Defense Article

[HoustonFrog]

Yeah, I know, Solomon gets on many nerves here and all. But taking the article as is, without the dislike for the writer that some here have, I think there are parts that have merit and in fact that many of us have talked about just recently. In fact I can be quoted here earlier in the season as saying I'd rather give up a few big plays and hit the QB, forcing mistakes by the opponent than sit and play safe. This is why I think Dick Smith is the anti-genius when it comes to scheming. I also wonder who the cource player was

So it took 12 weeks to make this adjustment...way to go


http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/6137740.html

A Texans defender told me he has walked out of dozens of defensive team meetings over the past couple of seasons shaking his head.

He says he left with the thought that, as committed as he was to making it happen, he doubted the team’s plan would work.

Most of the time he has been right. (Another problem is many of his teammates went into games thinking the same thing).

Last week, there was a change in the way the Texans’ defense went about its business. In Cleveland, coach Gary Kubiak basically said mistakes, schmistakes; an aggressive attack is the name of the game.

Uncharacteristically, the Texans blitzed more than 20 percent of the time, including a couple of blitzes that we had never seen. (After not having been allowed to go there all season, DeMeco Ryans probably felt like he was trespassing when he stepped into the backfield).

As scary as it is with their inconsistent play at corner, the Texans went single safety in coverage several times, bringing Eugene Wilson up into the box to blitz. They disguised coverages, moved people around and seemed to run more games up front, trying to make things happen.

[nunusguy]

"Kubiak has been pretty hands-off with the defense"
*******************************
That's just plain silly, he's drafed dlineman in the first round in 2 of his 3 Drafts and his biggest FA pickup was a dlineman, so he's very much involved in the defense.
Many want to blame the failures of the D on Smiths coaching, but I'm not buying it. Its an issue of talent, or more precisely the lack thereof, and that's clearly on Kubiak.

[HoustonFrog]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

"Kubiak has been pretty hands-off with the defense"
*******************************
That's just plain silly, he's drafed dlineman in the first round in 2 of his 3 Drafts and his biggest FA pickup was a dlineman, so he's very much involved in the defense.
Many want to blame the failures of the D on Smiths coaching, but I'm not buying it. Its an issue of talent, or more precisely the lack thereof, and that's clearly on Kubiak.

This argument bothers me though because people seem to be just blaming one side or the other. Kubes and Smith did bring in the talent but there is a reason why there are coordinators that are paid more than others and who are considered better coaches....they can coach up players and scheme with what they have. Coaches make players better. If it was always a talent issue than there would be no bad D-Coordinators because they would be given a pass until they were loaded. Coaches can make units better or do different things to hide a lack of talent. So it goes both ways. Smith has done nothing.

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

"Kubiak has been pretty hands-off with the defense"
*******************************
That's just plain silly, he's drafed dlineman in the first round in 2 of his 3 Drafts and his biggest FA pickup was a dlineman, so he's very much involved in the defense.
Many want to blame the failures of the D on Smiths coaching, but I'm not buying it. Its an issue of talent, or more precisely the lack thereof, and that's clearly on Kubiak.

I'm more than willing to sacrifice Richard Smith over Gary Kubiak if it helps the defense. The fact is he has a big hand in the defense whether you want to believe it or not. You can preach fire Kubiak all you want, but I'm not buying into that mantra until I think he's a complete failure, and I don't think that about Kubiak yet.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by b0ng

I'm more than willing to sacrifice Richard Smith over Gary Kubiak if it helps the defense. The fact is he has a big hand in the defense whether you want to believe it or not. You can preach fire Kubiak all you want, but I'm not buying into that mantra until I think he's a complete failure, and I don't think that about Kubiak yet.

Just look at what you've said. If the problem is the coaching in the person of the DC and not an issue of talent on the D side of the ball, Kubiak is still just as much to blame if he hasn't figured this out and accordingly made a change in who manages the defense, i.e., canned Richard Smith and found a replacement who is competant.

[Texans_Chick]

A Texans defender told me he has walked out of dozens of defensive team meetings over the past couple of seasons shaking his head.

He says he left with the thought that, as committed as he was to making it happen, he doubted the team’s plan would work.

Dunta Robinson used to do a radio show with Jerome Solomon. Just saying.

[Honoring Earl 34]

Originally Posted by Texans_Chick

Dunta Robinson used to do a radio show with Jerome Solomon. Just saying.

Dunta also has leverage .

[Porky]

I would be willing to bet a large sum of money, that the source is Dunta Robinson.

Very interesting column this morning to say the least. Since he mentions coaching malpractice, can we sue?

[J-Russ]

Ron Jaworski has been reviewing game tapes for this upcoming game.

He had alot of praise for the offense... not so much for the defense.

