Mike Garafolo & #8207;@MikeGarafolo
Mentioned on air a little bit ago there's been a steady drumbeat about a possible return to NYG for Steve Spagnuolo that isn't going away.
in the league for a move like this, look up in NE with McDaniels.
You can argue that McDaniels was as bad, if not worse with Denver as Spags was in St. Louis and he seems to be doing well in his old role. I don't think anyone can realistically grade him for his time in New Orleans and given the circumstances there, his biggest mistake was committing to that job in the first place.
I'd like them to call some other candidates, but Spags definitely gives me a certain level of comfort just hearing his name.
but for him to be successful we'll need at least one or two more DL (one DE and one DT) to run his NASCAR package and we'll have to significantly upgrade at safety. Someone upthread said that Gibril Wilson was a JAG...he was actually a solid safety and we'd kill for someone even that good at S now
Bringing back Spags means that a guy like Justin Houston becomes target #1 (smaller DE-OLB tweener type who is an awesome pass rusher) and a guy like McCourty at FS becomes a major target too because we'll need a safety to organize the back when Spags sends his blitzes
For those knocking Spags saying he did it with a ton of talent
1. Many of you are likely the same people who said we lacked talent when Lewis was our DC one season before Spags arrived
2. Even if he did win with a very talented roster he beat a favored Dallas team with a decimated safety corps in the playoffs and always seemed to have the team playing consistently well despite key injuries or not.
Aside from a 6 game stretch in 2011, We were lucky if Fewell could get the team to play consistent without a ton of blown assignments and guys wide open in the secondary with or without key injuries.
Spags proved he could win and have a consistently dominant defense with good talent. This team if it keeps JPP will boast an emerging Moore, Ayers (who was arguably our best DE in the first half), Wynn for DE's (which will be will well above average and better than most teams in the NFL. Hankins who is quickly becoming a top DT in the league and likely a couple additions.
In the secondary he will have Prince, DRC which is one of the better CB tandems in the NFL and likely some solid depth like Trumaine and/or Thurmond as Reese has been focusing on CB depth.
His LB corp wasnt ever that amazingly great and will have similiar talent here as well with a promising Kennard, Williams,McClain and hopefully a healthy Beason and a couple additions draft or via FA.
With all that said, I don't know if Spags would be the absolute best choice of all the available candidates but I would be amazed if he doesn't have this unit playing worlds better and much more consistent than Fewell ever did.
I would be pretty optimistic and albeit cautiously excited with this hire. (And we might see a blitz or two that actually works to boot!)
His defenses here were always good with the Giants. Always. Nobody wanted him to leave and many wanted him to be the freaking head coach. So just stop with these looking backwards and not forward bullshit posts.
Let's also stop any mention of St. Louis like that is relevant. First, that team sucked. Second, there are many coaches who are great coordinators but not good head coaches. Spags may very well be one of those. You don't want Norv Turner as your HC but you sure as hell want him as your OC.
And his New Orleans defense was very bad yes. But it's also been very bad since. There is only so much you can do when the talent isn't there. Rex Ryan knows defense but the Jets D this year sucked because there is only so much you can do without talent.
Some people may use that last point in defense of Fewell. I say that is BS. Fewell routinely was in the bottom 5 defenses in the NFL and every year with the one exception where we played like 5 backup QBs was not due to injury or lack of talent.
Spags defense was predicated on press man coverage (fits well with DRC and Prince and possibly Thurmond if brought back).
Haven't read the whole thread so this may have been addressed
but it seems that with a HC on the last year of his contract and the concomitant possibility (probability?) of upheaval after next year, it may be tough to attract a top-flight DC candidate. Under the circumstances, a Spagnolo-type candidate may be the best we can get.
I get "What have you done for me lately?" thinking. I don't get "What have you done for someone else lately?".
Spagnuolo was very successful as Giants DC. No matter what else he has done or not done with other teams and organizations, he was still very successful as Giants DC.
