As I have been clamoring for, the Packers signed former Dolphins defensive coordinator Jim Bates. This is a great move by Sherman. Bates ran the Dolphins defense for 5 years, never having a defensive ranking lower than 10. Now, I'm certainly not expecting a top 10 defense next season, however, I would not be surprised if a ranking of 15-18. The Packers went 10-6 with the 25th ranked defense (yardage wise) and 28th in points given up. If they improve these numbers, a 12-4 season is entirely likely. This also shows to me that Sherman is not afraid to admit a mistake, and that is exactly what Schottenheimer and Slowik were, and he is willing to go out and fix what he did. The defense should respond to his coaching style as he is enthusiatic and inspirational. It also sounds as though the LB coach is coming to GB as well. Bates' style is not blitz-oriented, and that works best with this team. Rumor also is that Bates has virtually total control of the defense, this will leave Sherman with just doing what he does best, working the offense.
The big offensive keys are coming back in Favre, Green, Walker, Driver, Ferguson and most of the OL. Yes, Wahle and Rivera are big question marks and will be big losses should they leave, but their losses can be compensated for. Very little, if any, dropoff in the #4 offense for next year.
Some like to think that the Packers cannot compete anymore with the rest of the NFC, that Favre is on the downside of his career, and that the good players are going to abandon ship. I vehemately disagree. The Packers have gotten what could be the second coming of Ron Wolf, and a DC that has a great track record of creating outstanding defenses. The future is indeed bright as the Packers aren't rebuilding, they're reloading.
Time to unleash the Bates of hell!!!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment