Falcons Staying In 4-3 For 2012 And More From Mike Nolan
by Dave Choate on Jan 19, 2012 8:00 AM EST
in Falcons News
Email
PrintI think we can quash this 3-4 talk for the moment. Expect it to rear its head by 2013 at the earliest, but Mike Smith and Mike Nolan seem to agree that this should be a 4-3 team.
That's what I got out of Nolan's conversation with the AJC's Chris Vilvamore yesterday. Nolan is refreshingly honest about his limited familiarity with the players—nobody comes in knowing Spencer Adkins' jersey number and favorite cheeseburger right away, folks—and how he envisions this defense functioning.
First, the things you won't like to hear. Nolan says he believes the defense is on the right track, which might be true but isn't likely to thrill fans who suffered through BVG's chronically underachieving secondaries. He also played company man on the defensive coaching staff, saying it appears that Mike Smith wants that staff to return. Frankly, if Nolan wants different guys, I don't want Smith's attachment to Tim Lewis & Co. to stand in his way.
The good news? He tells Knox Bardeen that the nickel is going to be a focal point for the defense, given the increasingly pass-happy NFL of today. While it may not be the base defense, as Bardeen suggests, you can bet that the secondary will be a focal point
He also made some encouraging remarks about the pass rush, saying he prefers to vary his blitzes depending on the quarterback his teams are squaring off against. That means the pass rush for Cam Newton will be vastly different than the one for, say, Sam Bradford. I'm a big fan of coordinators who recognize that not every offense is the same and are willing to make the necessary adjustments, something we regularly bashed Brian Van Gorder for.
In essence, Nolan's getting his feet wet with this defense, but already has an overaching philosophy of a strong pass defense and varied pass rush that I can get behind. Once he's familiar with the Falcons' D, I expect you'll hear a lot more.
What's your opinion of Nolan?
130 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Proven track record
It’s not every day that you get the chance to land a guy that has a proven track record of running good to great defenses – and almost always immediately improving a defense in his first year.
The truth is this: the FO spent 4 years building a defense for 4-3. We do have some talent that may do well in 3-4 schemes, and I’m sure we’ll see some of that, but we are best suited for the 4-3. I also think that we have a talented defense that was not utilized properly. Despite being used poorly, they still managed to have a good (not great) season. I foresee Nolan taking them from good to great.
His philosophy on blitzing is very encouraging.
On last thing: in his interview, he was very clear that he loves being a DC. It sounded like he enjoyed head coaching while he did it, but his passion is running a defense. If Nolan does live up to the billing and takes our defense over the hump, it sounds like he may stay here for a while – so long as the team is competitive.
by The DW on Jan 19, 2012 8:12 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I agree
and think that from the track record viewpoint Nolan has more credentials than Spags. I mean, both would be good fits, but unlike Spags, Nolan has had success with many different defenses (Broncos, Dolphins, etc.) as a coordinator, as opposed to Spagnuolo, who’s been a DC only with the Giants. That makes me believe Nolan is a proven DC who can adapt to new environment.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Absolutely
Not to mention he has successfully run both a 4-3 and 3-4 – both for 7 years each.
Also
He coached in both styles of 3-4: one-gap systems (as LB coach under Wade Phillips in Denver in the 80s where he coached Mecklenburg and Brooks to Pro Bowls, and his own DC stint in Denver with Ronald Fields as NT) and two-gap systems (Ravens, where he coached up Kelly Gregg together with Rex Ryan to be the smallest and probably most underrated two-gap artist of all time, and now Miami).
by wiesengrund on Jan 19, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Since we're in win now mode
He likely had to agree to run a 4-3 with our current personnel, and make small changes over time. He sounds really smart, and pragmatic enough to know how this stuff works.
well, actually
I read somewhere that out of 14 years as a DC he ran a 3-4 in 7 seasons, and a 4-3 in the other 7 seasons – in other words, it might not be that big of a deal that he had to agree to a 4-3. besides, with limited resources he might have felt that a 4-3 gives us a better shot in the first year anyway.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
He clearly prefers the 3-4
That was one of the deciding factors in him leaving Denver; McDaniels wanted a straightforward 4-3 with very little blitzing. As I’ve said before, there is very little real-world difference in base defenses, the differences are usually idiosyncratic to the coach. And if he prefers 10 defenders with 3 sacks over 4 defenders with 10 sacks, then the 3-4 is naturally going to be preferable.
by TheAreopagite on Jan 19, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
What's going on with Smitty?