He knows TC, JR and ownership, they know him. All sides know they can work together. Big plus.
He needs to rebuild his reputation. That's actually a plus for the Giants, IMO.
RE: Haven't read the whole thread so this may have been addressed
In comment 12060359 lawguy9801 said:
[quote] but it seems that with a HC on the last year of his contract and the concomitant possibility (probability?) of upheaval after next year, it may be tough to attract a top-flight DC candidate. Under the circumstances, a Spagnolo-type candidate may be the best we can get. [/quote
define "top-flight" coordinator. Not trying to be sarcastic but who do you consider to be in that category
But I would love it... Spags took the guys he had and crafted a D to their strengths... Didn't force guys into "his system like Fewell." He got career years out of a number of guys on D. He flushed the A gap with pressure to keep guys from stepping up in the pocket and then let his DE's wreak havoc. With the cover guys on the current roster, DRC, Prince, etc.. Spags would have a field day moving JPP around and bringing back an aces package that would have Kenard JPP, Ayres, and Moore with their ears pinned back... Nightmare for opposing QBs.
Sign me up!
RE: Spags brother was a sales rep that used to call on us.
People are somewhat under-rating what he had to work with when he was here, but hell, why not?. I am sure he's had some time to think while he has been in exile which would be a benefit as well.
Well said, but I'd still like to consider other candidates before allowing Spags to return as DC. He was pretty bad after he left, albeit in some poor situations.
RE: RE: Spags brother was a sales rep that used to call on us.
We've had garbage at DB since thurmond and prince went down. We've done ok back there for what we have to work with. I'd say players being out of position and miscommunication falls on Fewell for the most part.
How the hell can you say this with the way our secondary for YEARS has had breakdowns and WRs running wild at times. I never understand why we think this guy is so great.
I'm too young to remember the LT/Belicheck/Tuna era of Giants D
but we can all agree those powerhouse defenses have had a lasting legacy, not only in our team's history, but within the league as a whole.
The two seasons that Spags ran the defense is really the only time I can remember be EXCITED at the prospect of our D taking the field. It seemed as if every time that defense went out, there was always a force fumble, INT, or a major hit that would make you get to your feet and cheer.
I don't think it's about accountability,because if that were the case,people higher up would get it.This is about finding a pigeon,and Coughlin has the deck stacked in his favor.So he might end up with the biggest office in the Timex when it's all over with.With Mara setting up shop outside in the middle of the weeds.
RE: RE: RE: Spags brother was a sales rep that used to call on us.
This team on defense sucks. If there was any time to make a system change it would be now. It's not like we are a player or so away on defense. We could use an upgrade almost everywhere. CB is the most complete position out of the defense. However, with the defense the way it is, this would be a time if one wanted felt like it to make that system change.
Right now, I don't care what system we run. It's not like we are tearing it up running the 43 defense. If TC or whoever decides to shakes things up and convert to a 34 I am fine with that. If they want to continue a 43 but get a new DC to run it, that's fine too. Just don't bring back Fewell.
This team on defense sucks. If there was any time to make a system change it would be now. It's not like we are a player or so away on defense. We could use an upgrade almost everywhere. CB is the most complete position out of the defense. However, with the defense the way it is, this would be a time if one wanted felt like it to make that system change.
Right now, I don't care what system we run. It's not like we are tearing it up running the 43 defense. If TC or whoever decides to shakes things up and convert to a 34 I am fine with that. If they want to continue a 43 but get a new DC to run it, that's fine too. Just don't bring back Fewell.
I'm a little more bullish on the D talent especially if we keep JPP and find a suitable replacement for Rolle. I also believe there will be a couple well placed Jerry Reese shrewd additions (like we saw with Ayers last year).
If we hire a good DC with a system that actually fits our personell, I see a turnaround somewhat similiar to what we had from Lewis when we went to Spags.
