I'm expecting a clean or majority sweep of the coaching staff. This will focus on the defense:



Which scheme: 4-3 or 3-4?

Personally, I have to go with the 4-3. I feel Travon has gotten much more out of it being on the line rather than standing. Hines-Allen has also applied good pressure being on the line. There needs to be better play inside. That's going to be a key focus going into the offseason. Will Maason Smith show up? Will they kept Armstead around? Hamilton has not played well either. Looking forward to seeing what the next staff does with the interior DL.


Will there be plenty of substitutions and players out of their usual positions?

With Ryan gone, we can breathe a little better.


How does the second level look?

One of the main struggles with the LB group this year has been the pass defense. Devin Lloyd continues to struggle here. Miller hasn't been doing well either. Foye has had good and bad games in the passing defense. Muma in brief play, according to PFF, has shown to be the better of the entire group. No where near great though. However this team approaches their outside LBs, they need to key in on better pass defenders than what this team currently has.

And the secondary?

The FA acquisition of Darby has fell flat. Campbell has been on and off with nagging injuries. And the backup CBs? Well, playing like young backups. Safety play has been lacking. Cisco is taking a step back. Antonio tried. He's just a reserve player. Nothing more. Savage....hasn't impressed me either. This secondary should be looking at 2 new starters minimum next season.

Has the current scheme affected the players in a negative way?

Without a doubt. A new scheme for one to adjust to. Not having the correct personnel to run it properly. Lack of serious in-game adjustments in close matches. Too many awkward rotations and sub counts. Whole thing is messy.


I hope with whoever runs this defense keeps it simple and focuses on the fundamentals. Rather than trying to think too far outside the box. I expect the new staff to focus on putting Trevor Lawrence in the best situation possible. Can't expect the defense to be fixed in one offseason. We will still see a few starters we may not be happy with. I'm looking forward to seeing who the new DC will be and how he will approach the current roster.

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