Steve Spagnuolo hired as "senior defensive assistant"

[GrimCoconut]

I misread then. 

 

I don't like Pees because I don't like the philosophy he employs. It is a bad philosophy that imo spits on the hallmark of this franchises defense which is to make our opponents earn every single inch and to not give anything away. But even still I don't like the philosophy he employs because it makes 0 sense. 

 

Pees only cares about 3 things on defense

 

Points Allowed

Red Zone Def

3rd Down Conversions

 

I don't think I have to explain why yards per play and caring about that directly correlates to the probability of a successful 3rd down. I don't think I have to explain why generating turnovers or negative yardage plays should factor in among many other factors that this Ravens D under the leadership of Lewis and other coordinators has exhibited over the last 10 years. 

 

I have no problem on emphasizing these three things. I have a problems with Pees using this to install and emphasize a bend dont break mentality and its apparent in his coaching style, which you also see in Belichick's style of D. Bend don't break is not what made us a top 2/3 defense consistently over the last decade. Make them earn every inch has. 

I am neither for nor against Pees at this moment. I'm willing to wait it out and see what he produces with the players we now have on this team. 

 

Pees coordinated as the DC for the Pats from 2006-2009. In 2006, the Pats were ranked the 6th overall defense. That was his first year as their DC. 2007, the Pats ranked as the 4th overall defense. 2008 the Pats ranked 10th overall defense. In 2009, his final year as the DC for the Pats, they ranked 11th overall on defense. 

 

When Pees left the Pats, they ranked as the 8th WORST defense in the league. In 2011, they were the 2nd worst defense in the NFL. In 2012, the Pats were the 8th worst defense in the NFL again. 

 

So, that begs you to wonder: what did the Pats rank BEFORE Pees was the DC? Maybe they were a good defense before him? That would explain the good ranking. Well, nope. In 2005, before Pees was the DC, the Pats ranked as the 7th worst defense in the league. In 2004, they ranked as the 9th best defense in the league. 2003 they were the 7th best defense in the league. In 2002, they ranked as the 10th WORST defense in the league. What's this say? The Pats were consistently the best defense in the NFL while Pees was the DC. Before him, they were inconsistent. After him, they were ranked as one of the worst in the NFL. 

 

I'm sorry, but I just can't throw Pees under the bus just yet. I wasn't a fan but I am not a hater, either. 

[jaege]

Yes. Let's pause and see how this new and revitalized defense fares this year. If Pees still has a poorly ranked defense then I will be with you calling for his head. I have to give him a chance because he had little to work with compared to Chuckie.

You are putting word in my post that were not there. I never "called for his head". I didn't even suggest he should be replaced. I merely said that being friends with Spags was not any sort of testament to Spags abilities.

Others have sugggested that Spags was a great catch. They cited his friendship with Pees and Harbaugh, but that carries no weight with me, since the idiot (better known as Cam Cameron) was also a friend of Harbs, and look what a mess he made of things. As far as Spags, what has he done in the last few years? Nothing? Less than nothing? He was an HC for the Rams, I believe. The sorry, cannot even get a winning season, Rams? I am not really seeing Spags great credentials.

[GrimCoconut]

You are putting word in my post that were not there. I never "called for his head". I didn't even suggest he should be replaced. I merely said that being friends with Spags was not any sort of testament to Spags abilities.

Others have sugggested that Spags was a great catch. They cited his friendship with Pees and Harbaugh, but that carries no weight with me, since the idiot (better known as Cam Cameron) was also a friend of Harbs, and look what a mess he made of things. As far as Spags, what has he done in the last few years? Nothing? Less than nothing? He was an HC for the Rams, I believe. The sorry, cannot even get a winning season, Rams? I am not really seeing Spags great credentials.

I guess I misunderstood you. I suppose I am human. 

 

I also didn't mean that Spagnuolo is a friend of Pees. I don't remember that. I meant he's a friend of Harbaugh's. 

[AlaskanRavensFan]

The thing about Pees that I think fans don't like is his penchant for vanilla defense. He employs a bend but don't break style of defense. Fans in Bmore are used to an aggressive blitzing defense. Pees places an emphasis on 3rd down defense and red zone defense. It's a no-nonsense approach...if the other team doesn't score, who cares how many yards were given up. He does blitz on occasion, but he does it infrequently enough that it catches the other team off guard. It was certainly not what I was used to watching in Baltimore, but it was effective enough to win a Superbowl and that was with lots of injuries.

