D_it_up

This, this, this! Tackling was HORRIBLE! That is something that can't be blamed on the system.

44Champs

Seriously??? Somebody needs to explain these "systems" to you? Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few years or dont know much about football, it should be obvious. You want examples - here you go .
Spags's successful defenses in NY and StL were built around creating a strong pass rush with just the front four so that the remainig 7 could be used in either coverage or to stop the run. You need AT LEAST one dominant lineman in order to create that element. In StL, Sags had Long, and in NY, he had several. Name ONE D-lineman on the Saints that other teams consider dominant - NONE!! Spags has incorporated the blitz more this year than he normally dooes because of that deficiency.
Williams "system" was to blitz blitz blitz which is because he realized we couldnt create a pass rush with just our front four. Fans that had been calling Smith, Ellis and Franklin "beasts" quit doing so because they realized how ineffective they were. The other part of Williams' system was to get players to strip the ball, which is why our D has been such a crappy tackling unit.
As far as Gibbs is concerned, who knows what the hell he was trying to do. I dont even know if he had a defensive philosophy. He just plain sucked as a D coordinator.

Finally, if you re-read my post, I never blamed the DC for evaluating and acquiring our personnel that we have, so I'm not sure where you came up w that. A a matter of fact, my point is the opposite: I didn't think we had the personnel in place to fit into Spag's defensive philosophy. That being said, I think Spags is doing a decent job of developing some of these players and getting them to understand what he's trying to get them to do. I think we have 1 or 2 D lineman that have the potential to develop into that dominant lineman that we need to make this system more effective.

saintsfan403

Did any of you guys read what Lofton had to say? He kinda hinted that this anonymous player is just too dumb to figure it out.
I wonder if it was Sed Elis?

spkb25

I saw more out of Spag's system then GW's. Even with how terrible they were- I saw more from his system. The game where Drew threw 5 int's against the Falcons I think we had 5 stops in a row of their offense. That's a pretty good offense. I don't think I can remember us ever doing that under GW. Matter of fact all I can remember is watching teams march up and down the field on us and praying for some form of magical turnover to save us again. Just my opinion, but I think we were due some growing pains going to a real system. I saw many bright spots the second half of the season. The biggest issue we had was nothing came together at the same time. If the D was on point the offense was failing. If the D and offense were playing well the ST's **** the bed. I can't wait to see how these guys play next year under his system. Hicks, TJ, and Cam on D-Line have me excited. I like our LB situation a whole lot better than any time under GW. I like 42 back at safety, interested to see if CW keeps improving, and like Mack as a backup. Probably could use a really good corner, but either way I think we have some things to look forward on D.

Your team stinks

Rugby Saint II

Our defense is basically stupid and has a tough time running schemes.

Danno

Just my 2 cents, he runs mostly zone and depends heavily on front line talent to apply pressure. LB's are required to cover deeper zones than most and his safeties typically play Left-Right instead of Strong-Free.

Since our front 4 wasn't the best at applying pressure to begin with, and our LB's aren't very good in coverage, and our CB's are better suited for man-to-man and our safeties better suited for Strong-Free, I would probably stay away from a scheme or system that is basically opposite of what your players do best.

At least thats my armchair stab at it.

Rugby Saint II

Maybe I should have finished with just my opinion. When I watch our defense play I see missed assignments, missed tackles and slow pursuit with bad angles. Oh, and almost no half time adjustments.
I JUST DON'T THINK SAPAGS DID A GOOD JOB WITH WHAT HE HAD.
I AM NOT CALLING FOR HIS HEAD, I JUST THINK OUR PLAYERS ARE STUPID. I CALL IT LIKE I SEE IT.
Just my humble opinion!

pinch

But here is where we differ I guess. When your defense is last in NFL history then 'somewhat better' improvements just isn't going to cut it. While we have our entire lives to adapt to our careers, NFL players have at most a few years. Hoping the players will smarten-up or improve due to an offseason is something Haslett would do.

TheOak

So we should run a dumbed-down defense that is comprehensible by the lowest IQs on the team?

Yea.... um that's going to throw opposing QBs into a tizzy

Supertek

If it is all about the players and having the best than anyone could be a sucessful coach which I dont agree with totally. Good Players have to be disiplined and cover their responsibilities which I know wasn't happening. The question is was it the players fault or was spags not putting them in position to have success I cant really answer that. Only those coaches and players really know what went down. I think Payton will do a lot to fix this and hold spags and or the players accountable again.