Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Fangio's Defense


 

79 comments:

  1. While I think he would be a good hire, I can't help but feel Hufanga is not a good fit for his scheme. Maybe I'm wrong and he turns out to be great as a 2-deep safety, but he excelled this year at being a moveable player.

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    1. Got a feeling he'd make due with whats on the menu.

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  2. I have not considered Fangio as the Niners' next DC. Makes no sense to me to change a proven system to another which requires the team's #1 defensive player in a role that he does not want to play (Bosa playing OLB rushing standing up).
    Based on what Shanahan said in today's presser about Ryans' successor, I continue to have that view.
    https://twitter.com/LombardiHimself/status/1620875056355352580

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    1. He also said he wants to end the revolving door at the position.

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    2. Mood, I was thinking the same thing, but then I remembered how he used Aldon Smith. Aldon spent the vast majority of his time hand on the ground.

      It isn't ideal that in base he could have to go out in coverage depending on offensive formation (and play call), but it would only be when in base and on the few times Bosa has been asked to go out in coverage he has been alright.

      So, while I'm not stoked about using Bosa that way, I don't think it will be that big a deal.

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  3. What do you guys think the chances are they draft another qb day 3 like, Stetson Bennett?

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    1. Yeah, I mentioned that a couple of weeks ago. Seems like he would be similar in skill set to Brock. So, as a Day 3 why not. But I would defer to Brian Griese and Kubiak. They are the ones who gave Brock the high score during their QB draft reviews and conviced KS/JL to draft Purdy.

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    2. How weird would it be that the team increases the average age of its QB room by drafting a QB this year...

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  4. JG won't return in 2023 according to Lynch and Shanahan. Right after the game, Rod Brooks and Donte Whitner said that JG laughing and smiling on the sideline during the game was not a good look and meant that he would not be back. While I clearly don't think that was the only reason, it might have contributed. After all, the team needs a veteran QB. Who knows, if JG can't find another suiter he might still be back.

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    1. When JG was laughing I believe he was talking to Lance... so... does that mean they should get rid of Lance too?

      I think his not coming back is more a reflection they expect he will be able to get a decent contract somewhere (given his FA status) with the expectation he will start, and that they don't intend to match that.

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    2. Whitner was also upset with Jimmy Ward because of Ward's self-congratulatory post-game presser. He said it was totally disrespecting the guys in the locker room who just poored their hearts out and were crushed. He said if he were in the 49ers secondary, he would never speak with Ward again. No doubt an overreaction to us, but to the guys on the team.....

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    3. George:

      How about Whitner for DC? I know it won't happen, but he's got a great mindset.

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    4. Yeah, I don't question the commitment of Jimmie Ward on the field and to learning his role, but he's got a very mercenary outlook. Nothing wrong with that tbf (it goes both ways between players and teams), but he clearly has been unhappy with the organisation this year which has manifested in the way he has acted off the field. He probably should have had a little more awareness of the situation following the game and how the loss may be impacting on his teammates and the fans.

      Good player, but I also think it is time for both parties to move on. Most of the roster has really bought into the 49ers current culture and I think his attitude detracts from it.

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  5. I see that Kris Richard was fired as DC. He was an up and comer and correct me if I'm wrong was running a defense similar to the 9ers. Might be worth a look, although if he is successful, he'd probably leave in a couple of years.

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    1. "Kris Richard rose to prominence as the defensive backs coach of the Seattle Seahawks during their Legion of Boom era. He parlayed that into the role of defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys from 2018 to 2019 and was hired by the Saints in 2021.

      The Saints defense was actually rather stout in 2022 all things considered. Despite going 7-10 they had the No. 9 scoring defense and were fifth in yards allowed. Only one team allowed fewer passing yards."

      https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/breaking-nfl-defensive-coordinator-fired-wednesday-night/ar-AA170mSM?cvid=3f2dcb6895774e459a4d72c93af19eec

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    2. With Richard's expertise being the secondary, he could really help elevate the defense even more. Imagine a Legion of Boom secondary with our front seven. Wow!

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    3. I'm really surprised the Saints fired him tbh. I'd be pretty happy if the 49ers hired him.

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    4. That makes two of us Scooter. I was pushing for Richard back when Saleh left, but I didn't know much about Ryans. Ryans turned out to be a better DC than Saleh, imo. Richard is also an enthusiastic guy like Saleh and Ryans.