This team on defense sucks. If there was any time to make a system change it would be now. It's not like we are a player or so away on defense. We could use an upgrade almost everywhere. CB is the most complete position out of the defense. However, with the defense the way it is, this would be a time if one wanted felt like it to make that system change.
Right now, I don't care what system we run. It's not like we are tearing it up running the 43 defense. If TC or whoever decides to shakes things up and convert to a 34 I am fine with that. If they want to continue a 43 but get a new DC to run it, that's fine too. Just don't bring back Fewell.
I'm a little more bullish on the D talent especially if we keep JPP and find a suitable replacement for Rolle. I also believe there will be a couple well placed Jerry Reese shrewd additions (like we saw with Ayers last year).
If we hire a good DC with a system that actually fits our personell, I see a turnaround somewhat similiar to what we had from Lewis when we went to Spags.
Yeah that's what I liked about Spags as our DC. He took the same personnel and increased sacks from 2006 to 2007 by 21 sacks. That was all his blitz packages and utilizing players in creative ways.
Can that happen again? We will see, but I'd go with Spags right now over any potential DC who never did the job. If there is someone who has a better resume than Spags, then by all means. But if the candidate never had DC experience, than I'd go with Spags over that guy.
As far as 43 or 34, like I said, I don't care either way. If there was a time to make a chance this would be it. So if we chose to take it or not, I am not in favor of one over the other. Just as long as we hire a different coordinator, fine by me. Just give me an aggressive DC. It's too bad we can't get someone like Bowles or Horton. I loved what they did with Arizona.
I hope we can then also find a healthy MLB of the caliber of Pierce in his Giants prime to pair with Spags. The more I've rewatched some games and highlights of 2007-2008, the more I've grown to appreciate how vital Pierce was to that defense.
Our defense has mostly sucked since, except for the stretch last year after we traded for Beason and he was still healthy
Actually, Fangio doesn't only run a 3-4 in San Francisco
He used a 4-3 hybrid on some plays; actually a 4-3 under front (I remember Aikman talking about this one game), where the Outside Linebacker (I believe Ahmad Brooks in many cases, because he accumulates a lot of sacks) essentially plays the role of an extra lineman.
There's little reason to assume he would dump them if he came back, unless that decision came from above (Mara/Reese/Coughlin). Spags may or may not like them; but either way the decisions would be based on having worked extensively with them before.
Nunn and (especially) Herrmann would likely be toast in a Spagnuolo II scenario. Names to watch from Spagnuolo's tenure in St. Louis would include Ken Flajole and Brendan Daly.
RE: And Fangio has a lot of experience in the 4-3, you goof
He took the same personnel and increased sacks from 2006 to 2007 by 21 sacks. That was all his blitz packages and utilizing players in creative ways.
You are going to mention the part of Spags having the magic potion to ensure having Tuck, Osi and Strahan for 100% of the games (48 of 48) in 2007 compared to the 54% they played the previous season (26 of 48) at some point, correct?
Sure helps a lot. Those 3 alone combined for 9 sacks in '06 and 32 in '07.
This team on defense sucks. If there was any time to make a system change it would be now. It's not like we are a player or so away on defense. We could use an upgrade almost everywhere. CB is the most complete position out of the defense. However, with the defense the way it is, this would be a time if one wanted felt like it to make that system change.
Right now, I don't care what system we run. It's not like we are tearing it up running the 43 defense. If TC or whoever decides to shakes things up and convert to a 34 I am fine with that. If they want to continue a 43 but get a new DC to run it, that's fine too. Just don't bring back Fewell.
I'm a little more bullish on the D talent especially if we keep JPP and find a suitable replacement for Rolle. I also believe there will be a couple well placed Jerry Reese shrewd additions (like we saw with Ayers last year).
If we hire a good DC with a system that actually fits our personell, I see a turnaround somewhat similiar to what we had from Lewis when we went to Spags.
Yeah that's what I liked about Spags as our DC. He took the same personnel and increased sacks from 2006 to 2007 by 21 sacks. That was all his blitz packages and utilizing players in creative ways.