Love him to death and I know he’s still the HC and all, but doesn’t he realize this fear of change will be what loses him his job in the next couple of years? The team has tried it your way, with the defense and the offense, and it hasn’t gone well. Most coaches don’t survive the kind of broom that just passed over Flowery Branch. Let Nolan run the defense he wants with the staff he wants with your input from above. Don’t hamstring him by saddling him with your yes-men and your pride.
I'm just saying...
That's not a fair assessment
The team has tried it your way, with the defense and the offense, and it hasn’t gone well.
The problem is it has gone “well” in the regular season. Four straight winning seasons is good. But if you’re thinking about the post-season – you’re right. That said, I don’t think this team needs an overhaul. I think enough corrections here and there will make all the difference.
Let’s see how this season goes before we label Smitty with that broad brush. Admittedly, if we still see a soft-zone and massive failures on 3rd and longs – then we will all know who is truly to blame.
by The DW on Jan 19, 2012 8:44 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I have to agree
Although I think that if we continue to see 3rd and longs on a regular basis then that indicates a problem in and of itself.
by ErrantFalcon on Jan 19, 2012 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
While I agree...
that Novation’s assessment is premature. But, I think that Nolan’s track record speaks for itself. He will be given free reign over the defense and really, I think that is someone they wanted in at least one of the coordinator positions…someone who could come in, take it over and MS not really have to worry about “stepping in” during a game with some play calling.
Just my thoughts anyway…
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
I agree
I think Smitty’s frustration with BVG started showing this season and reports leaked out that Smitty was taking over some of the play calling. Remember too that BVG was here before Smith, so he wasn’t necessarily Smith’s “choice.”
With Nolan, I think it’s far more likely that Smith will let Nolan do the play calling and he will simply act in a more advisory capacity – which is exactly what you want from your HC.
I thought
Smitty hired BVG and MM?
Dont cloud the issue with facts!
I'm pretty sure BVG was already here
But someone correct me if I’m wrong.
Here it is...
On January 24, 2008, ESPN reported that VanGorder would join new Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith’s staff as their defensive coordinator.
Looks like he was hired by MS and company there DW…
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
My bad
Either way – I still think there was a rift developing between the two as this season progressed.
I would tend to agree...
I heard those reports also but, they are unconfirmed reports…I for one think they were more true than not!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Let me add one thing
In 2008, luring coaches to the Falcons franchise was like luring a mobster to the police station. At that point, we didn’t have this roster – 4 winning seasons – or any kind of credibility. Most people were avoiding this team – including Parcells.
So, even though Smitty “picked” BVG, it was probably from a very, very shallow candidate pool.
by The DW on Jan 19, 2012 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And ^^THIS^^...is also very true!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
He was here
But he was planning on gling back to college before Smitty resigned him.
by pierre02 on Jan 19, 2012 12:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Ah - you're right
He was here in 2007 as the Linebackers coach. So, he was here, but Smitty “promoted” him to get him to stay.
Well, the excerpt I found...
said he “Joined” the Falcons, implying that he had left after his stint as LB coach. Maybe I am just reading into it or the write-up used a poor choice in verbiage…meh, nit picking I guess!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
His hiring actually screwed Petrino
Spurrier hired BvG to be his DC at SCar. Petrino hired Ellis Johnson to be his DC. Smith then hired BvG away from SCar which led to Spurrier hiring Johnson away from Arkansas and sending Petrino on the hunt for a new DC
by FLA_Falcon on Jan 19, 2012 4:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
I like (and rec) this just because PETRINO GETS SCREWED!!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
there is no way
Smith will be calling plays for Mike Nolan. Nor should he.
