FinSaint

Sure, but that wasn't the point.

The point I was trying to make was that Spags didn't exactly know what "tools" he would have - taking into consideration who they'd be able to get via FA and draft - and he didn't know if those "tools" that were already there would indeed fit his particular "toolbox." And he probably thought that he could get more out of some of the guys, but they might not have responded to his coaching in the way he thought - that could be also something that was brought about by the Bountygate atmosphere and the fact that key personnel were suspended.

I'm not a coach, so I don't know this for sure, but I would think that it's very difficult to accurately make the evaluation based on film and reports whether or not a player will fit into a certain system if it is different than the one he has been playing in most recently. I would think that you need to put those guys on the field and observe them playing in the system to really see if they fit or not, and whether or not the system needs to be changed to better suit the players.

Now, on that last point I do think Spags dropped the ball, because he didn't or couldn't adjust his system to fit the Saints defensive roster, but that is a different point than the one I was referring to earlier. Spags was most of all brought in to implement his system and not to fix the weaknesses of the existing defense, and maybe that mindset had him wait too long to adjust his system to fit the players better - because he was expecting the players to adjust their playing styles to fit his system.

"I'm not bashing people, I'm bashing their opinions because in my opinion their opinion is wrong" - Danno

TheOak

Now THAT is an intangible Sean Payton couldn't have seen on game tape. Spags failing to adapt.

We have gotten off into the weeds but, If you ever get the chance listen to NFLSirius and listen to Pat Kerwan and Tim Ryan break down tape. It's amazing what they can gather on every player on the field from tape. Jaw dropping.

Ill give you that 20% of the D may have been an unknown... HOWEVER, Spags was a huge part of the decision on the defensive drafts and FA. So he made part of his own bed.

FinSaint

Nothing wrong with the defensive draft, Hicks and White were both strong picks, and both will be big contributors in the future - yes, White also.

And Spags definitely had a hand in the free agency, but he can't really do anything if the FO can't get a player signed whom Spags would've wanted.

But anyway, it doesn't matter. Spags clearly wasn't the answer, but he definitely wasn't the only reason why the defense was as bad as it was, no matter how much some seem to think so.

Rugby Saint II

An attitude is not always the best thing to have,

pherein

Personally I think its was Sprag and not so much the defense. Sprags was a HC sense 2009. 3 Years of being god on the field to build his ego, and 3 years to forget how to be a great DC.
He walked in here still in HC mode, and with no one like SP to slap him around on the sidelines, he pretty much did what he wanted. I think some of the players statements support that.

Not saying Sprags is a bad guy or DC. Just saying he forget how to be a DC and acted like a HC to the defense. In 2-3 seasons Sprag will find his place again, and forget about getting another HC job. But he wasnt ready when he came here. The numbers on D were way to horrible to blame it on players.
..and one of the hazards of hiring a HC who used to be a great DC removed from coorinating for so long .. and the only thing that worries me about Crennel also. Otherwise I like Crennel as a pick.

Saints proved that pigs could fly in 2009.
Now its time for another miracle SuperBowl and go where no pig has gone before.