While one team took a major step backward defensively (Bengals) the other took a huge leap forward (Bears). How will the 2024 iteration of these defenses perform?
I would be slightly concerned that there will be regression. Also, Jaylon Johnson had a great year on a contract year. That doesn't always mean it will translate the next once a player gets paid. That said, the talent is there.
I’ve been hearing a lot of analysts I trust say that corner play can be variable, I attribute this to the fact that a corner can cover well and WR can still just make an insane catch
This is why as a chiefs fan we undervalued sneed because yes he’s great in coverage but he’s also a great all around player
I wonder how much of this is also due to defenses, especially the coverage unit, needing to work in synergy and being weak link systems?
If so, I’d probably make an educated guess that it would be even more noticeable in modern defenses since the coverage unit leans on each other to communicate and take on/pass off receivers.
No, you are 100% correct. Modern defenses, especially at the secondary level are much more complicated as more teams implement zone-match or man-match principles. Those 'matches' take time to learn & communication in everything is key. Also, players so less of the coach than their predecessors, the the ability to teach is a premium & we are seeing quickly what staffs can teach, & what staffs cannot.
Funny how the coaching point rings true for OL also, the one other unit that is synergistic and is a weak link system.
Match rules were specifically why I've had that thought for some time.
The Bears back 7 had quite a few weak links, the floor didn't exist for some of them.
I'd argue JJ has been sticky and has proven to see route patterns unfold and the field quite well for a few years. I personally think he improved drastically defending the catch point and just attacking the ball (not even thinking about the ints here, just all around).
But I'm not too shocked he took a major step forward after Kyler adjusted to playing inside and the NFL, and all the other upgrades to the back 7 (Absolutely shocked at just how big the step was though).
I love PFF, and I know they know their CB grades are not nearly good enough, but I am not sure how they can ever isolate players performances in coverage because of this and the coaching point you made previously. Variance absolutely makes sense, outside of turnover luck (looking at both of the Cowboys start CBs), I don't know how much I would say is on the Corner's ability to play the position itself.
Should bears fans be concerned that a lot of the growth in the second half of the year came as the schedule got easier?
I would be slightly concerned that there will be regression. Also, Jaylon Johnson had a great year on a contract year. That doesn't always mean it will translate the next once a player gets paid. That said, the talent is there.
I’ve been hearing a lot of analysts I trust say that corner play can be variable, I attribute this to the fact that a corner can cover well and WR can still just make an insane catch
This is why as a chiefs fan we undervalued sneed because yes he’s great in coverage but he’s also a great all around player
Turnover luck is a real thing. You want to see a consistency of play & a total player.
I wonder how much of this is also due to defenses, especially the coverage unit, needing to work in synergy and being weak link systems?
If so, I’d probably make an educated guess that it would be even more noticeable in modern defenses since the coverage unit leans on each other to communicate and take on/pass off receivers.
No, you are 100% correct. Modern defenses, especially at the secondary level are much more complicated as more teams implement zone-match or man-match principles. Those 'matches' take time to learn & communication in everything is key. Also, players so less of the coach than their predecessors, the the ability to teach is a premium & we are seeing quickly what staffs can teach, & what staffs cannot.
Funny how the coaching point rings true for OL also, the one other unit that is synergistic and is a weak link system.
Match rules were specifically why I've had that thought for some time.
The Bears back 7 had quite a few weak links, the floor didn't exist for some of them.
I'd argue JJ has been sticky and has proven to see route patterns unfold and the field quite well for a few years. I personally think he improved drastically defending the catch point and just attacking the ball (not even thinking about the ints here, just all around).
But I'm not too shocked he took a major step forward after Kyler adjusted to playing inside and the NFL, and all the other upgrades to the back 7 (Absolutely shocked at just how big the step was though).
I love PFF, and I know they know their CB grades are not nearly good enough, but I am not sure how they can ever isolate players performances in coverage because of this and the coaching point you made previously. Variance absolutely makes sense, outside of turnover luck (looking at both of the Cowboys start CBs), I don't know how much I would say is on the Corner's ability to play the position itself.