Now we have some Fewell in our tank

[MHS831]

The secondary is/was perhaps this team's biggest question mark at the end of the season.  We lost our SS, Nickel, and Gaulden had not really stepped up as hoped.  Reid would be moved to SS, but we still had multiple holes and no depth.

Fewell has always been a solid coach--a Super Bowl winning DC, an interim head coach, a defensive backs coach for some 30 years.  How  much of an impact  will he  make?

We are already seeing it.  Cockrell getting time at S--a very smart player,  Elliot stepping up, helping Gaulden find  his  role (elephant  nickel).  Aside from  personnel, expect  our technique to improve.  I expect that our outside CBs (Bradberry, Jackson) to be the biggest beneficiaries  of this. 

Some quotes:

• “He’s very detail-oriented. He’s really going to coach you on technique,” said James Bradberry.
• “He has tremendous knowledge. His football IQ is really high,” said Ross Cockrell.
• "He’s big on technique. I think that’s where I come from and that’s where he and I have the most in common," Donte Jackson said.

With some quality coaching like I expect, this "weakness" could become a very solid unit, especially with the front 7 they have in front of  them. 

Ages: (Most players are in their  primes or approaching it)

• S Cockrell 28
• S Reid  27
• S Boston 27
• S Luke 24
• S/Nickel  Gaulden 24
• CB  Bradberry 26
• CB/Nickel Elliot 26
• CB Seymore 25
• CB Doss 25
• CB/Nickel Elder 24
• CB Jackson 23

2019 Projection:   Look for Reid  to  step up as a monster SS and leader.  He has the stuff to do both...  I think Bradberry will benefit the most from Fewell at CB, and he is in a contract year...The nickel spots have been glaring weaknesses for some time--Brees and Ryan have been feeding on them for years.  There are rumblings that we could have  solved the problem...Fewell's biggest challenge might be Boston; if he can get his playing smart, taking good angles, and anticipating, watch out.  This secondary has improved--how much remains  to be  seen.  A lot depends on the pressure we can generate from Irvin, Addison, Burns, and maybe Miller and Haynes.  If Poe and KK step up to  join McCoy this season-- my word.

[Daddy_Uncle]

One of those under the radar moves that can have a huge impact 

[CLG]

Our coaching staff is as solid as our on the field personnel this year. Exciting times in Carolina and hope it all comes together.

[ellis]

I have been so impressed with the secondary at camp. Great coverage. Limited blown assignments. They are physical. I think that’s the point of emphasis this year with the 34. Get up there and jam. No more of this C3 soft dogshit. 

[mc52beast]

Fewell has a history with Ron, coached with him on the Bears team that dominated on defense. Pretty sure he coached with him in SD. Also was on the SB winning Giants team in 2012.

[Captain Morgan]

good point about the age of the guys in our secondary...they indeed are in their prime.

One thing I've harped on the last few years is the constant disruptions in our coaching staff.  That makes things harder for our players.  With no changes in our coordinators for the first time in years (with Ron as the de factor DC) everyone is on the same page, and Fewell is a real game changer.....we just need our nickels to work out.  

Things are looking good.

[rippadonn]

Glad to see Perry here, finally. He's definitely a guy you want to keep around just in case.