Ron Meeks to improve Carolina Defense
January 27, 2009
Much is being speculated this morning on the Ron Meeks hire and what it means to the Carolina Panthers defense.
Many assume this means Carolina will be moving to the famed “Tampa 2″ defense. This is a bad assumption. The Carolina Panthers will not, in fact, be overhauling their defensive scheme. Ron Meeks is not being brought in to Carolina for answers on improving the defense. Ron Meeks is being brought in to help implement successfully the defensive vision of Head Coach John Fox.
Meeks will be what Trgovac was not. A competent communicator and technician who is able to get the most out of the defensive players. One thing that anyone who has ever coached under Tony Dungy understands is the importance of fundamentals, solid tackling and avoiding mental errors. These are the things that are being entrusted to Ron Meeks, and not coincidentally, these are the things the Panthers were severely lacking in last season. In most cases, poor execution was at fault more so than a bad defensive plan. Ron Meeks will now be in charge of making sure every one of his defensive players execute with precision on every play.
The Carolina Defense has a long way to go before it is again considered a top tier defense in the league.
The Meeks hire is a huge step in getting them there.
Ron Meeks hired
January 26, 2009
Ron Meeks is the new Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator.
Talk about it here:
http://www.carolinahuddle.com/forum/carolina-panthers/7057-ron-meeks-new-d-coordinator.html
3-4 Defense? Won’t Happen….
January 23, 2009
The Panthers fan community is all abuzz this morning talking about how running a 3-4 defense is a real possibility now with the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac.
I really hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but switching to a 3-4 is about as likely as Kemo moving to Free Safety.
This team is still ultimately run by John Fox, who is an old school 4-3 guy through and through. The 3-4 is being heralded as the best thing in the NFL, just as it is everytime a Superbowl team runs it. I don’t remember anyone calling for the 3-4 after playing Oakland in recent seasons. As with any scheme, its only as good as those who are calling it, and those who are playing it.The 2-4 will not happen in Carolina as long as John Fox is the Head Coach. This topic is settled.
One thing is certain, John Fox will hire someone that buys into his defensive scheme completely. He is not interested in the grand ideas of up and coming defensive minded coaches. The overall schemes and philosophy will not change.
One thing that can change, however, is the intensity in practice and on the field. A new coordinator will have the opportunity to energize the defense. Trgovac had become settled in his ways, and predictible. Players, consciously or not, also settle into his personality and expectations. This works no differently than in the business world, with a new boss comes a honeymoon period of increased productivity. Employees no longer feel comfortable resting on their past accomplishments. Even the veterans on the defense of this team will feel the need to prove themselves again.
Trgovac is history
January 22, 2009
Mike Trgovac has reportedly decided not to continue at the Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator.
This news will no doubt instill excitement and hope in the Panthers fan base.
Herm Edwards, a friend of John Fox, is rumored to be the lead candidate. Edwards is excpected to be let go in Kansas City.
A closer look at defensive performance
January 20, 2009
With the news being reported that the Carolina Panthers have offered a contract renewal to Defensive Coordinator Mike Trgovac, I thought it would be helpful to take a closer look at how his defense has performed since taking over the coordinator position in 2003.
Here is the Carolina Panthers Defense, ranked using two different metrics:
Ranking by Yards allowed per Game
2003 – 8th
2004 – 20th
2005 – 3rd
2006 – 7th
2007 – 16th
2008 – 18th
Ranking by Points allowed per Game
2003 – 10th
2004 – 15th
2005 – 5th
2006 – 8th
2007 – 15th
2008 – 12th
The most positive thing here, in terms of the more important points allowed per game ranking, the Carolina Panthers have stayed in the top half of the league Trgovac’s entire tenure. This certainly indicated some level of success, and the Panthers front office most certainly recognized it.
The bad news? The Panthers have had relatively healthy defensive seasons now over the last two years, but still manages some of their worst performances. If the same coaching staff was in place, and the team was healthy, why would that be? I would wager it boils down to a lack of leadership. Heavy turnover occurred in the losses of Minter, Morgan, Rucker, and Buckner. In losing those players, the defense also lost its swagger, its confidence. Jerry Richardson made a mistake in calling on Julius Peppers to be a team leader. Peppers is not and never will be a leader, his personality make up has foot soldier burnt into it. The coaching staff cannot be on the field with the defense during the plays. Leadership from the core group of players is as mandatory for a successful franchise as any other facet of the game.
The good news is this, Jon Beason and Chris Harris have begun to fill the void. I believe with stronger on field leadership alone, the Panthers defense will be propelled back in to top 10 form in 2009.
Defensive Line coach heads to Alabama
January 20, 2009
As news of the Julius Peppers departure lingers, the man that has been his positions coach for 6 seasons is also leaving.
Sal Sunseri has reportedly accepted a coaching position at The University of Alabama under Nick Saban.
Sunseri was always an exciting character in Training camp. Ever energetic, you could always count on Sal for colorful language being yelled at rookie and veteran alike. From summer school to the post season, Sal brought a strong presence to the defense. He clearly was passionate about his job in Carolina, which begs the question, why leave now?
This news only adds to the speculation that defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac is on the hot seat. If Sunseri felt that Trgovac’s position is in question, he would realize that his own position is also not assured next season. Many times new defensive coordinators prefer to bring in their own staff to implement their own defense. This could be the reason the Panthers for the first time under John Fox have advised the coaching staff to consider other options that may come their way.
Currently the coaching staff is attending their annual Senior Bowl outing, so don’t expect any big news this week. I suspect by this time next week, the Panthers coaching staff could look much different.
Position coach could bring big impact
January 19, 2009
Lost in all of the Julius Peppers hoopla this weekend was the fact that QB coach Mike Mcoy left for Denver. The Panthers immediately hired Rip Scherer.