 

Maybe Spags can help Pees bring some of the blitzing back to Bmore's D.

[Purple Punishment]

The thing about Pees that I think fans don't like is his penchant for vanilla defense. He employs a bend but don't break style of defense. Fans in Bmore are used to an aggressive blitzing defense. Pees places an emphasis on 3rd down defense and red zone defense. It's a no-nonsense approach...if the other team doesn't score, who cares how many yards were given up. He does blitz on occasion, but he does it infrequently enough that it catches the other team off guard. It was certainly not what I was used to watching in Baltimore, but it was effective enough to win a Superbowl and that was with lots of injuries.
 
Maybe Spags can help Pees bring some of the blitzing back to Bmore's D.

Completely disagree. Peas had a broken defense to work with almost all season. I think he did a wonderful job with them. We couldn't bring pressure like he wanted to I'm certain of it

[The Raven]

I misread then. 

 

I don't like Pees because I don't like the philosophy he employs. It is a bad philosophy that imo spits on the hallmark of this franchises defense which is to make our opponents earn every single inch and to not give anything away. But even still I don't like the philosophy he employs because it makes 0 sense. 

 

Pees only cares about 3 things on defense

 

Points Allowed

Red Zone Def

3rd Down Conversions

 

I don't think I have to explain why yards per play and caring about that directly correlates to the probability of a successful 3rd down. I don't think I have to explain why generating turnovers or negative yardage plays should factor in among many other factors that this Ravens D under the leadership of Lewis and other coordinators has exhibited over the last 10 years. 

 

I have no problem on emphasizing these three things. I have a problems with Pees using this to install and emphasize a bend dont break mentality and its apparent in his coaching style, which you also see in Belichick's style of D. Bend don't break is not what made us a top 2/3 defense consistently over the last decade. Make them earn every inch has. 

 

So, you have a problem with Pees putting an emphasis on red-zone defense, points allowed, and 3rd down conversions?

 

I take it you've never watched a football game ever. I hate to be a jerk but that's just ridiculous. Those three things are the MOST IMPORTANT three things in modern defense. No argument!

[The Raven]

Considering the injuries and lack of talent last season, I think Pees did admirably. For our defense to finish in the middle of the pack with the shoddy roster we had is remarkable.

[K-Dog]

Considering the injuries and lack of talent last season, I think Pees did admirably. For our defense to finish in the middle of the pack with the shoddy roster we had is remarkable.

This.

You really can't compare out September defense to our December / post season defense.
They looked totally different on many levels.

[jaege]

I guess I misunderstood you. I suppose I am human. 
 
I also didn't mean that Spagnuolo is a friend of Pees. I don't remember that. I meant he's a friend of Harbaugh's.

You're a HUMAN? I thought you were a coconut.

[Yatagarasu]

The thing about Pees that I think fans don't like is his penchant for vanilla defense. He employs a bend but don't break style of defense. Fans in Bmore are used to an aggressive blitzing defense. Pees places an emphasis on 3rd down defense and red zone defense. It's a no-nonsense approach...if the other team doesn't score, who cares how many yards were given up. He does blitz on occasion, but he does it infrequently enough that it catches the other team off guard. It was certainly not what I was used to watching in Baltimore, but it was effective enough to win a Superbowl and that was with lots of injuries.

 

Maybe Spags can help Pees bring some of the blitzing back to Bmore's D.

 

If you read the notes from pees throughout the season, he had to change the defense due to the injuries.

 

Pees would've ran a more aggressive defense if Webb, Suggs, Lewis, and others weren't hurt.

 

I think he put an emphasis on getting a pass rusher and Ozzie got Elvis Dumervil.

[Yatagarasu]

I can't wait to see how our defense will look like.

[msufan]

I think spags will be out DC next yr. this is the exact thing they did with Caldwell last yr. Pees deserves one year with a healthy D to prove what he can do. And I have been saying that since the beging of last yr when it seemed everyone was calling for his head.

