G08 wrote:Sounds like the defense is still in the learning stages of Pagano's scheme, I also read some comments where the said the verbiage is a bit different -- that's fine.
I do think, though, we have to expect that we are not running last year's defense with last year's verbiage as was discussed by the team earlier in the offseason.
I want Pagano to put in whatever defense and terminology he feels is appropriate. The Bears have a grown ass defense full of professionals and players in/entering their prime. Adjusting concepts and learning new terminology should't be a problem.
Don't be Vic Fangio's defense coached by Chuck Pagano. Be Chuck Pagano's defense coached by Chuck Pagano.
wab wrote:I loved Fangio and didn't want to see him leave, but I don't know if the Bears could have gotten a better replacement.
This is absolutely my sentiment.
It doesn't matter how long you've been a coordinator. Either you're a good coach with an ability to connect with players and get the very best out of them, or you're not. I believe that Pagano is a great football coach, and by mid-season Bears' fans will have forgotten that Fangio left.
G08 wrote:Sounds like the defense is still in the learning stages of Pagano's scheme, I also read some comments where the said the verbiage is a bit different -- that's fine.
I do think, though, we have to expect that we are not running last year's defense with last year's verbiage as was discussed by the team earlier in the offseason.
I want Pagano to put in whatever defense and terminology he feels is appropriate. The Bears have a grown ass defense full of professionals and players in/entering their prime. Adjusting concepts and learning new terminology should't be a problem.
Don't be Vic Fangio's defense coached by Chuck Pagano. Be Chuck Pagano's defense coached by Chuck Pagano.
This exactly.
Pagano got hired for a reason. Let him coach.
There is only so many things that can happen in coverage and blitzing. Pagano isn't reinventing the wheel or anything. The things that carry over from last year, He already said he's learning what the team called it last year because one guy learning is easier than 20. The things he's doing different will be new to learn and new guys all have to learn the new 'to them' terminology. This isn't stunting any coaching on pagaon, he's just making it as easy as possible to carry over to his overall scheme. Other than more blitz opportunities from ILB's and DB's, and possibly a few more big plays given up due to us being more agressive, I don't think the causal observer will notice a big difference between 2018 and 2019.
I will kill you if you cut me at the knees. You will drink with me when invited and stay til I say so. We only listen to American Music. I make men nervous with just my presence. I expect an apology if you hold. I throw linemen at QB's. Believe the Lore!
wab wrote:I loved Fangio and didn't want to see him leave, but I don't know if the Bears could have gotten a better replacement.
This is absolutely my sentiment.
It doesn't matter how long you've been a coordinator. Either you're a good coach with an ability to connect with players and get the very best out of them, or you're not. I believe that Pagano is a great football coach, and by mid-season Bears' fans will have forgotten that Fangio left.
And that's the real thing with Pagano. Its not like his system requires us to gut and retool the defense with different types of personnel on the line and with the linebackers. Its gonna be more about whether or not he can lead this defense and if they'll listen to him. I highly doubt either one of those are going to be problems. Pagano has been around serious talent before. He's got credibility. My impression of the locker room is that people like Mack and Hicks are not a negative presence in the slightest. This team also has to be hungry as hell after last season. They'll buy in and there might even be parts of the defense that are better. I'm thinking we're going to see a lot more different types of blitzes and get to the QB from multiple directions with the linebackers and even the secondary. That's going to be a serious upgrade when added onto the pressure our line already creates. We're going to give offenses serious headaches.
G08 wrote:Sounds like the defense is still in the learning stages of Pagano's scheme, I also read some comments where the said the verbiage is a bit different -- that's fine.
I do think, though, we have to expect that we are not running last year's defense with last year's verbiage as was discussed by the team earlier in the offseason.
Adding to this... Akiem Hicks said he's at about a 'C' grade in terms of knowing this defense. So let's not get it twisted, this is not the same shit we ran with Vic last year (for better or worse) and there will most definitely be a step back. I hope our offense can pull its weight, especially earlier on in the season, because I'm expecting growing pains.
Plus, even IF our defense come out playing well, I don't expect us to match last season's performance. PFF said it was the best defense in the NFL since 2012.