Braves.
Falcons.
Gamecocks.
I'm not advocating the firing of Smitty
Not at all. I’m just saying that these particular habits of his have hamstrung the team and even cost us same a game or two. That first Saints game could have been won at the end of regulation with better clock management. And while I certainly appreciate the bravado in going for it on 4th and short, I would’ve gambled on the D stopping the Saints in OT over us converting a 4th down within their field goal range(with the most obvious playcall in the world, especially after two time-outs).
That Giants game? Players are complaining about the coaching staff being afraid of the Giants D-line, but we’re going for it on 4th and short almost every chance we get. I don’t understand that. Especially at a time when a couple of field goals would’ve kept us in the game early and could have changed the game.
I want Smitty to succeed. I want him to be the head coach who leads us into the Superbowl and glory. I just feel that some of his more notable habits have cost us some.
I'm just saying...
Your points are very valid
Smitty definitely did not have a good year as HC. Those fourth down calls were questionable, especially the Saints OT call.
I was just commenting on the overall “tendency”. I think we’ll learn alot more about what kind of HC Smitty is this upcoming year now that he has new coordinators under him.
It's not like he can't learn his lessons
He put his trust in the OL and offensive guys this year a LOT. I think he’s learned the difference between BLIND trust and EARNED trust. He’s not a vain dude so I think he admits when he has room to grow as a head coach.
I think the NYG loss may turn out to be a really good thing for Smitty, the front office, the players, and the other coordinators. Motivation is a good thing. Bill Walsh said you can learn a page from a win and a book from a loss.
Good point.
Coaches learn and grow with experience. Mike Smith has a lot of excellent qualities. There are things that set him apart from other coaches, like his work ethic, ability to assess himself and his overall leadership abilities. He also has some faults, but his character certainly lends one to believe that he will be willing and capable of improving as he gains experience.
I think we’re going to see Mike Smith here for a very long time, and as it was mentioned in one of the first comments here, it sounds like Nolan might be here for a very long time as well.
This is my corn. You people are guests in my corn.
This is true as well
I think the time for lessons learned is over for Smitty. He’s learned what he will learn. We need to start seeing the fruits of these “learning experiences”.
I hear you...
but I think he really started to doubt his coordinators and tried (unsuccessfully) to “put the game on his shoulders” and do it himself. I think that game was a total breakdown in the coaching staff PERIOD and you could see the frustration on the players faces. Turner is very reserved and when “HE” starts shaking his head during a game…something has gone horribly, horribly wrong!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
yep...might also explain why he went for it
He specifically stated in the N.O. game that they decided before the game to go for it in those situations because the defense didn’t have a history of stopping Brees so he wanted to give his offense every opportunity to keep the ball. Which is telling on the confidence of the scheme on defense to get it done.
Why does everyone want a 3-4 all of a sudden?
I really don’t understand this since we don’t have any of the personnel needed for that scheme. We can pull off running it in certain situations, but there’s no way we’re even close to having guys or depth necessary to pull off the transition.
People always talk about how the Texans made the switch, but they had two major advantages in doing it. First, they had pretty much all of the other pieces besides NT already in place. They didn’t need to change their coverage scheme, just their front seven configuration. Second, they had plenty of draft picks with which to draft guys who would fit that system. (see J.J. Watt)
If Atlanta wants to make a wholesale switch to to a 3-4, then we’ll have to wait probably 3 seasons at least in order to build up the necessary amount of draft picks to go after players for that system.
I really like how Nolan’s first thing was to look over tape of the team and realize that what he had was a team built for a 4-3 and not try to convert the team to a system for which they didn’t have the players for. That level of pragmatism is really encouraging to see. He’s also equally familiar with both systems which is extremely useful. I don’t agree at all that he was “saddled” with a 4-3…. he had plenty of other options for jobs at DC and possibly even a shot as a HC with all of the jobs available. I think he saw a system that he could contribute to with talent he can work with to build a great defense.