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  6. Fangio is okay I suppose but hopefully there is someone out there that fits the system that's in place now.

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  7. I am going outside the box and would entertain Flores (respect from the players) and Boyer- I am primarily intrigued by Boyer as I think the secondary can potentially be groomed to play more Man and the additional blitzing sure would be fun! Fangio's "bend don't break" got pretty boring.

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    1. Hey diptown,

      A few days ago, I said the exact same thing on here. My option 2 and 3 were Flores and Boyer. Would be sound signings IMHO.

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  8. Adam Schefter
    @AdamSchefter
    ·
    3m
    After speaking with multiple teams about their defensive coordinator position, Vic Fangio has decided to join the Dolphins as their defensive coordinator and officially will accept the position on the Miami staff after the Super Bowl.

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  9. Razor
    I have serious reservations that Fangio was ever considered by the 9er FO as a serious contender for the DC position. Others may disagree, but IMO, the 3-4 does not fit the players the 9ers have under contract. Neither do the 9ers have the draft picks to draft
    players that fit Fangios 3 - 4 defense! 
    With the 9ers need to resign Bosa to a new contract, all the 2023 free agents the 9ers need to decide on resigning (or not), plus needing to replace position coaches leaving for other NFL teams, the 9er have a
    plethora of salary cap decisions to make.
    So the question is....
    * WHO should the 9ers sign to replace DeMeco Ryans?
    * Should the 9ers try to resign McGlinchey? How about Jimmy Ward?



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    1. Wilkes might be their best option now.

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    2. Before I signed McGlinchey I would take a look at available RT's then I would resign him as there probably isn't any out there that is better than him. I think Ward wants out...

      Razor, I was thinking the same thing.

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    3. Regarding RT, I think they have a plan to replace him internally. I still expect Burford to slide out.

      What to do with Brendel is also a big question mark.

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    4. Will Zakelj be ready to take over Center?

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    5. They showed this season with Banks how they are willing to take the chance on someone they're grooming.

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  10. Anderson reporting Kocurek could be an option to take over DC.

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    1. I'd really prefer they let Kocurek keep doing what he does best.

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    2. Not to mention what happens to our DC's after a couple of years.

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  11. A lot of people giving their thoughts on why Shanahan didn't hire Fangio, including personality fit, scheme fit and $. But I think part of it might also have been supporting staff - Kyle made it clear he wants to keep as much of the existing staff as possible and it wouldn't surprise if Fangio wants to bring his own staff with him.

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  12. Did Trey Lance's contract "toll" last year. In other words, does last season count as a season on his rookie contract?

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  13. Possible replacements for Ryans as 9er DC:
    * Ejiro Evero may land a job as a HC in this cycle. If he doesn’t, he’s a top available defensive coordinator after helping construct a very good Broncos defense.
    * The 49ers are requesting an interview with the Panthers Steve Wilks. He’s been in the NFL since 2006, and is, IMO, one of very few available coaches who’s capable of replacing Ryans.
    * Chris Harris is another person the 49ers have requested an interview with. He falls into the mold of a Robert Saleh or Ryans in that he’s yet to have any experience as a coordinator.
    * There’s no indication the 49ers are interested in making Kocurek their DC, nor is there any indication he’s interested in a promotion.! BUT, he’s been good as the 9ers defensive line coach though, and IMO, his ability to lead would make him a good candidate for the DC job.
    * Kris Richard would make a capable DC. But he is one of several candidates who I would consider 2nd tier
    candidates…Like dozens of NFL players who pressed the pause button in 2020, Kris Richard opted out of this pandemic-enveloped season of uncertainty. But the decision for the former Dallas Cowboys defensive play-caller had nothing to do with COVID-19. Richard, 41, took a pass because he bet on himself.
    Jettisoned by the Cowboys in the sweep that included the firing of coach Jason Garrett, Richard interviewed for several jobs early this year – including two head coaching positions – but was offered nothing with a rank higher than defensive backs coach.
    * “It’s kind of like knowing your worth, knowing your value,” Richard told USA TODAY Sports. “What’s the difference between the two? Do they coincide? Are they interchangeable? Cutting through all of that, I wasn’t willing to take anything less than I am. I know what I am and I know what I am capable of.”
    Apparently the NFL owners do NOT agree with his assessment of himself?
    Other opinions for Ryans replacement requested,,,,,,,

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    1. Outside of that list I don't even know who else is available, tbh. I have a higher regard for Richard than you do though. But maybe his personality isn't a good fit.