Can that happen again? We will see, but I'd go with Spags right now over any potential DC who never did the job. If there is someone who has a better resume than Spags, then by all means. But if the candidate never had DC experience, than I'd go with Spags over that guy.
As far as 43 or 34, like I said, I don't care either way. If there was a time to make a chance this would be it. So if we chose to take it or not, I am not in favor of one over the other. Just as long as we hire a different coordinator, fine by me. Just give me an aggressive DC. It's too bad we can't get someone like Bowles or Horton. I loved what they did with Arizona.
Agreed. Yes, Horton or Bowles would be awesome with this personel especially if we hang on to JPP. I'd love to see what kind of jump Moore takes under a more aggressive DC too. I think he can be a top 10 DE in this league (at least from a pass rush standpoint) and much better than Kiwi ever was. JPP, an emerging Moore on the ends coupled with a returning Ayers and Wynn, then big Hank and a draft or FA addition in the middle is a very underrated DL going into next year IMO.
One role modern DC have to do is have a network to evaluate FA and the ability to help recruit them and the track record of guys who have done well under his DC leadership. Good fa want to know they will be listened to and their strengths maximized.
Spags had a track record of that for every position on defense.
I dunno....sounds like a good choice
In addition to Flajole and Daly, Paul Ferraro has history with Spags.
He was Spagnuolo's LB coach in St. Louis, and I think they worked together previously at the college level. Ferraro had a pretty good first year as UCF's DC, although a lousy bowl game against NC State probably doesn't help his case for a return to the NFL. He has an extensive resume that includes special teams.
This will be a great reason to be excited about the defense again
1) He was a rookie DC when he was here...and did well in year one...most people get better if only from a "been here" sense of confidence that radiates
2) He was a LB coach prior to that...a long ignored aspect of the Giants in FO and coaching mindshare that in the new NFL has resonance.
3) He won here with TC...newbies cannot argue with the idea that he knows something
4) Being through the rigors of an NFL Season at HC/DC since then teaches you from your failures and successes...and teaches you how to reach a wider variety of players and helps you understand what works and what does not
5) Spags was liked by his players because he listened
6) One mark of a good DC is not what scheme he favors...I think that may be over rated...but what evidence there is that he got players to play better?...and within a year?
In one year, Spags got (now not all due to him...but getting out of the way is genius and so is overwhelming evidence he got the best out of what he had):
A great year from OSi (on the run and the pass defense...last guy to get OSi to play run? Remember his game against Walter Jones that year?)
A great year from Tuck
one more good year from Strahan
Ditto Robbins
The best years AP and Mitchell ever had
The best year Corey Webster ever had after a few bad ones
a big contribution from Sam Madison
Ditto young players and rookies like Aaron Ross and Alford
Ditto JAGS like McQuarters, James Butler, Dockery, Gibril Wilson.
In sum...young, old, stars and Jags at all three levels...Dl, LB and DB all were reached,played and felt a part of something big and worked hard and studied and got better and better. Against all different kinds of schemes and challenges as the season went on.
Accident? Maybe....but you would be arguing against a lot of data. Some credit (even if getting out of the way) has to be given.
if it is Spags? A lot of reasons to think its a good thing
You can argue that McDaniels was as bad, if not worse with Denver as Spags was in St. Louis and he seems to be doing well in his old role. I don't think anyone can realistically grade him for his time in New Orleans and given the circumstances there, his biggest mistake was committing to that job in the first place.
I'd like them to call some other candidates, but Spags definitely gives me a certain level of comfort just hearing his name.
There is a reason some decisions are called no-brainers.
Bringing back Spags means that a guy like Justin Houston becomes target #1 (smaller DE-OLB tweener type who is an awesome pass rusher) and a guy like McCourty at FS becomes a major target too because we'll need a safety to organize the back when Spags sends his blitzes
2. Even if he did win with a very talented roster he beat a favored Dallas team with a decimated safety corps in the playoffs and always seemed to have the team playing consistently well despite key injuries or not.