Probably because
Many of the top defenses in the league (Houston, San Fran, Pittsburgh, Baltimore) are all running the 3-4.
Whether that’s because of the 3-4, or because of the DCs in those situations, is another discussion.
That's a good point
I just really want to make the point that all of those defenses have the personnel for that system. We don’t.
Since you brought it up, I would probably say that the DCs have more to do with those successes than the 3-4. Green Bay and New England also run a 3-4 and each had of the worst defenses in the league.
by ErrantFalcon on Jan 19, 2012 8:53 AM EST up reply actions
New England ran a 4-3 this year
Once again showing that the base defense matters little, but the coaches preference for different concepts or personnel has far more to do with it.
by TheAreopagite on Jan 19, 2012 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
3-4 offers more varied blitz packages
Run properly it can be one of the most effective, aggressive and dangerous pass-rush defenses in existence, and you don’t necessarily need hall-of-fame talent at any position to pull it off.
4-3 is a much more basic, balanced defense. It does more things than the 3-4, but not necessarily more things well, and is generally less destructive in the pass rush (unless you can find yourself a Dwight Freeney/Robert Mathis circa 2006 combination) due to limited flexibility.
But I think it’s definitely down to the DCs. Without a good DC, the 3-4 can be good but is vulnerable to smart playcalling. With a great DC, the 4-3 can be more effective than the 3-4. It’s all about the mind behind it.
Founder and Editor of The Bent Musket on SBNation.
Twitter: @Stoehrst or @TheBentMusket
by Steve Stoehr on Jan 19, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
I do not want to say that I’m for a 3-4 all of a sudden. What I would say is “IF Nolan favors the 3-4” and “IF the players become available for such a formation” then by all means lets go with it…
by Caviarhound on Jan 19, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I think we'll eventually make the switch
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them draft a player or two that fit the 3-4 mold better.
Definately think we will be seeing some larger tackles come in throught the offseason.
I like Babs and Peters, but I have always wanted someone like Ngata/Wilford/Kris Jenkins type. Our undersized tackles get through some seems and create pressure, but they do not cosistently collapse the pocket or push linemen into the quarterback. I also think this kept our ends from seeing the sack #’s that we expected.
Would like to see a late rounder to develop.
I even like a NT utilized in a 4-3. The more beef in the middle, the better in my book.
I agree, 4-3 or 3-4 I would like for us to get a big 325-340 guy
that can move. If Haynesworth did it in Tennessee we can find one (hopefully) to bring here.
my thoughts
So many want a 3-4 because of some of the top teams running it and because it gives us fits therefore it must be better (I dont agree to this philosophy tho). As far as Houston going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 in one year and being so successful; werent they bottom 5 in defense in 2010? So going from that to any scheme would probably have been successful.
Dont cloud the issue with facts!
Good point!!
I think it will happen (a 3-4 scheme) but now is not the time for a radical change and I think the FO knows that…
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
I would disagree that WE DONT HAVE THE PERSONAL IN PLACE.
Yes we are built, drafted, more for the 4-3, but I think with FA, and the draft, we could set the foundations this year, and run some 3-4, and go to the 3-4 as our base in 2013.
The 3-4 can be ran with a host of different personal types.
There is no blueprint for a type of player.
Teams like Texas have proven that.
Besides, if its a 4-3, or a 3-4, the team would be in that traditional base only @ 45% of the time.
We cld always find a big NT in the 3-5th Rounds.
And we have DEs that could convert to OLB (Bierman, Sidbury, Abe, if resigned, possibly Edwards and Matthews)
And Edwards, Babs, Matthews and Peters should be able to play DE in the 3-4.
Yes Edwards needs an extra 10 pounds, and Peters isnt your prototypical DE build, but I think it could work.
And we do have the money to pick up another D lineman via FA, or trade Edwards for a more typical 3-4 lineman.
It seems that Nolan will run nothing resembling a typical base 4-3, or 3-4.
I’m sure he will mix it up.