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    2. Apparently Vance Joseph is being considered.

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    3. They interviewed Harris on Jan. 31st.

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  14. Apparently Ryans is interested in Kocurek being his DC. If so... makes me think Kocurek may want the promotion and might not be keen on sticking around if the 49ers won't give it to him.

    Must admit I just assumed he was happy as a position coach.

    Quite the conundrum as they won't want to lose Kocurek.

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    1. I'm pretty sure I remember reading articles where Kocurek did not want to have a DC role but was happy with his current assignment. Of course people change and I assume he would make at least $1m more per year or even more as the DC.

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    2. Yeah, I recall that too. As you say, people change, as do their situations. Maybe he's decided now he wants that challenge.

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    3. If Ryans has promised Kocurek his job won't change, but his pay and title will, we need to just give him a raise to keep him as the DL coach.

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    4. Is that what Ryans promised? I've heard Ryans wants him as DC.

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    5. I read somewhere that Ryans will make him DC and pay accordingly but he'll get to keep coaching DL.

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    6. Ah, right. DC in name only with Ryans calling plays. Makes sense.

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  15. George:

    Video of Steve Wilkes at the podium. Impressive.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tj0rwvpa8c

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  16. I definately have a preference for Fangio but I'm guessing he wasn't going to fit as he would want to bring in his own guys and Kyle would want to keep continuity on his staff. The 3-4/4-3 really doesn't matter it's a sub package these days as teams are more frequently in nickel than base.
    As to Wilkes or Kocurek I just don't know him well enough to know how they would evolve this Defense. Though it would largely stay the same presumibly.

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    1. I agree with you on the 3-4/4-3 controversy, but I didn't think about the "bring your own guys" component, which I agree probably ended up nixxing the deal.

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  17. In 1991, the NFL instituted a “third quarterback rule,” which gave teams an emergency signal-caller beyond the 45-man game-day roster. (If the third QB entered any time before the start of the fourth quarter, the first two quarterbacks were ineligible to return.)

    That rule was abolished in 2011, replaced by a blanket increase in game-day roster size, from 45 to 46. In theory, teams could have continued to dress three quarterbacks. In practice, on the vast majority of occasions, they opted for an extra defensive lineman or defensive back or special teams contributor instead.

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    1. Never understood why they rescinded that rule.

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    2. The original rule was intended for a team to protect themselves from themselves. Maybe the NFL needs to revisit it as it was a real bad look for the NFL during NFC championship game.

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  18. Imo, DT is the biggest need wrt FA and draft. I'd buy one and draft another.

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    1. Yes! Glad someone else thinks so. In fact, just DL in general, but definitely DT.

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    2. Losing DJ Jones was a big loss, imo.

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    3. Massive. I am sure the team will be hoping Kalia Davis can be a good addition to the roster next season, but they really need a good starting DT next to Armstead. Kinlaw just isn't it.

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  19. I read somewhere that Wilkes is scheduled to interview Monday.

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  20. If the Jets made Zach Wilson available for reasonable compensation, should the 49ers consider bringing him on board. I suppose if we didn't have Trey or Brock, I would definitely be on board to take a chance. But I suppose what the team really needs is an experienced veteran.

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    1. It's a no for me. QB1 and QB2 are already on the roster.

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  21. Nick Wagoner is reporting there is mutual interest between Mike McGlinchey and the 49ers.

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    1. Based on the interview with McGlinchey, he also made it clear money would be a factor. 49ers may be interested in bringing him back for the right price, but will they be willing to compete for him?

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    2. Regardless though, it does make me think they are wanting to keep Burford where he is.

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    3. I think I remember Lombardi saying recently that, McGlinchey's top end pricetag should be around $15.8 million. I'd be shocked if they're willing to pay that much for him.

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  22. I keep hearing the NFL is going to seriously consider introducing a penalty for "hip drop" tackles, citing Rugby League in Australia as the model. Ward's tackle on Pollard where Pollard got hurt is often cited as an example.