Aside from a 6 game stretch in 2011, We were lucky if Fewell could get the team to play consistent without a ton of blown assignments and guys wide open in the secondary with or without key injuries.
Spags proved he could win and have a consistently dominant defense with good talent. This team if it keeps JPP will boast an emerging Moore, Ayers (who was arguably our best DE in the first half), Wynn for DE's (which will be will well above average and better than most teams in the NFL. Hankins who is quickly becoming a top DT in the league and likely a couple additions.
In the secondary he will have Prince, DRC which is one of the better CB tandems in the NFL and likely some solid depth like Trumaine and/or Thurmond as Reese has been focusing on CB depth.
His LB corp wasnt ever that amazingly great and will have similiar talent here as well with a promising Kennard, Williams,McClain and hopefully a healthy Beason and a couple additions draft or via FA.
With all that said, I don't know if Spags would be the absolute best choice of all the available candidates but I would be amazed if he doesn't have this unit playing worlds better and much more consistent than Fewell ever did.
I would be pretty optimistic and albeit cautiously excited with this hire. (And we might see a blitz or two that actually works to boot!)
I can't wait until they re-hire spags as well.. this place will be comedy and our defense will be better off.
Let's also stop any mention of St. Louis like that is relevant. First, that team sucked. Second, there are many coaches who are great coordinators but not good head coaches. Spags may very well be one of those. You don't want Norv Turner as your HC but you sure as hell want him as your OC.
And his New Orleans defense was very bad yes. But it's also been very bad since. There is only so much you can do when the talent isn't there. Rex Ryan knows defense but the Jets D this year sucked because there is only so much you can do without talent.
Some people may use that last point in defense of Fewell. I say that is BS. Fewell routinely was in the bottom 5 defenses in the NFL and every year with the one exception where we played like 5 backup QBs was not due to injury or lack of talent.
Spags defense was predicated on press man coverage (fits well with DRC and Prince and possibly Thurmond if brought back).
I'd love for him to run our D, but would be also very pleased to see Spags return.
Spagnuolo was very successful as Giants DC. No matter what else he has done or not done with other teams and organizations, he was still very successful as Giants DC.
He knows TC, JR and ownership, they know him. All sides know they can work together. Big plus.
He needs to rebuild his reputation. That's actually a plus for the Giants, IMO.
[quote] but it seems that with a HC on the last year of his contract and the concomitant possibility (probability?) of upheaval after next year, it may be tough to attract a top-flight DC candidate. Under the circumstances, a Spagnolo-type candidate may be the best we can get. [/quote
define "top-flight" coordinator. Not trying to be sarcastic but who do you consider to be in that category
Sign me up!
Well he's in Baltimore. That's in the Northeast
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I remember him telling me that Steve's long term goals were returning to the northeast if an opportunity presented itself.
Well he's in Baltimore. That's in the Northeast
He's really a position coach though. DC would be a promotion.
How the hell can you say this with the way our secondary for YEARS has had breakdowns and WRs running wild at times. I never understand why we think this guy is so great.
The two seasons that Spags ran the defense is really the only time I can remember be EXCITED at the prospect of our D taking the field. It seemed as if every time that defense went out, there was always a force fumble, INT, or a major hit that would make you get to your feet and cheer.
This is a move I hope the Giants make.
Why would a 4-3 DC be first on your list when the current roster is built for a 3-4?
Nevermind, it's anak. I should know better to ask...
I hope it happens, will be a return to an attack style D.
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Fang should be the first choice though
Why would a 4-3 DC be first on your list when the current roster is built for a 3-4?
Nevermind, it's anak. I should know better to ask...
What the fuck? How is this team built for a 3-4?
I don't think it's about accountability,because if that were the case,people higher up would get it.This is about finding a pigeon,and Coughlin has the deck stacked in his favor.So he might end up with the biggest office in the Timex when it's all over with.With Mara setting up shop outside in the middle of the weeds.
