(02-11-2024, 02:08 PM)cland Wrote:

(02-11-2024, 11:41 AM)NYC4jags Wrote: And they'll face a new defensive coordinator in Jax that served the tinhorns offense an "L" last season.

Technically, your old DC did too.  It'll be interesting to see what changes Nielsen brings, as you've mentioned he has historically run a man-heavy coverage defense being brought into a primarily zone defensive team. Do you think the Jags can manipulate the cap to bring in a solid man-cover CB or would they dedicate one of their top two draft picks? Or do you think he'll adapt his scheme to zone?

One of things I find funny, is a point you mentioned when I was laughing at how DCs never say they won't run an aggressive defense.

(01-17-2024, 09:29 AM)NYC4jags Wrote: [...]
And coaches have an array of platitudes to describe less aggressive styles. 
"Read and react"
"Limit explosives"
"New plan for every opponent"
"We'll be multiple" 
"Tailor scheme to talent" 
Etc

And one of the articles I found, quoted him as saying 'We're going to be multiple': 

Nielsen quote

No real point to this comment, other than it lined up so well with some of the discussions we've had.

Ha! The multiple line is a good one. 
In Neilsen's case - he may feel like he HAS to be multiple more than he'd like due to the lack of man coverage specialists currently on the roster. 

It is hard to know to what degree Nielsen is going to adapt his scheme to the talent on hand - or adapt the talent to his scheme (via acquisitions) 

My best guess is that - if Nielsen has a solid 2024 campaign and is back in 2025, that would be the offseason when we see secondary changes. But it wouldn't shock me if they added a corner to the mix during this offseason.

One beat writer has mocked a 1st round corner to the Jags who has experience at nickel and outside - suggesting he'd play nickel in 2024 and then shift outside when Darious Williams' contract expires.  (Terrion Arnold is the rookie cited) 

I like that approach well enough, but I have a gut feeling they won't spend a 1st rounder at CB this year. 
I think the staff they've assembled are going to be tasked with developing the zone oriented CBs in Jacksonville to play more man coverage. Two of Nielsen's early hires on the defensive side have impressive resumes as DB coaches for some quality secondaries. 
So - I think the 2024 approach will be "let's see what we can get out of this bunch with minimal additions on the back end - but let's see if we can help them with interior pressure up front"

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