No doubt this came based on a recommendation by Panthers Offensive Coordinator Jeff Davidson. Davidson and Scherer were peers in Cleveland.
Scherer has held a wide variety of coaching positions in both college and pro ranks, including a college head coaching position for five years in Memphis.
So how does this effect the Panthers? Mike McCoy failed to develop one young QB into even a competent backup. Many will point to the successes of Jake Delhomme and credit McCoy, but Delhomme was already developed fully when he arrived in Carolina, and one could make a strong argument that Delhomme has regressed since 2003.
McCoy was given more than a handful of young quarterbacks, high on talent and low on experience. McCoy was unable to mold any of these players into a competent backup, much less an adequate starter. This fact, more than any other, indicates a real lack of talent at the QB coaching position.
Enter Rip Scherer.
The Panthers were not the only team interested in Scherer’s services. San Francisco also interviewed him for the same position last week. Scherer again in San Francisco interviewed on the recommendation of another ex Browns coach. He is known as more of a technician than McCoy. Scherer has always been a believer in mechanics. When Brady Quinn arrived in Cleveland, Rip tweaked his mechanics and improved Quinn’s accuracy.
The bottom line here is that the Panthers could hire someone who has an instant chemistry with Jeff Davidson, who is willing to actually mold players into something the offensive scheme calls for, even if that means actually coaching a player up and adjusting mechanics if needed.
The happiest guys on the team this week are Josh McCown and Matt Moore. They now have a clean slate and a more level playing field to compete for the backup position. With this new QB coach, for the first time in many seasons, Panther fans may be able to see a home grown Panthers QB take the field as a starter.
Hope and Change in 09
January 18, 2009
Of course you have heard it for months now. Hope, change, hope about change and changing our hopes.
Didn’t think it would bleed over to Panthers football did you?
Well, it has, and the offseason of 2009 will go down as one of hope and change for the Carolina Panthers.
Change is coming, and fairly quickly. Our good friend Darin Gantt has reported that the Panthers front office, who historically has blocked defensive staff from interviewing elsewhere, is now allowing it this season. Defensive backs coach Tim Lewis is interviewing for a Defensive Coordinator position. The phone will not ring for Panthers defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac, however. It has been silent for 5 seasons now. The odds of him being replaced in Carolina this offseason is 50/50. Much of the decision will hinge on who is available to replace him, which is why the Herm Edwards situation deserves a close eye. Edwards would instantly improve the Panthers defense, and if the move is made soon enough, may convince Julius Peppers his best seasons in Carolina are ahead of him. That is something the front office never did quite understand about Julius Peppers. Peppers is not a leader. Peppers does not make his fellow players any better than they already are. Peppers is an introverted guy that requires a strong presence to demand the best from him (see Buckner and Rucker). Edwards is the exact type of father figure that could get the most out of Peppers.
Hope currently resides Jon Beason and Deangelo Williams. These two young players are the future of this team, and both posess all of the characteristics to become all pro players and individuals. They both are leaders on the field and can drive those around them to elevate their level of play as well. These two players more than any other give Panthers fans a reason to be extremely excited about not only 2009, but the next several seasons. These two players can have franchises built around them.
Hang on to your butts, Panthers fans. Its going to be a dramatic offseason.
Hope and Change in 09
More bad news for Carolina…
January 17, 2009
Jon Gruden is out in Tampa.
The Carolina Panthers could always count on Jon Gruden for a mediocre offensive threat that consisted of a mish mosh of players that never get comfortable in his scheme. In the end, Gruden is not much of a coach. This supposed offensive minded guy was never able to impress anyone in Tampa. He owes everything he achieved there to Monte Kiffen, who is also no longer a bucs coach.
It would have been in the best interest of the Panthers for the Bucs to have held on to Gruden. He was predictable and average.Without Monte Kiffen leading the defense, the team would have looked like the creamsicle Bucs of old.
Now Tampa will find a new head coach. While it may or may not be a home run choice, it does mean that the Panthers will face a brand new opponent twice in 2009. Sean Payton and Mike Smith both had great success as first year coaches in the NFC South for New Orleans and Atlanta respectively. It could be Tampa Bay’s turn.
So…..what now?
January 14, 2009
Now that you have had a few days to absorb the loss and purge it from your body, it is time to talk about the future.
I will address a few things the fans of Carolina have been saying until my ears bleed…
Cut Jake!
No. Jake Delhomme is still the leader of this offense. A QB is not made or broken on a single performance. He had one of the better seasons of his career. I do expect a contract restructuring, he is due to make 11 million in 2009.
Fire Fox!
No. John Fox is not going anywhere. The Carolina Panthers are about consistency if anything, and Fox will bring it again next season.
Sign Favre, Vick, or Collins!
No, no, and no. These ridiculous statements deserve no further comment.
Fire Trgovac!
This one may have some merit, although still unlikely. The defense of the Carolina Panthers has become a liability despite its talented players. If it were an economy, it would be in stagflation. It needs a change. Herm Edwards will be available for a DC position in this league, and would be my pick as someone who could improve the defense immediately.
Let Peppers Go!
It seems Peppers is already out the door. Big contracts for big players are always done during the season if the Panthers plan to retain the player. If there is not a contract by the season’s end, likely the player will not be a Panther the next season. Look for the Panthers to sign and trade Peppers for a first round pick this year, possibly through the franchise player tag. At least Panthers fans would have the draft to look forward to. Lets hope for a mid first rounder.
All in all this offseason will resemble every other offseason of the Panthers under John Fox. Minor tweaks and changes, a key free agent signing or two, and a solid draft.
I am looking forward to it.
