Gus Bradley: Utilizing Schemes To Fit Talent
By Luke Sims
Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
I I had a bone to pick with former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mel Tucker (not that the ideas of a lone blogger affect a defensive coordinator). I simply did not believe that his defense was schematically supporting the lack of talent on the roster. I wrote a couple posts on it and then went quiet, knowing that 2012 was likely his last year in Jacksonville.
New head coach Gus Bradley seems to have a different mindset. While talking at the combine, Bradley was asked about the pass rush in Jacksonville and how it has been an issue for such a long time. Bradley has had extensive experience on the defensive side of the ball and understands that you don’t always have the best athletes, so you have to compensate with scheme. “What we did in Seattle is say, ‘OK, these are the types of players we have; let’s incorporate a system that best utilizes their talents.’ We’ve brought that same approach to Jacksonville. We have some good players and some unique talents,” he responded.
Any step toward bringing in more exotic packages (the LEO seems a foregone conclusion) is a good thing in my opinion. Getting more use out of the athletic and versatile guys on the roster in ways that best benefit the defense rather than relying on fundamentals and instincts is a step in the right direction, at least according to me.
– Luke N. Sims
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