BB's curious Capers caper

[DW Toys]

Co-sign. I think bringing Capers aboard signals a lot of change, and I think he'll have a fair share of responsibility.

I'd love to see the DBs get more aggressive. Hobbs is built for it. Asante wasn't, and he's gone, so with Hobbs the #1 corner for now, it'd make sense to move to a more aggressive style.


The fact that Meriweather will be the starting FS is a big improvement. He can cover a whole lot more ground than Sanders or Harrison.

I know I'm in the minority, but I think the secondary will be stronger against the pass then it was last season.

As long as Sanders is on the bench for passing downs.
DW Toys

 

[Rob0729]

Capers is a good coach. BB did not decide after 30 years of coaching defense every effectively in the NFL that his principles are wrong and he is going to adopt someone elses.
Capers will adapt to BB, not the other way around.
To suggest that things will change and we will abandon BBs defensive philosophy to adopt Capers' is ludicrous. You would have to conclude that BB decided one day that he knows nothing about defense and the guy who failed twice as a HC and some decent success as a coordinator knows more than him, and he has decided his defensive philosophies are stupid.
Not likely.

I actually don't know about Belichick not going to change what he does. If we know anything about Belichick is that he schemes and builds on what he has for tools and who he is facing. Belichick abandoned the 3-4 defense almost entirely his first few years with the Patriots because he didn't have the personnel. The offensive side of the ball has changed several times over the years depending on the personnel from the dink and dunk to spread offense.

I don't know if Belichick is going to change the philosophy at all, but I wouldn't be surprised. With his and Parcell's coaching tree ever expanding, he may have decided to revamp the defense before people start to figure it out. This has happened to the Cover 2 defense with teams utilizing their TEs and short passing games more. Belichick likes to stay ahead of the curve.

If Belichick decides revise the defensive strategy, I don't think it will be sweeping changes. But I wouldn't be surprised if they adopt some of Capers' 3-4 philosophies into Belichick's 3-4. This will keep teams like the Jets and Dolphins who are intimately knowledgable about the Pats' defense off guard.

 

[Crazyeechrispats1]

Accept for the fact Capers coached for the Dolphins defense plus I don't think your getting to much past Parcells.
Who will defnitely helped his chosen coach out as far as game planning.
I agree it will throw a wrinkle at teams but catch them off guard never.
I think we need to get two pass rushing threats out of this draft a few young defensive backs.
Then we can talk about our revamped defense.
I completely agree with the fact our defense was no where near average but.
If we didn't have multiple touchdowns leads our defense would of lost us a game or few way before the 19th one.

 

[DaBruinz]

The hiring of Capers does suggest that Belichick is not satisfied with Pees' job. Capers did not just mreplace Collier. He is also a special assistant which means he is advising on overall strategy. Just like Belichick wasn't just a DB coach when he basically did most of the strategy work when Al Groh was the DC (the Pats didn't switch to a 3-4 until Belichick came on board).

Rob -
I'm sorry, but I believe this is a case where you are saying 1+1=3.

Pees did an good job this year and the defense was better than you suggest.

As for Capers "advising on overall strategy," I have news for you, the defense is run just like the offense. With multiple people (read all the defensive coaches) have a hand in developing the game plan. Its not just Pees. So, I doubt that Capers will be doing most of the work and that Pees will be just a figurehead.

Also, where do you get that BB did most of the strategy work when Al groh was the DC?

You are right. The Pats didn't switch to a 3-4 until Belichick was here. But Belichick only joined the Pats for the 1 year that they went to the SB in 1996. The Pats were running a 4-3 as their base. Then he went with Parcells to the Jets and didn't return until 2000. And he didn't put in the 3-4 as the base defense until 2003. They tried in 2002, but were unsuccessful because neither Steve Martin nor Seymour could handle the position.

 

[signbabybrady]

I am sure Capers will have a bigger role than we know now but who nows what it will be. I doubt he was brought in for any whole sale changes. BB prolly wanted a coach with some differing 3-4 philosophies.

But IMO the real reason he has been brought in is quite simply teaching. We have three young players in the Secondary who will be having a big role in the defense next year Hobbs, Sanders, and Merriweather. Also factor in the new free agents and any Rookies and there will be alot of teaching that will be going on and why wouldn't BB want some one as capable as Capers to handle the task.

 

[Metaphors]

Instead of being knee-jerk, go back and read the original post. I never suggested BB is abandoning his philosophy to adopt Capers', just that a change appears to be in the works that has yet to be revealed.

I think both you and AJ are correct. I think the philosophy is sound, but the execution left something to be desired...particularly the play of the secondary. Some of that was likely personnel (and thus the mass exodus of DBs) but it also looks like BB believed that the coaching was lacking as well.

