UPDATE: Rob Ryan basically a done deal!

[nicfre2011]

Hey guys, Chiefs fan here...
Obviously there is a buzz that Romeo Crennel is being considered a candidate for your open defensive coordinator position. With the delay in selecting a defensive coordator, I would think that Sean Payton might have been targeting someone from either the Baltimore or San Francisco staff.

I can speak to Crennel as a defensive coordinator. He has a fundamentally sound system for what it is intended to do, but I think the 2-gap defensive scheme (essentially the Fairbanks-Bullough system) is become more and more outdated when you look at the spread offenses that dominant the NFL today. As you guys know, the 2-gap requires gap control along the defensive line and definitely puts an emphasis on gap control and run defense much more than pass rush pressure.

Glenn Dorsey was drafted by the previous regime and IMO was miscast as a 5-technique defensive end, but that position was much better for his skill set than a 2-gap controlling nose tackle. Even though the idea wasn't to get a pass rush from our ends, they still should have been able to push the pocket but neither Tyson Jackson nor Dorsey really provided any threat of a pass rush. That put more focus on Tamba Hali and Justin Houston to limit their impact in rushing the passer.

The area I did see Crennel sort of depart from was the exclusive use of the traditional big-bodied linebackers. Derrick Johnson has really blossomed in the 3-4 at ILB but definitely is more of a rangy, sideline-to-sideline defender. He has been used more in attacking the LOS and made quite a few plays for us in run defense behind the line of scrimmage. Derrick Johnson is probably around 240 lbs. or so and has never been known as a linebacker that takes on blocks but has definitely improved in that area.

Also, at the other inside linebacker spot, Jovan Belcher was our starter. Obviously he is more well known for the murder-suicide tragedy, but he was an average to slightly above average starter for us. Belcher was basically one of those players you can live with starting but if given the opportunity to upgrade you definitely consider it. And Belcher was lighter than Johnson at probably around 230 lbs. or so. Belcher was however more physical than his size would suggest and he was more adept at taking on blockers than many expected.

My issue with Crennel's defense, and the Fairbanks-Bullough system in general is that it really limits the players you have that can pressure the quarterback as the defensive ends (outside of Richard Seymour who was definitely the exception to the rule for 2-gap 5-tech defensive ends) don't get pressure and really aren't much of a threat as even putting pressure on the quarterback outside of coverage credited pressure.
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Thanks to ryknowssd for the sig!

Trent Baalke for 2013 NFL executive of the year.

[navysaintsfan]

[whodatworm23]

[Spartica4Real]

Tomsula
Butler
Monnachino
The Rat (Mangini)
Donatell
Crennel

That's my rankings for who I want.

[whodatworm23]

[Raves]

[whodatworm23]

[sammymvpknight]

[FLOODx]

[tylerdouglass]

[whodatworm23]

[FLOODx]

Don't want either one, but I really don't want Ryan.
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Ramster on the sig
NFL- Saints
NBA- Pelicans/LeBron
NCAAF- LSU

[tylerdouglass]

My heart sank a few weeks ago when I saw the Ryan and Rams talk fell through, because I knew it means we had a shot at him.

Blech.

I'm still holding out for a 49ers or Ravens staff member. It makes no sense to wait until after the Super Bowl if we were just going to take Ryan or Crennel.
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[whodatworm23]

[tylerdouglass]