Quote:Well, I know I'm asking a lot, but go back to Smith's days as Def coord here.

 

Do you recall many instances of undisciplined play?

 

I don't.  Now granted a coach on the team who knew the defensive teachings and assignments may recoil at what I just typed, but from the outside looking in, there didn't seem to be many problems with gap control, blown assignments, stupid penalties on that side of the ball when he was there. 

 

As coach of the Falcons, he had to do something right for them to get  to the playoffs all those times under him.  I think if there were any sins he was guilty of is not building a dominant enough defense or dominant enough OL.  As I type this, I realize his LBs in Atlanta were not the athletes Jack and Smith are, and he didn't have the kind of CB we have in Ramsey.

 

 

  Regarding the Jaguars Defense in the middle of the last decade,  I recall them being very physical and a good tackling team.   I recall being impressed with the way Justin Durant tackled in his rookie season and that's one of the things that appealed to me when he signed with the Lions as an UFA In 2011 after the lockout ended.   One thing that I could be mistaken with but for some reason I believe as good of a player John Henderson was,  he had a higher rate of Personal Foul penalties than most DTs.   Please provide any info on that or anything related.  

 

  With the Falcons,  the 2014 game in London against the Lions jumps out as why I probably have some doubts with Mike Smith as an NFL HC though I was thrilled with the outcome of the game after the Falcons built a 21-0 lead at halftime.   The Falcons committed a holding penalty on a running play inside of 2 minutes of the game when they were protecting a two point lead.  It changed the complexion of the game.    Then a little later they committed a holding penalty on Defense on a 3rd and 9 run when the Lions were setting up for a FG.    It was one of the most bizarre finishes to an NFL game I've seen,  which is saying something.   

 

   Coaches learn from their mistakes.   Yet,  when a team is looking for a new HC,  everything has to be factored in.  

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