Archives for January 2017

'All of it is enough to make one wonder if Lynn was the Chargers’ first choice, or if he was the first choice among those coaches willing to deal with all this. Other candidates confirmed by the club were Teryl Austin, Matt Patricia, Dave Toub, Mike Smith and McDermott.'

'Frazier was the Vikings interim head coach in 2010, then had the full time job from 2011-2013, compiling a 21-32-1 record. He was the Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach from 1999-2002 where he was on the same staff as McDermott. Frazier has also worked for the Bengals, Colts, and Buccaneers.'

'McDermott runs a 4-3 defense, a shift from the 3-4 hybrid look Rex Ryan ran for the past two years in Buffalo. Three seasons ago, under Jim Schwartz, the Bills ran a 4-3 defense and finished 4th in yards allowed, 3rd against the pass, 11th against the run, led the league in sacks, and were highly ranked in several other statistical categories. Several key players from that season are still on the roster, but there’s also been some change. So, let’s look at the Bills current roster and where certain players would likely fit. Of course, it’s only January and there’s a lot of change possibly still ahead, including free agency and the draft…'.

'If the two can't co-exist, or perhaps have different ideas as to what the right moves are to build the best roster for McDermott's scheme, then inevitably that could hurt their prospects for winning. It's not an ideal situation for Whaley with McDermott on a little stronger ground with the owners at this point, but, it's also something he must make work.'

'Frazier was not the only name linked to the defensive coordinator job. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Bills are interested in Panthers linebackers coach Al Holcomb for that role. Holcomb has worked with McDermott over the past four seasons in Carolina.'

'Lynn was one of four candidates for the Bills' head coaching job, the one that ultimately went to Carolina defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. The Bills former offensive coordinator was considered the only other real contender to win the Bills job.'

'Frazier’s work with the Ravens secondary in 2016 was a key reason for that unit’s improvement. Frazier worked extensively with rookie cornerback Tavon Young, who became an immediate contributor. During games, Frazier’s experience in the coaching box upstairs made defensive coordinator Dean Pees comfortable enough to coach from the sidelines, where he could communicate directly with players.'

'The Bills were ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rushing in 2015, and in five full seasons as an NFL coordinator, Roman’s teams have never ranked lower than eighth in rushing. Anyone who watched the Ravens closely this past season knows their running philosophy needs to change. In fact, I think the success or failure of their running game is the key to their 2017 season.'

'Both Castillo and Frazier worked with McDermott in Philadelphia as part of Andy Reid’s staff. Ironically, it was Castillo who replaced McDermott as the Eagles defensive coordinator in 2011.'

'Roman will hold the official title of “senior offensive assistant” while also becoming the tight ends coach. After working with the tight ends the last two seasons, Richard Angulo will now become the assistant offensive line coach.'

'Frazier, 57, spent just one season with the Ravens, and he helped the secondary make steady improvement under his guidance. When Frazier arrived in Baltimore a year ago, he preached the importance of a ball-hawking mentality.'

'Castillo, a 35-year coaching veteran, has spent the last four seasons with the Ravens. He was first hired as Baltimore’s run-game coordinator in 2013 before becoming the offensive line coach for the last three years. Castillo had spent 18 seasons as an assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles before coming to Baltimore.'

'“Greg had other opportunities over the last few days, and we’re pleased that he has decided to join the Ravens,” Head Coach John Harbaugh stated. “I’ve known Greg for a long time, and he’s a hard worker and very creative. Our football team just got better.”'

'“In Carolina they played a lot of zone under McDermott,” Kelso said. “When they went to the Super Bowl they were playing a ton of Cover 3 with basic zone defense and had linebackers that really understood leverage control and where to drop and whether they needed to be inside or outside of receivers.'

'Incognito started all 16 games for the Bills in 2016 at guard and helped pave the way to the Bills having both the top rushing attack in the NFL in yards (2,630) and yards per carry (5.35). The Bills rushing attack also tallied 29 rushing touchdowns on the year—a new franchise record surpassing the old mark of 26 rushing touchdowns set in 1976.'