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In comment 12060379 Tittle 9 20 64 said:
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I remember him telling me that Steve's long term goals were returning to the northeast if an opportunity presented itself.
Well he's in Baltimore. That's in the Northeast
He's really a position coach though. DC would be a promotion.
Right, but he said that Spags' ultimate goal is to return to the northeast. He's already in the northeast
Right now, I don't care what system we run. It's not like we are tearing it up running the 43 defense. If TC or whoever decides to shakes things up and convert to a 34 I am fine with that. If they want to continue a 43 but get a new DC to run it, that's fine too. Just don't bring back Fewell.
Right now, I don't care what system we run. It's not like we are tearing it up running the 43 defense. If TC or whoever decides to shakes things up and convert to a 34 I am fine with that. If they want to continue a 43 but get a new DC to run it, that's fine too. Just don't bring back Fewell.
I'm a little more bullish on the D talent especially if we keep JPP and find a suitable replacement for Rolle. I also believe there will be a couple well placed Jerry Reese shrewd additions (like we saw with Ayers last year).
If we hire a good DC with a system that actually fits our personell, I see a turnaround somewhat similiar to what we had from Lewis when we went to Spags.
Quote:
This team on defense sucks. If there was any time to make a system change it would be now. It's not like we are a player or so away on defense. We could use an upgrade almost everywhere. CB is the most complete position out of the defense. However, with the defense the way it is, this would be a time if one wanted felt like it to make that system change.
Right now, I don't care what system we run. It's not like we are tearing it up running the 43 defense. If TC or whoever decides to shakes things up and convert to a 34 I am fine with that. If they want to continue a 43 but get a new DC to run it, that's fine too. Just don't bring back Fewell.
I'm a little more bullish on the D talent especially if we keep JPP and find a suitable replacement for Rolle. I also believe there will be a couple well placed Jerry Reese shrewd additions (like we saw with Ayers last year).
If we hire a good DC with a system that actually fits our personell, I see a turnaround somewhat similiar to what we had from Lewis when we went to Spags.
Yeah that's what I liked about Spags as our DC. He took the same personnel and increased sacks from 2006 to 2007 by 21 sacks. That was all his blitz packages and utilizing players in creative ways.
Can that happen again? We will see, but I'd go with Spags right now over any potential DC who never did the job. If there is someone who has a better resume than Spags, then by all means. But if the candidate never had DC experience, than I'd go with Spags over that guy.
As far as 43 or 34, like I said, I don't care either way. If there was a time to make a chance this would be it. So if we chose to take it or not, I am not in favor of one over the other. Just as long as we hire a different coordinator, fine by me. Just give me an aggressive DC. It's too bad we can't get someone like Bowles or Horton. I loved what they did with Arizona.
Our defense has mostly sucked since, except for the stretch last year after we traded for Beason and he was still healthy
Haha, yeah, let's not get geographic :P . Point is, even if Maryland is not in the Northeast, it's not soooooo far away.
Nunn and (especially) Herrmann would likely be toast in a Spagnuolo II scenario. Names to watch from Spagnuolo's tenure in St. Louis would include Ken Flajole and Brendan Daly.
He's been in the league for 28 years, so he's had experience with EVERYTHING related to defense.
But he's made his bones on the 3-4.
Unless Mara decides to completely rebuild the defensive philosophy, Fangio would be a dumb hire.
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In comment 12060366 Anakim said:
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Fang should be the first choice though
Why would a 4-3 DC be first on your list when the current roster is built for a 3-4?
Nevermind, it's anak. I should know better to ask...
What the fuck? How is this team built for a 3-4?
Oops - meant 4-3 for the current roster.
You are going to mention the part of Spags having the magic potion to ensure having Tuck, Osi and Strahan for 100% of the games (48 of 48) in 2007 compared to the 54% they played the previous season (26 of 48) at some point, correct?