G08 wrote:Sounds like the defense is still in the learning stages of Pagano's scheme, I also read some comments where the said the verbiage is a bit different -- that's fine.
I do think, though, we have to expect that we are not running last year's defense with last year's verbiage as was discussed by the team earlier in the offseason.
Adding to this... Akiem Hicks said he's at about a 'C' grade in terms of knowing this defense. So let's not get it twisted, this is not the same shit we ran with Vic last year (for better or worse) and there will most definitely be a step back. I hope our offense can pull its weight, especially earlier on in the season, because I'm expecting growing pains.
Plus, even IF our defense come out playing well, I don't expect us to match last season's performance. PFF said it was the best defense in the NFL since 2012.
(oh, and in 2012 it was the Bears also )
Knowing Hicks, he's playing it conservative. I'll bet he's got the defense pretty well down pat.
As far as year to year. I fully expect the Bears D to be every bit as good this year, as last year. If not better. You've added quality pieces. Mack gets a full TC. Smith isn't holding out, and gets a full TC. It's Nichols second year. Jackson and Dix are previous team mates at Alabama, and will be on the same page. Floyd gets a second year with Mack on the other side.
I read an article that said Floyd learned SO much from Mack in OTA's regarding technique and how to attack the OL. I was roundly criticized when I said that Mack would have a huge impact on Floyd from a technical standpoint. But I think it's happening, and I expect Floyd to have a monster year in 2019.
G08 wrote:I love your optimism Whiskey... but last year's defense was fucking good. It's going to be almost impossible to match or top that, IMO.
3rd in total yards allowed
1st in rushing yards allowed
1st in points allowed
1st in interceptions
1st in forced fumbles
1st in PFF's defensive efficiency rankings, best in the past 7 years
etc
I think the strength of schedule will play a bigger role in those ranking declines than switching from Fangio to Pagano. No doubt losing Fangio sucks. However Pagano is no slouch and every now and then you want to switch up schemes so things aren't as predictable. I think what we'll see during the year are articles saying the Bears defense is in decline or some crap, they'll try and blame Pagano and hype up the Fangio angle but the real reason will be strength of schedule. That being said, I still expect our defense to be elite this year and it could still easily be ranked #1. Any issues there are going to be offset with improvements in the offense (Biscuit year 2, etc.) and then like others have already said with Mack and Roquan having full training camps. I also think other teams are going to shit their pants over trying to figure out who to block. You can't double team them all and Pagano is going to use blitzes on top of that. Mack, Hicks, Roquan, and hopefully Floyd. If Floyd gets 10 sacks this year and we avoid injuries, this defense will actually be better than last year's.
You'd expect the defence to fall off a little just because of variance but, despite losing Amos and Callahan there are some reasons for optimism, mainly Mack getting a full camp plus Smith and Nichols going into year 2.
The main thing is how much overall talent there is and, most importantly, how many difference makers. Between Mack, Hicks, Jackson we've got someone at each level and the lack of weak links around them means you can't gameplan away from everything.
I love it when our defence is banging!
"I wouldn't take him for a conditional 7th. His next contract will pay him more than he could possibly contribute.".
There's no reason this defense can't be better this year. You just need a group of guys that understands the amount of work it takes to stay on top. I think we actually have those guys and they've gotta make goals for themselves. So why not #1 across the board?
G08 wrote:I love your optimism Whiskey... but last year's defense was fucking good. It's going to be almost impossible to match or top that, IMO.
3rd in total yards allowed
1st in rushing yards allowed
1st in points allowed
1st in interceptions
1st in forced fumbles
1st in PFF's defensive efficiency rankings, best in the past 7 years
etc
I was thinking about your post G08, and here is the flaw in your logic. It's that somehow, being first last year, sets the ceiling for the following year, and that they would be unable to break the mold of what is "excellent defense" in the NFL. I disagree. I see no ceiling for this group. I think they could be every bit as good as the '85 team, if not better. NFL teams often have 1 or 2 generational talents every few years or so, if they're lucky. Right now, as the Bears defense sits, I think they have 3-4 generational talents on the team right now; Mack, Jackson, Hicks, Smith. This defense can be as good as they want to be, and better than the NFL has seen in 30+ years.
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