jauron's defense in that it doesn't time the blitzes effectively?
Do they not play enough man coverage, or too much?
What exactky are your problems with the schene>
How much of the schematic problems do you think are a function is attributable to his lack of experience as a coordinator?
How much is attributable to a lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball? Is the defense too young?
I think most of this stuff boils down to not having enough coverage talent in the secondary last year, a couple of rookies taking their lumps, and a new DC trying to decide how to get the most out of what he had. That was a work in progress that seemed to improve over the course of the season.
But, yes I'd like to see a few more blitzes dialed up per game. Caldwell hinted that could happen in a presser.
The blitz timing was hit and miss - I'll reserve critical judgement until this year's effort is seen.
Man coverage: They literally had one guy in the back five that could play effective man coverage to start the year. When they finally figured out Williams should be outside, that number increased to TWO capable man coverage players. (he was less effective manning up on his guy in the slot)
They played lots of zone because they had to. I don't anticipate that changing radically, but I do believe we'll see lots of mixed coverage. Lots of variations of Cover 2 with some guys in zone and a player or two manning up.
I expect some quarters concept stuff as well, but really, I just want to see Caldwell and company get the best athletes on the field and figure out the best way for them to thrive. That's a mouthful of coach-speak rhetoric, I know, but it's imperative that we see those things demonstrated more clearly than they were last year if we are to feel confident moving forward with Caldwell heading up this defense.
I'm not saying he was bad at this stuff, I'm saying I want to know he's good at it.
Personally, I think the only things this defense really lacks is experience at a couple of spots, plus a dependable nickel corner, and a more consistent interior pocket disruptor.
One of those three things should improve this year due to experience.
The question marks remaining are:
Did we find a late round nickel?
Will someone step up on the DL to bust up the clean pockets we gave QBs last year?
Will Caldwell demonstrate an ability to get the most out of his roster?
I do think this defense will manufacture more sacks and I think a better approach early on to coverage schemes and personnel will be a driving factor in that. (Buying pass rushers more time.)
More creative blitzing + experience for Walker are other positive factors I anticipate.