I would expect the new batch of DBs to be coached-up and become much more aggressive between the hashmarks. It seemed like any QB in 2007 willing to be patient and work the middle of the field could find an open receiver (with a Pats DB 1-2 steps trailing). That was fine given the record pace the offense was on, since just about every QB eventually forced a throw late and killed their chances.

I don't think this was a long-term strategy though. The God-awful opening drive of the SB is the reason why. The Pats D lost the game in the 4th quarter, but the stage was set much earlier. I would MUCH rather have had the Pats D give up a TD on a 4-5 minute drive than give up that FG on a crotch-kicking 10+ minute buzz kill that started the game.

Capers' defense in Pitt and Carolina were based on pressure and big plays in the middle of the field (interceptions, big hits, forced fumbles). I think we will see more aggressive play by the DBs combined with a new focus on bringing heat up front. As AJ points out, all of this can (and almost certainly will) be done in the context of the defensive philosophy already in place.

 

[Crazyeechrispats1]

Metaphors that excites me I like a good offense but nothing get's me going like a great defense.
But my concern besides tank and Sanders who else did we pick up that can lay the wood?
Some of these defensive backs aren't that much stronger than me and i'm only 5 ft 10 155.
I still would like to see this scenario trade down, into the early first and grab Groves or Avril, trade back up and select Kenny Phillips.
He is versatile has played with Merriweather before and I think can give us a sick safety tandem being coached up by BB Capers and Pees.
Isn't it strange we haven't even heard of us talking with him?
Could be the dark horse pick BB is aiming to trade back up for ala Chad Jackson.

 

[dhamz]

I don't think it is an exaggeration at all. Yes, Belichick has always been involved with both sides of the ball. Even the offense he has been on the sidelines working with Brady or the RB or whoever, but not to the extent he worked with the defense this year in particular late this year. I'm sorry, but I have never seen Belichick doing so much white board work with the defense.

During the Eagles Super Bowl, there is an often played highlight where the offense is on the field and BB is coaching the defense - at one point he yells at Wilfork to "stop pushing them and start doing his job." Somehow the Giants game is portrayed as different than what was done in the past. The truth is he has done this consistently while coaching the Pats. It is just that since the offensive line blocked in the Eagles Super Bowl, no one recalls him coaching the defense while the offense is on the field.

And in 2005, it was widely reported (though never confirmed) that BB took over defensive game planning and play calling down the stretch of the season and into the playoffs.

 

[Rob0729]

Rob -
I'm sorry, but I believe this is a case where you are saying 1+1=3.

Pees did an good job this year and the defense was better than you suggest.

As for Capers "advising on overall strategy," I have news for you, the defense is run just like the offense. With multiple people (read all the defensive coaches) have a hand in developing the game plan. Its not just Pees. So, I doubt that Capers will be doing most of the work and that Pees will be just a figurehead.

Also, where do you get that BB did most of the strategy work when Al groh was the DC?

You are right. The Pats didn't switch to a 3-4 until Belichick was here. But Belichick only joined the Pats for the 1 year that they went to the SB in 1996. The Pats were running a 4-3 as their base. Then he went with Parcells to the Jets and didn't return until 2000. And he didn't put in the 3-4 as the base defense until 2003. They tried in 2002, but were unsuccessful because neither Steve Martin nor Seymour could handle the position.

Although I don't think Pees did a horrible job, I think his job this year has been overrated and a lot of the defenses problems have been hidden by the offense being so potent. I don't know if Belichick was all that satisfied with it either. I felt he did a far better job with about the same personnel in 2005.

As for the defense being run, I do know that all coaches have a hand in the strategy, but only one or two people (the HC and DC) have say over the overall strategy and most of the in game adjustments. I think Capers was brought in to have a lot of say in that.

As for 1996, it was a 4-3 base, but the 3-4 was used as much or even more during a lot of the games of the season. The defensive philosophy changed quite a bit that year and it had to be at least in large part due to Belichick. I will admit that I have no specific knowledge of Belichick being in charge, but many people who covered the team felt it was the case.

They also tried the 3-4 in 2001, but Seymour just couldn't handle the NT responsibilities and was far more effective as a DT in the 4-3 or DE in 3-4.

 

[JackBauer]

As long as Sanders is on the bench for passing downs.
DW Toys

And who do we have at SS who can cover better?

 

[Crazyeechrispats1]

That's why adding a impact safety like a Philips or the kid from carolina his name escapes me at the moment.
A trade up in the first using our second and the oakland third could be just what the dr ordered.

 

[Rob0729]

During the Eagles Super Bowl, there is an often played highlight where the offense is on the field and BB is coaching the defense - at one point he yells at Wilfork to "stop pushing them and start doing his job." Somehow the Giants game is portrayed as different than what was done in the past. The truth is he has done this consistently while coaching the Pats. It is just that since the offensive line blocked in the Eagles Super Bowl, no one recalls him coaching the defense while the offense is on the field.