It be easier to become a Elite D switching to a 3-4
Since we would need to find 2-3 stud DE’s to have that in a 4-3. They already have invested money in Edwards and no one on this roster is close to an elite DE. Id rather have a sack machine by committee than by 2-3.
by pierre02 on Jan 19, 2012 12:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Nolan would agree with you
About having a sack machine by committee. I think unpredictability in our blitzing schemes (which Nolan is known for) will help create the pressure on the QB Atlanta fans have been clamoring for.
Nolan and the staff and Smitty job
The staff may not be a problem because Nolan has worked with must of the guys on the defensive staff during his years of coaching defenses specifically speaking the D-line coach Ray Hamilton so I don’t see him going anywhere or anyone else. I’m not worried about Tim Lewis cause Tim is a proven DB coach just not a defensive DC cause his name has been tarnished in that aspect. Nolan will have more control over the D and respect and will be more hands on in everyone butt basically cause this is a chance for him to get back his life as a reset button so to speak to his nfl career that got tarnished in SF as a HC. As far as Smitty job goes I feel that imo that he is very well aware of the possibly of loosing his job but he cares about this team and if he can’t coach it he will gladly move aside for the one who can. If Nolan does become the HC he would have to rebuild his resume first so it makes since to help this team win so that he can be reconsidered for openings including the Falcons at HC in the near future.
I know I will probably get some grumbles from a lot of you on this but
I think Singletary would be a great asset as the linebackers coach. He just got demoted from LB coach or LB coach assistant (whatever that is). I think we should make a move to get him here. Can you imagine him teaching/coaching Lofton and Weatherspoon?
Singletary?
Hell, I would like to have him just as a “man-up” motivator! Sitting V-Davis because he wasnt performing to potential is a thing that every team needs and for a man to call out his entire team by dropping his drawers and saying thats what a pair looks like is a man not afraid to challenge anyone. I think the ball sack was a little too over the edge but hey, at least someone had the balls (no pun intended) to rise up and challenge his people in whatever form it took…
Dont cloud the issue with facts!
Not a bad idea...
he was a HORRIBLE head coach but he does have a great defensive mind for the game!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
4 kinds of Cocoa Puff crazy won't work in our clubhouse
I don’t think dropping your drawers in front of grown men is the kind of motivation we need.
by dr3dd1ne on Jan 19, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hmmmmm...maybe?
Sometimes a little “crazy” is a good thing…hahaha
Sometimes…??
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
which team
is he working for right now? and where else can they demote him from a position coach?
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
I think he is the LB coach for Minn
by pierre02 on Jan 19, 2012 12:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
keeping it
4-3 and tossing in some defensive hybrids can only make our D and some of our current personnel truly aggressive! at 1st I was all for Spags because he learned his craft under the late great Jim Johnson: listening to Nolan’s presser yesterday changed my mind! the secondary needs a lot of work and I’m sure Dunta is a goner! Going to make for an interesting off season!
Hope you're wrong about DR
Dunta was considered a respected shut down corner at Houston, where he was allowed to play press man coverage. He struggled, along with all the other CBs on our roster, in the pathetic soft zone coverages of BVG. If Nolan is half as smart as we believe, DR will be lined up in man again on the line of scrimmage and should prosper.
Time
The big thing to consider about Dunta and the other corners is how long they were asked to cover receivers. In the ridiculous rush 3 soft zones, our CBs were exposed for extended amounts of time as opposing QBs were able to sit comfortably in the pocket for well over 5 to 8 seconds.
If Dunta is allowed to consistently put his hands on the receiver, he can use his size and strength to disrupt timing routes and to force the receiver into a route Dunta is comfortable covering. He did this at Houston and did very well.
