07-11-2017, 03:24 PM
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#10
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Site Donor 2019
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Bedford, TX
Posts: 24,738
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Re: Ranking NFL linebackers by team
Originally Posted by ChrisXVI
However, I think people should temper the enthusiasm for just how much Mike Nolan will turn this group around. He made his reputation from coaching the likes of Ray Lewis and Patrick Willis and we don't have one of them. I don't remember Atlanta's LB corp being any good when he was their DC.
Circle back to those 2013-2015 defenses Atlanta had while Nolan was there. They were eerily similar to the 2016 Saints defense ... little to no pass rush, lack of talent at LB, bad depth & and a ton of injuries to the secondary. Things didn't turn around until they acquired solid Free Agents, & drafted well (Beasley, Jalen C, Garrett, Neal and Debo). Quinn & his staff were able to "coach up" talent (see their Super Bowl appearance). Unfortunately for Mike, he never had a chance to work with most of those current players. I agree Mike has his work cut out for him, however there is some talent in New Orleans on D. Gotta stay somewhat healthy though.
If the Saints D can crack the top 20 in total defense this year ... brace yourself for a playoff run.
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