Not so super

Jaworski charted the blitzes defensive coordinator Richard Smith has called in every game.

“Pressure has to be a major component of your defensive attack,” he said.

“Quarterbacks will slice you up if you give them 3½ seconds. Against Cleveland, they blitzed 11 times and had three completed. They blitzed Indianapolis three times in two games. They blitzed Jacksonville three times in the first game.

“Let’s see, they blitzed Pittsburgh four times, Tennessee 11, Miami six, Detroit 10, Cincinnati four, Minnesota three and Baltimore eight. The pressure component has to be part of your package. There’s risk and reward, as we all know. I’d like to see more zone blitzes.”

Pressure on the quarterback begins — and often ends — with defensive end Mario Williams.

“Mario’s a very good player (but), he’s not a dominant guy,” Jaworski said. “He’s more of a bull-rushing guy. He’s very talented, but he doesn’t have that explosive first step to get around the corner and really force that defensive tackle to turn his shoulders and run.

“They get great effort out of Mario. He’s a hustler who works hard. I just don’t see that initial quick pressure. If you’re going to play a safe defense — rush four, drop seven or rush three, drop eight — you’ve got to have that one guy up front who can get the quick pressure on the quarterback and make him flinch. It hasn’t been there on a consistent basis.”

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...n/6134805.html

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

Just look at what you've said. If the problem is the coaching in the person of the DC and not an issue of talent on the D side of the ball, Kubiak is still just as much to blame if he hasn't figured this out and accordingly made a change in who manages the defense, i.e., canned Richard Smith and found a replacement who is competant.

Just because he didn't can Smith fast enough is not a big enough reason to fire Kubiak in my eyes. Get rid of the albatross on defense and then we'll see about Kubiak. Right now I am still on the "give him one more season" mindset.

[Runner]

Originally Posted by b0ng

Just because he didn't can Smith fast enough is not a big enough reason to fire Kubiak in my eyes. Get rid of the albatross on defense and then we'll see about Kubiak. Right now I am still on the "give him one more season" mindset.

No, but it is certainly another straw on the camel's back. To mix metaphors, keeping Smith this year certainly shortened Kubiak's leash.

I think Kubuak should be back next year, but he should have specific performance goals beyond figuring this thing out and making sure the kids are working their tails off.

[Brandon420tx]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

"Kubiak has been pretty hands-off with the defense"
*******************************
That's just plain silly, he's drafed dlineman in the first round in 2 of his 3 Drafts and his biggest FA pickup was a dlineman, so he's very much involved in the defense.
Many want to blame the failures of the D on Smiths coaching, but I'm not buying it. Its an issue of talent, or more precisely the lack thereof, and that's clearly on Kubiak.

Colvin??

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by Runner

No, but it is certainly another straw on the camel's back. To mix metaphors, keeping Smith this year certainly shortened Kubiak's leash.

I think Kubuak should be back next year, but he should have specific performance goals beyond figuring this thing out and making sure the kids are working their tails off.

I am perfectly fine with all of this.

[Maddict5]

Originally Posted by Brandon420tx

Colvin??

weaver

[Brandon420tx]

I could have sworn Weaver was a linebacker with how often he's in coverage.

I don't really count him as a Kubiak signing, and Rick Smith wasn't here yet.

[ChampionTexan]

Best case scenario:

1. Richard Smith is gone after the season
2. A DC with a resume is brought in from outside the team - Nolan's okay bye me, but I imagine there's other folks out there who would be too.
3. Dunta re-signs without being franchised because he's satisfied with the changes.
4. We make one or two significant defensive FA acquisitions based on players who will excel in the new DC's scheme.
5. We either have a successful season (playoffs and/or 10 wins or better, although I realize "Successful" is a subjective term), or we have a new HC in 2010.

To be honest, while I've got some pre-conceived ideas about who the new DC should be (I mentioned Nolan as being okay, and I've said in another post that I don't want Greg Robinson), as long as it's from outside the current staff, and someone who brings some legitimate NFL experience, I can't/won't complain much). The new DC will hopefully have everyone he wants back from this years D (Dunta would be the only potential question mark), and would be expected to make an immediate and positive impact. Between the core we have now, another draft - presumably with a defensive leaning, and a couple of strategic FA pickups, there shouldn't be any excuses of "This guy's better suited to play that style of defense", and "that guy's out of position in our scheme". If we pick the right guy, he is able to mold what he's got into a above average NFL unit. I'm not asking for top 5, but we should get a whole lot better than we are.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by ChampionTexan

and I've said in another post that I don't want Greg Robinson), as long as it's from outside the current staff, and someone who brings some legitimate NFL experience, I can't/won't complain much). The new DC will hopefully have everyone he wants back from this years D (Dunta would be the only potential question mark), and would be expected to make an immediate and positive impact.