I think he’ll have a good season under Nolan.
by The DW on Jan 19, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Agreed
If you can bear to remember the Giants game at all, Aikman pointed out towards the end of the game that the Giants had impacted a lot of the Falcons timing routes by jamming Roddy and Julio at the line of scrimmage. I think DR could have the same effect if we allow him to play closer than 10 yards off.
ding ding ding
agreed 100000%! So many times their QB had 4+ seconds in the pocket and even if a team had Revis, Deion (in his prime), Palomalu, Lynch (prime once again), Rod Woodson (prime) and Bailey (prime) as a secondary they would be giving up a ton of catches and yards too. Just look at what the QB for the raiders did when they went to the last superbowl. In a couple of their games that year the punter was muddier than the QB and he went to the pro bowl. Also, so much of the passing game is going to a be timing pattern so just disrupting them off the line can change that entire offenses game plan. We didnt get to the QB in time the past 4 years and we rarely if ever jammed a receiver.
Dont cloud the issue with facts!
My thoughts exactly...
hell I was even saying this during this past season…I REC you sir…
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Exactly
No corner is going to look good against a quality wide receiver for multiple seconds. It’s the pass rush that needs to step up.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
rec'd
We had a scheme which really didn’t suit Dunta’s skillset. The coming season should be different, because I believe Nolan will come up with schemes that achieves the team’s goals (get some pass rush, get off the field on third downs) by playing to the strengths of the talent available.
Too often under BVG and MM you felt there was a rigid adherence to their personal philosophies, without consideration of the talent available, the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition, or the situation in the game. It was always “this is what we do, and we ain’t changing it.”
I would like to agree with you Monduj1
but Dunta turns 30 in April and he may have lost a step or two. I’m not saying we should get rid of him but I’m not sure if he can run with the younger receivers now. He looked pretty slow on the field, kind of like a free safety…hint hint.
by Fear Me on Jan 19, 2012 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
30 isn't that old for a CB
It’s not atypical for a CB to go into his mid to late 30s. They don’t sustain the punishment on the body that offensive players take on.
sounds like a keeper
the switch could have been made to 3-4 but they still need to sign players and currently the roster depth is for 4-3…..so keeping it is a no-brainer.
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
It's really irrelevant to our defense's success anyway
You can do some of the same things in a 4-3 that you can do in a 3-4, and vice versa. The only difference is who’s who in the front seven.
by mr92687!!! on Jan 19, 2012 9:59 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Absolutely
Whether you drop a DE or an OLB on a zone blitz, it’s the same concept either way.
by TheAreopagite on Jan 19, 2012 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
3-4 vs 4-3 is overrated
when you consider that most teams line up in their base D less than half the time. And besides, there are almost as many versions of the 3-4 as there are DCs, so talking about it as if it’s one single defensive system that’s somehow better than everything else seems a bit strange to me.
As others have said already, defensive performance is more about the coordinator and his ability to gameplan around strengths and weaknesses than it is about the base formation. Houston’s D keeps getting brought up as an example of why “we should switch to 3-4”, but that defense didn’t jump up because of the switch of base formation, it jumped up because Wade Phillips knows defense.
NFL combine in 33 days!
Feb 22nd – 28th. Let’s keep our eyes on DE, NT, FS, OL, RB, and TEs. Pretty sure those will be our focuses going into this offseason.
Free Agency starts March 13!
Can’t wait folks! This is going to be an INTERESTING period for us. These hires have really gotten me excited for this offseason.
COMBINE!!!
I so missed this last year while in Iraq! I would record the entire thing and watch it when I got off work. My kids would be like “uh dad…this is boring” but I loved it!
Dont cloud the issue with facts!
Me too at first I thought it would be boring but you learn a LOT about personnel that way
Just what certain systems look for and why. You also see how much athleticism counts for being a 3 down player these days on defense and offense. You can see who may have been good in college but then you see them in drills against their peers and are like uhhhmmmm pass. There are notable exceptions mind you but it’s a blast to watch!
yup
and I think there is too much emphasis on the 40 anyway. When in the NFL does one need to run 40 yards in a straight line? I pay more attention to the cone drills, especially for RB’s and CB’s.
Dont cloud the issue with facts!
Jerry Rice's 40 time wasn't the best
Tom Brady looked AWFUL at the combine.