Sure helps a lot. Those 3 alone combined for 9 sacks in '06 and 32 in '07.
You see teams in the NFL underachieve with a high talent level pretty often.
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In comment 12060488 AnishPatel said:
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This team on defense sucks. If there was any time to make a system change it would be now. It's not like we are a player or so away on defense. We could use an upgrade almost everywhere. CB is the most complete position out of the defense. However, with the defense the way it is, this would be a time if one wanted felt like it to make that system change.
Right now, I don't care what system we run. It's not like we are tearing it up running the 43 defense. If TC or whoever decides to shakes things up and convert to a 34 I am fine with that. If they want to continue a 43 but get a new DC to run it, that's fine too. Just don't bring back Fewell.
I'm a little more bullish on the D talent especially if we keep JPP and find a suitable replacement for Rolle. I also believe there will be a couple well placed Jerry Reese shrewd additions (like we saw with Ayers last year).
If we hire a good DC with a system that actually fits our personell, I see a turnaround somewhat similiar to what we had from Lewis when we went to Spags.
Yeah that's what I liked about Spags as our DC. He took the same personnel and increased sacks from 2006 to 2007 by 21 sacks. That was all his blitz packages and utilizing players in creative ways.
Can that happen again? We will see, but I'd go with Spags right now over any potential DC who never did the job. If there is someone who has a better resume than Spags, then by all means. But if the candidate never had DC experience, than I'd go with Spags over that guy.
As far as 43 or 34, like I said, I don't care either way. If there was a time to make a chance this would be it. So if we chose to take it or not, I am not in favor of one over the other. Just as long as we hire a different coordinator, fine by me. Just give me an aggressive DC. It's too bad we can't get someone like Bowles or Horton. I loved what they did with Arizona.
Agreed. Yes, Horton or Bowles would be awesome with this personel especially if we hang on to JPP. I'd love to see what kind of jump Moore takes under a more aggressive DC too. I think he can be a top 10 DE in this league (at least from a pass rush standpoint) and much better than Kiwi ever was. JPP, an emerging Moore on the ends coupled with a returning Ayers and Wynn, then big Hank and a draft or FA addition in the middle is a very underrated DL going into next year IMO.
Spags had a track record of that for every position on defense.
I dunno....sounds like a good choice
If Reese has another good off-season in regards to the draft and FA, we will have alot to look forward to next year.
1) He was a rookie DC when he was here...and did well in year one...most people get better if only from a "been here" sense of confidence that radiates
2) He was a LB coach prior to that...a long ignored aspect of the Giants in FO and coaching mindshare that in the new NFL has resonance.
3) He won here with TC...newbies cannot argue with the idea that he knows something
4) Being through the rigors of an NFL Season at HC/DC since then teaches you from your failures and successes...and teaches you how to reach a wider variety of players and helps you understand what works and what does not
5) Spags was liked by his players because he listened
6) One mark of a good DC is not what scheme he favors...I think that may be over rated...but what evidence there is that he got players to play better?...and within a year?
In one year, Spags got (now not all due to him...but getting out of the way is genius and so is overwhelming evidence he got the best out of what he had):
A great year from OSi (on the run and the pass defense...last guy to get OSi to play run? Remember his game against Walter Jones that year?)
A great year from Tuck
one more good year from Strahan
Ditto Robbins
The best years AP and Mitchell ever had
The best year Corey Webster ever had after a few bad ones
a big contribution from Sam Madison
Ditto young players and rookies like Aaron Ross and Alford
Ditto JAGS like McQuarters, James Butler, Dockery, Gibril Wilson.
In sum...young, old, stars and Jags at all three levels...Dl, LB and DB all were reached,played and felt a part of something big and worked hard and studied and got better and better. Against all different kinds of schemes and challenges as the season went on.
Accident? Maybe....but you would be arguing against a lot of data. Some credit (even if getting out of the way) has to be given.
if it is Spags? A lot of reasons to think its a good thing
Great post Bill