No Nolan In Green Bay

Denver fans are in love with the move. They are excited about running the 3-4 under Nolan.

I don’t think the defense is much better, or much worse, with or without Nolan. I think any solid defensive coach, Sean McDermott, Gregg Williams, Bob Sanders, etc., and a revamped D line, will be better than v.2008.

But why would Mike Nolan pick Denver, over anyone else? The entire defense needs to be revamped, only Detroit’s D was rated worse by Football Outsiders. Denver’s defense is very poorly suited for the 3-4. For example, in Pittsburgh, they run a 3-4 with two DEs that are around 290-300 lbs. Their OLB LaMarr Woodley at 260 lb. would be a DE on most teams. Denver has two quality DEs, John Engelberger and Elvis Dumervil, along with 2007 1st round pick Jarvis Moss, are all around 260 lbs. They should be OLB in a 3-4 system. Denver has no quality DTs to speak of. Now, in Nolan’s 3-4 system, they will have to find all three starting D linemen. It will take a couple seasons, at least, to revamp this defensive line through the draft, probably at the expense of many other positions. It just sounds like Nolan is setting himself up for failure.

a 3-4 isn’t a sure thing. I mean, we know that’s what he’s run as of late but I’ve heard he’s a versatile guy. He’ll run what works best.

At the same time, I’m not crying over this. Yes I would’ve liked to have him in GB. He brings a sense of professionalism with him. something that I value in a coach. However, there are other candidates out there. Gregg Williams would be just dandy and I even think Winston Moss would give it a fair shake. But as Brandon says, fixing the D-line will be the greatest single factor in turning our defense around, not who’s DC.