Watch the game tapes. They tell you what you really need to know. Work ethic and competitive fire don’t show on those drills either, but they are a good metric to HELP make a decision though.
Not really...I think it's kind of boring...lol
I would rather watch re-runs of Star Trek TNG…hehehe
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Just the other night...
I was playing SWTOR and watching the last Star Trek movie on my 2nd screen via Netflix hahaha.
Exactly
NFL history is littered with guys who had terrible combine performances but became NFL studs. Likewise, many combine studs showed up in the NFL, collected their checks, and checked-out.
That said, it is fun to see the stats and dream about what kind of impact each player could have.
Yeah combine drills
are a really good metric to help evaluators decide on players that are on bubbles for their draft boards. I.E. two players looked similar on tape but one blew OUT his combine drills. They’ll take the blowout combine dude.
I don't know...
are there any matrix anywhere that show success/failure rate of players taken higher than originally projected due to good showings at the combine??
And also, the reverse of that…dropped in draft position due to showing??
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
Brady definitely dropped due to combine
on the reverse the tight end Keller is one that moved up draft boards after his combine
There's a few drill that are pretty good
But u can throw out the 40 time. Track shoes+track suit+optimal conditions=No so real world numbers.
by aces666high on Jan 19, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah the combine is overrated
Watch game tape if want to see what your getting in a player.
by pierre02 on Jan 19, 2012 12:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Nolan is quoted as saying
When he runs a 4-3, he used the 3-4 within that defense. Since BVG left, I have believed that this is the best way to utilize this teams strengths. We have guys like Abraham(if he stays) and Spoon who thrive in a 4-3 and then we can throw some different looks at offenses by suddenly switching to 3-4 for a play or 2 and utilize the strengths of guys like Sidbury. It is clear we don’t have the players to go a whole game or season in the 3-4 but we can certainly manage a few plays in it to keep opposing offenses out of their comfort zone
by DezL12 on Jan 19, 2012 10:10 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Yeah this is exactly what I got out of the presser
NOt gonna reinvent the wheel with our current personnel this year esp considering our needs on OL cutting into our ability to retool for 3-4. So scheming for the personnel we have is the order of the day.
Off Topic: I'm going to the NFC Championship game on Sunday...YEAH BABY!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Gratz man!
I’m going to my niece and nephew’s twin birthday party. They just turned 2. :D I would say I’m jealous but hey I love those kids. Have fun bro!
Thanks man...
they called out to Travis AFB for added Security. While I will be “working” but at least I am there…being in the Military has it’s perks sometimes… :)
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
Good on you Talon! Pick me up a pennant! ;)
If you see any saint fans still wandering around the parking lot, still stunned from the loss, give em a sammich and point em toward the bay.
by aces666high on Jan 19, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Ok, will do...
and since I will be heading on down to So-Cal next season once or twice (definitely the Chargers Game) I can give it to you then…if you wanna wait that is…lol
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Dude, I was kidding! U don't have to do that! Thanks for the offer though!
But a group of us are going to the bolts game this year too! Kashberry, Falcon Planet and I are all going so far. Email me and maybe we can all meet up. First game I’m going to since 1985 I believe.
by aces666high on Jan 19, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I think we should all get together...
via email and try to get tickets in the same section. My son just moved back down to So-Cal and wants to go so he can were his “Raiders Crap” (traitor) to the Chargers game. Hell, he wants us to fly out to Atlanta for the Home game vs.the Raiders and I am trying to work the details on that one as well.
And I figured you were kidding but it really wouldn’t be a problem…lol
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
Were, Ware and Wear FAIL!!
so he can “wear” his Riaders Crap…
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Raider fan?!? Oh man!! So will he be wearing the cap AND rooting for the Falcons?