On a side note like it or not Harbs always brings friends in. So just because cam was a fail and he did get a free two yrs because of the lockout. Doesn't mean that the coaches brought in that are Harbs friends are bad. Don't see everyone bashing Juan. Now if you want to bash spags because of the saints D last yr I understand. I watched almost every saints game because of where I live they were terrible. They however didn't have the talent that we have.

[jdynamite]

I don't really understand the move, sure John might be helping a long time friend out by giving him a job that allows him to stay active and keep his name out there.

But I felt like last year Dean Pees had his ups and downs but once he moved upstairs the defense made massive improvements, and year 2 would only get better in my eyes.

Spagnola did coach the Giants Super Bowl defense but people forget that was a middle of the pack defense that got hot with Strahan , Osi , & Tuck constant pressure. While at the Rams it didn't seem like he put his stamp on that defense, he certainly didn't improve the Saints D last year either. He seems to still be living off that 07' playoff run.

[jdynamite]

You're a HUMAN? I thought you were a coconut.

Lol

[Tiz]

I don't really understand the move, sure John might be helping a long time friend out by giving him a job that allows him to stay active and keep his name out there.
But I felt like last year Dean Pees had his ups and downs but once he moved upstairs the defense made massive improvements, and year 2 would only get better in my eyes.
Spagnola did coach the Giants Super Bowl defense but people forget that was a middle of the pack defense that got hot with Strahan , Osi , & Tuck constant pressure. While at the Rams it didn't seem like he put his stamp on that defense, he certainly didn't improve the Saints D last year either. He seems to still be living off that 07' playoff run.

Well this just makes it a great move for him as well
Teams seem to look at our DCs for coaching candidate and we seem to hire our new DCs from within
Is way spags is on staff working with the players and making himself a candidate for our dc position the next year

He learns from us we learn things from him

[GrimCoconut]

Unless Pees has an awful year I don't think he is going anywhere. I think this move is more related to Teryl Austin or Ted Monachino. Spags was also a defensive backs coach and linebacker coach.

[msufan]

I hope we can hide Austin for as long as possible. What he did last yr with our secondary.

[Ravens1991]

I really like the potential of our team in a 43 front this upcoming season.   I would feel very comfortable with a front 7 like this.


DE-McPhee
DT-Ngata

DT-Canty/Jones or whoever
DE-Dumerville

WLB-Brown

MLB-Jameel McClain

SLB-Suggs

As long as Suggs hasnt lost a step from the achillis injury he should be able to play SLB in certain situations. 

Another option is this


DE-Suggs
DT-Ngata
DT-Canty/Jones or whoever wins the battle
DE-Dumerville

WLB-BRown
MLB-Jameel McClain

SLB-Upshaw or Mclellan or Rolando

I question if Upshaw and MCLellan can play 43 SLB, and IDK if Rolando will even be on the team next year.  But if one of them can play 43 SLB this front 7 will be very good.


I think we do have the talent do be a dominant team in a 43 as well as a 34 this year.

[CARavensFan]

I hope we can hide Austin for as long as possible. What he did last yr with our secondary.

 

Plus just look at the list of some ofthe guys he's coached, impacts, or brought here:

 

Ed Reed

Michael Huff

Fabian Washington

Matt Elam

 

Those are just the guys off the top of my head that have played with the Ravens and specifically called out Austin for being a guy they loved to play for.

[Blackbirds Rule]

I really like the potential of our team in a 43 front this upcoming season.   I would feel very comfortable with a front 7 like this.


DE-McPhee
DT-Ngata

DT-Canty/Jones or whoever
DE-Dumerville

WLB-Brown

MLB-Jameel McClain

SLB-Suggs

As long as Suggs hasnt lost a step from the achillis injury he should be able to play SLB in certain situations. 

Another option is this


DE-Suggs
DT-Ngata
DT-Canty/Jones or whoever wins the battle
DE-Dumerville

WLB-BRown
MLB-Jameel McClain

SLB-Upshaw or Mclellan or Rolando

I question if Upshaw and MCLellan can play 43 SLB, and IDK if Rolando will even be on the team next year.  But if one of them can play 43 SLB this front 7 will be very good.


I think we do have the talent do be a dominant team in a 43 as well as a 34 this year.

Who said it's converting to a 43. I think some sub formations may look like a 43 but we'll predominantly be 34. Our 3-4 front seven in run situations will most likely be. This is also assuming Jameel won't be able to go. If he is he still backs up Brown as the WILB.

 

DE Canty

NT Williams

DE Ngata

OLB Suggs

SILB Rolando

WILB Brown

OLB Upshaw

 

Our passing front seven in 34

 

DE Canty/McPhee

NT Spears/Ngata

DE Jones

OLB Suggs/Simon

SILB Rolando/McClellan/Upshaw

WILB Brown

OLB Dumervil/McPhee/Upshaw

[CapoRocky]

Really like the move. He was on point with that Giants D in 07 when they beat the 19-0 Pats in the SB and got to Brady all game. I'm really exited about the D this year. Expect energetic, fresh, fast, hard hitting ravens defense.. Will be the best defensive unit we've had in the Harbaugh era. Clearly an upgrade over last year's 17th ranked group.

It's no surprise that they brought in the guy who orchestrated 5 sacks of Brady in the SB to help Suggs and Dumervil hunt!

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I like the signing.

He will be asked to focus on a specific task, role with the defense... not coach the entire defense and call plays.

I dont think he's going to have a major impact positively or negatively, but it brings another experienced football mind into the fold. We have a very young defense this year, so the more experienced coaches we have on that side of the ball means more individual attention that can be paid to the young players in helping them develop.

[flygunit88]

all i remember is the saints getting shredded all season, and the rams well look at that record....hey just saying i guess i didnt get my koolaid this morning....

[CARavensFan]

all i remember is the saints getting shredded all season, and the rams well look at that record....hey just saying i guess i didnt get my koolaid this morning....

 

I'm not drinking koolaid here, just presenting facts:

 

The Rams were in a major rebuild mode, right now their defense has become much improved which is his area of expertise. Sam Bradford hasn't been what everyone thought he'd be when he went 1st overall, but you can't can a 1st overall QB with the contract he has so they canned the coach.

 

The Saints were a mess all around last year, they were a hybrid, blitzing, bend don't break style defense that doesn't fit the standard 4-3 style that Spags ran in NY.

 

I think he was over his head as the Rams HC and he may have taken a bit of the fall for the Saints just flat having a terrible defense, but he's not here to be our HC or even the DC, he's just another experienced, talented coach you can olny help our guys get better.

[The Raven]

all i remember is the saints getting shredded all season, and the rams well look at that record....hey just saying i guess i didnt get my koolaid this morning....

 

Saints didn't have an ounce of talent on that defense. Rams were in rebuilding mode, and even so, one's performance as a HC is hardly indicative of one's performance as a DC. 

 

All you need to know about Spags is that he was the DC of the Giants when they beat the 18-1 Patriots. His d-line sacked Brady five times - the most he'd been sacked all year. He knows what he's doing.

[CARavensFan]

Saints didn't have an ounce of talent on that defense. Rams were in rebuilding mode, and even so, one's performance as a HC is hardly indicative of one's performance as a DC. 

 

All you need to know about Spags is that he was the DC of the Giants when they beat the 18-1 Patriots. His d-line sacked Brady five times - the most he'd been sacked all year. He knows what he's doing.

 

Great minds think alike in this instance ;)

[flygunit88]

we will see....cant wait for the season to start....

[Ravens1991]

Who said it's converting to a 43. I think some sub formations may look like a 43 but we'll predominantly be 34. Our 3-4 front seven in run situations will most likely be. This is also assuming Jameel won't be able to go. If he is he still backs up Brown as the WILB.

 

DE Canty

NT Williams

DE Ngata

OLB Suggs

SILB Rolando

WILB Brown

OLB Upshaw

 

Our passing front seven in 34

 

DE Canty/McPhee

NT Spears/Ngata

DE Jones

OLB Suggs/Simon

SILB Rolando/McClellan/Upshaw

WILB Brown

OLB Dumervil/McPhee/Upshaw

I never said a full convert to a 4-3. It was just an idea I had because I am really high on Pernell McPhee and if we do a 43 agressive he can come in and line up at LDE and we can keep Doom and Suggs on the field. If we move him to OLB which reports are saying we will do IDK how often he will see the field.

[msufan]

McPhee is going to play. I think the coaches like him which is great cuz he is talented. They are going to find a way to get him on the field.

[The Raven]

I think we'll be seeing more wide nine and four DE sets with Spags' influence.