And in 2005, it was widely reported (though never confirmed) that BB took over defensive game planning and play calling down the stretch of the season and into the playoffs.

It wasn't just the Giants Super Bowl. It was in quite a few games. I just have never seen Belichick in front of the entire starting defense with a whiteboard drawing up plays with his back to the field as much as I have seen him do it this season. Maybe it is because the camera caught it more, but I remember at least three maybe four games where they had flashes of him several times doing this.

 

[ScottieC]

It wasn't just the Giants Super Bowl. It was in quite a few games. I just have never seen Belichick in front of the entire starting defense with a whiteboard drawing up plays with his back to the field as much as I have seen him do it this season. Maybe it is because the camera caught it more, but I remember at least three maybe four games where they had flashes of him several times doing this.

I think that BB set an NFL record with the no. of times the camera caught him last season.

 

[VJCPatriot]

The fact that Meriweather will be the starting FS is a big improvement. He can cover a whole lot more ground than Sanders or Harrison.

Umm, I don't think that it's etched in stone yet that Meriweather will be the starting FS. He will have to step up and win the job, he won't get it handed to him on a silver platter. That's just not the Patriot way. That being said, I hope he does step up and finally begins to grasp the Pats defensive system in his second year. Hopefully Coach Capers will play a big role in making that happen.

 

[DaBruinz]

That's why adding a impact safety like a Philips or the kid from carolina his name escapes me at the moment.
A trade up in the first using our second and the oakland third could be just what the dr ordered.

HUH? Why would the Pats need to trade up to take Kenny Phillips, who is listed as a late 1st early 2nd round pick? Also, that "kid" from Carolina is DuJuan Morgan. And he's rated as a 3rd round pick.

 

[DaBruinz]

It wasn't just the Giants Super Bowl. It was in quite a few games. I just have never seen Belichick in front of the entire starting defense with a whiteboard drawing up plays with his back to the field as much as I have seen him do it this season. Maybe it is because the camera caught it more, but I remember at least three maybe four games where they had flashes of him several times doing this.

Belichick has done the whole "White board" thing since he took the job here in New England.

He typically does it on plays where there were multiple breakdowns on a given play that resulted in the opposing team getting a big gain.

But, he's done it his entire career with New England.

 

[Crazyeechrispats1]

HUH? Why would the Pats need to trade up to take Kenny Phillips, who is listed as a late 1st early 2nd round pick? Also, that "kid" from Carolina is DuJuan Morgan. And he's rated as a 3rd round pick.

I meant after selecting a pass rusher with a slight trade down in the first to like 12th or 13th trading back up into the first early second for one of those guys.
Sorry should of clarified.

 

[Metaphors]

But my concern besides tank and Sanders who else did we pick up that can lay the wood?
Some of these defensive backs aren't that much stronger than me and i'm only 5 ft 10 155.

I think the safeties are all big hitters and there are very few CBs that are known to "lay the wood". I think it is more of a teaching and technique issue. How many times did you see a Pats DB (Gay especially) dive to knock down a pass in the middle of the field and whiff? Quite a few I would wager. Instead, stay on your feet, take a better angle and put your shoulder pad on the receiver's hands. Doesn't have to be a de-cleater as long as the ball ends up in the air or on the ground.

Didn't see enough of that in 2007. It only leads to good things...tipped passes in the air, alligator arms later in the game, QB hesitation, etc. I think the draft will be the primary place where this aggression will be acquired. Webster/Sanders/Bryant are short-timers that allow the Pats to shop for CB value without reaching for need.

If the Pats draft killer speed on the outside (Gholston, Groves, etc.) and aggressive, risk-taking corners (Talib, Cason, etc.) then I think it is clear this is the direction the defense is going. If we see solid, productive inside linebackers and technically sound zone corners, then you can probably ignore every post I've made in the last couple of months (if you haven't already).

 

[mmasterkillah]

I am extremely high on Kenny Phillips, as I have been for years. I think he is worthy of a top 15 pick, though he certainly won't be.

One thing that would concern me about his addition is that he is more of a FS than a strong safety. The Pats D really relies on having someone like Rodney or Tank on the field, and I'm not sure Kenny or Meriweather can fill that void. They seemingly play the same position in our defensive scheme.

 

[BradyManny]

Umm, I don't think that it's etched in stone yet that Meriweather will be the starting FS. He will have to step up and win the job, he won't get it handed to him on a silver platter. That's just not the Patriot way. That being said, I hope he does step up and finally begins to grasp the Pats defensive system in his second year. Hopefully Coach Capers will play a big role in making that happen.

He started at FS in the Super Bowl, I don't think it's much of a leap to suggest that if he can start - and play well - in the biggest game of the season that he is the likely candidate to be the starting FS next year. Particularly when he is the only true FS on the roster right now.