Man, the charger fans are gonna love him! I think my email is up on my profile page. If not I’ll get it to you. Couldn’t take any chances on u not knowing I was kidding! Last time I said something like that YokoFalcon actually sent me the book he was telling me about! Still owe you those beers Yoko!!
by aces666high on Jan 19, 2012 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
I know right?!? Personally, it should be amusing...if it doesn't get me into a fight...lol
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
From what FalconPlanet, who lives down there tells me, bolt fans are pretty mellow
But who knows how they’ll react seeing a raider fan rooting for the Falcons! May fry their brains!
by aces666high on Jan 19, 2012 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
Blood,
Where in California are you? Would like to add you to my list of CalFalcon fans. We are thinking about starting a fan club as well. If you could send me your e-mail address, that would be great! We have been discussing the SD game for the last couple of weeks…
Evil Falcon
by falconplanet on Jan 19, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Blood,
Got your e-mail, will be contacting you..
Evil Falcon
by falconplanet on Jan 19, 2012 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
ok, cool...
Fairfield, CA.
Right off I-80 about the mid point between San Fran and Sac-o-tomatoes!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Thank you sir for your service
If you get to enjoy a great football game as a result, well that’s just gravy!
Thank you sir...serving this great country is a privilege and my pleasure!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 19, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
If we are going to stay in a 4-3
I would like to see 4 De’s (Abe, Bierman…assuming they are resigned, Sid, and Matthews) rushing the QB on some passing downs, like Spags did in NY.
I would have included Edwards, but he has not shown me he can get after the QB.
I would like to see what Matthews and Sid can do this year under Nolan.
I like the idea
But between Abe and Biermann, I think we lose at least one of them. And, unless we can swing a sweet trade for Edwards, he’s going to be here.
That said, I think the book isn’t yet written on Edwards. He’s got the size and speed to either bull rush or go around tackles. I think the knee injury this year slowed him more than we realized. However, if he can’t get it going in 2012, then I think we move on.
I’m very intrigued by Matthews potential – as he showed some pretty good power in the pre-season games I saw – while Sidbury has been improving every year.
The 4-3
I have no problem with keeping the 4-3, but Nolan will mix in some 3-4 and 4-2-5, I’m sure. I forget when I read this (someone may have posted the link here), but I believe Pro Football Focus mentioned that the Bears were the only team in the NFL that showed fewer looks on D than the Falcons. The Bears had a very good defense this season; we didn’t. Therefore, we weren’t able to line up in a base defense and regularly stop people. We needed to employ deception and didn’t. This is proof that the previous method did not work. I think Smitty is smart enough to realize that, so let’s hope he stays out of Nolan’s way.
by Thrashy Thrashy on Jan 19, 2012 1:36 PM EST reply actions
Yeah I think it was an article on the Falcons home page
He was talking about them staying in Nickel a lot so like 4-2-5 because teams are passing it more. May not be the base D but they’ll be in it a lot.
Technically the glass is always full. 1/2 air. 1/2 water.
Not that much of a stretch
When you think about it, it’s pretty standard to line-up in a nickel formation on almost all 3rd downs – which puts you at somewhere near 30% of snaps. You’ll also likely line-up in nickel (or even dime) formations in 2nd and long situations.
I’d imagine that most defenses spend at least 40% of their snaps in either nickel or dime formations. It’s why most people consider the “nickel” corner to be the 12th starter on defense.
Yeah but they have whats his face
Oh yeah Julius Peppers
by pierre02 on Jan 20, 2012 7:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If he could stay healthy
Most likely yeah. He has enough burst to play the run and get pressure on the QB.
by pierre02 on Jan 20, 2012 7:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
In the interview Nolan said Smith did not
tell him he had to run a 4-3. Smith told him the Falcons had built around a 4-3 scheme and Nolan said he fits the scheme to the personnel not the other way around. That said, Nolan also mentioned if TD wanted to get 3-4 personnel and Smith agreed to it he would find ways to best utilize that personnel.
So until Falcon leadership decides to invest in 3-4 personnel (which BTW we don’t have the resources to do right now) I think we will be running a 4-3.
by BlackBirdBlitz on Jan 19, 2012 11:33 PM EST reply actions
Good hire - Nolan an excellent defensive coach
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on The Falcoholic
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