    Funny thing is, that is not a hip drop tackle (at least in rugby league). A hip drop tackle is when you have tackled a player to a stand still/ stopped their momentum and then use your body weight to drag them down. In league this often happens with more than 1 defender wrapping the ball carrier and is very dangerous due to risk of lower body limbs getting caught in bad positions.

    What Ward did was all just part of the tackling motion, not a hip drop. If that is what gets outlawed, may as well say you can't tackle from behind.

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    1. Yea, the last thing we need is an official making that determination. No thank you.

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  23. 5 players 49ers should be watching in the 2023 Senior Bowl: By Peter Panacy
    * https://ninernoise.com/2023/02/04/49ers-players-watching-2023-senior-bowl/

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  24. NFL DRAFT
    Money-Makers: 2023 Senior Bowl’s Biggest Practice Winners: Note the O-lineman
    https://www.the33rdteam.com/category/nfl-draft/money-makers-2023-senior-bowls-biggest-practice-winners/

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  25. PRE COMBINE: Way too early Round 3 draft picks the 9er should be evaluating!
    EDGE: Zack Harrison, Ohio St. (9ers would likely have to trade up to late 2nd / early 3rd Rd.)
    OT: Blake Freeland, BYU
    OC: John Michael, Minnesota
    SS: Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame

    Scooter / Razor: 9ER DRAFT PROSPECTS SOULD BE YOUR NEXT ARTICLE?

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    1. Just starting to do some research on prospects. Waiting on a DC announcement.

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    2. Hi GEEP, at some point in the next few weeks I will put together an article on offseason needs - I'll probably do that before I start thinking on draft prospects too hard. But just taking a bit of a mini-break to recharge after the season.

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  26. Razor / Scooter
    I've started putting my big board together.  Looking forward to seeing yours.
    RE:Offseason needs: Suggestion; Should include UFA's the 9ers
    need to resign.
    www.spotrac.com › nfl › san-francisco-49ers

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    1. Thanks GEEP, yep, currently planning to look at each position and who I think the team should re-sign, the positions I think are the biggest needs to address, and how I'd go about. Likely over a few articles.

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  27. "Kocurek had previously been on record stating his preference for coaching the defensive line, as opposed to a coordinator position, and is primed to remain in his role with the 49ers, despite receiving interest from the Texans for their defensive coordinator position."

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    1. Excellent. And based on that I am assuming he isn't staying to be the 49ers DC either. Still haven't heard any word on how the interview with Wilks went, but interesting this comes out the day Wilks was interviewing.

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  28. My preliminary look at resigning, or not resigning, 49er 2023 UFA’s`
    FS Jimmy Ward: Stated he’s not happy playing nickelback and it pays less than FS. Likely gone.
    QB Jimmy Garoppolo: Per KS, will not be resigned
    DE Sampson Ebukam’s $6.44 Mil salary….could be salary cap casualty
    CB Emmanuel Mosely is worth his $4.7 Mil salary. Resign
    RT Mike McGlinchey is not worth his $10.8 mil salary (and bid up by other teams). Replace with draft
    pick OT Blake Freeland BYU
    LB Azeez Al-Shaair Resign. Could be traded by 9er FO for draft picks
    K Robbie Gould Resign
    OL Daniel Brunskill save $2.433 MiL, Don’t resign. Replace with Zakelj, Poe or McKivitz
    DL resign Ridgeway, Hyder, Omenihu, Hurst, and Willis if price is right.
    TE Do not resign Kroft or Dwelly. Keep Charlie Woerner as the No. 2
    CB Jason Varrett, too Injury prone. Don’t resign
    Resign LS Pepper, DB T Moore
    * FEEL FREE TO AGREE, DISAGREE AND ADD YOUR OPINION(s)

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    1. Disagree with Brunskill, he can play every position on the O-line and does a decent job at each position. I would even give him a slight pay raise.

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  29. UC
    Free agents the 9ers could replace Brunskill with:
    Nate Davis, G, Titans. Age: 26. Dalton Risner, G, Broncos, Age: 28, Ben Powers, G, Ravens. Age: 26, Evan Brown, G/C, Lions. Age: 26.
    Aaron Stinnie, G, Buccaneers. Age: 29 (possible 1 yr prove it deal). The list goes on!

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