If Teflonman hires Greg Robinson, I'm gonna puke.

Shouldn't the new DC be able to bring in position coaches that can teach his schemes? If so, wouldn't he be like the Head Coach of the Defense, while Teflonman is Head Coach of the Offense? Is this the type of dysfunctional situation so many fans are hoping for?

And if it's a one shot deal, what DC worth a damn will want to work for a lame duck HC like Teflonman? I can see a Mike Nolan type taking the job, as he might be able to slide into the head coaching slot if things go south (again). Otherwise, the Texans will be looking at an internal promotion or someone with ties to Teflonman (like a Greg Robinson).

MMIX is looking like another lost season. McNair needs the guts to flush and start over.

Originally Posted by Brandon420tx

I could have sworn Weaver was a linebacker with how often he's in coverage.

I don't really count him as a Kubiak signing...

That's because nothing negative can stick to Teflonman.

[ChampionTexan]

Originally Posted by Lucky

If Teflonman hires Greg Robinson, I'm gonna puke.

Shouldn't the new DC be able to bring in position coaches that can teach his schemes? If so, wouldn't he be like the Head Coach of the Defense, while Teflonman is Head Coach of the Offense? Is this the type of dysfunctional situation so many fans are hoping for?

And if it's a one shot deal, what DC worth a damn will want to work for a lame duck HC like Teflonman? I can see a Mike Nolan type taking the job, as he might be able to slide into the head coaching slot if things go south (again). Otherwise, the Texans will be looking at an internal promotion or someone with ties to Teflonman (like a Greg Robinson).

MMIX is looking like another lost season. McNair needs the guts to flush and start over.


That's because nothing negative can stick to Teflonman.

I didn't say the new DC shouldn't bring in his own scheme and his own coaches - if that's what happens, that's absolutely fine.

As to dysfunctional, I could care less about peace harmony and love among the coaching staff. Either they win, or they don't. If you have a DC that's a little more empowered than some, and it works, great. If it doesn't (regardless of why), then make changes. Whether it was dysfunctional would depend on how Kubiak approached it, how the new guy approached it, and what the results were (If we make the playoffs, my guess is folks live with dysfunctional).

As to why he would come here - you've answered part of it - if the defense gets better, but we still aren't winning, I'm thinking we've got a candidate to replace Kubiak. If the defense gets better, and we do win, then I'm thinking you've got a top candidate for some other team's HC job in a year or two. I believe most potential DC's would just assume it's going to be one or the other, because they'd take the job assuming if nothing else, the D gets alot better.

[76Texan]

I've always preferred an attacking defense; however, soon as the coaches agree with a game plan, it's the job of the players to carry it out, no matter if they like it or not.

The Steelers game, for example, our D was actually quite agressive.
It doesn't matter that Jaworski charted 4 blitzes. (The Steelers only attempted 18 passes anyway.) We did play single safety quite a bit.

The reasons we were killed are many-folds:

Bennett and Diles: Have quickness and range but lack experience. They got burned.
Demps and Greenwood: Lack quickness and range. They got burned.
Reeves lacks the football IQ

Missed tackles.
Lack of communication, and therefore, lose containment.

When we played zone, we were too soft.
When we played up to man, we lost the individual battle.

The Steelers did get benefit of many phantom calls and non-calls.
But that many mistakes from so many different players, no DC can help.

And of course, Kyle Shanahan with his trying to make the ZBS looks the same.
Kubiak calling that idiotic play that I mentioned during the off-season.
Faking the ZBS run one way, leaving the QB unprotected.
In this case, actually, Leach tried to fake the run block to the left, and had no chance to recover.
That net the first sack on Schaub.
And brought on eventual third and long, a play in which Schaub scrambled and hold onto the ball too long trying to look for that elusive first down, another sack.

It all went downhill from there with the INTs, the bad decisions, throwing behind receivers, hearing footsteps and failure to make the correct read, failing to locate the open receiver.

And special team coverage was spotty, adding to the insults.

When you see DBs slip you know you have trouble.
When the safety looks flat-footed like the FB he covers, and that FB looks fluid like a free safety, you know you're in trouble.
When you have one LB impeding another, even with a couple of yards headstart, you know you have no chance.
When your rookie left tackle, in first NFL start, playing mostly on an island, graded out the best blocker for the game (over the TEs as well)... you turn out the lights and let the fat lady sing.

Did I forget something?

[Runner]

Originally Posted by Brandon420tx

I don't really count him as a Kubiak signing, and Rick Smith wasn't here yet.

Why don't you count Weaver as a Kubiak signing? Kubiak was calling the shots when Weaver was signed.