3. 90 - Patrick Jones II, DE, Pittsburgh

[AP_allday2869]

8 hours ago, wcblack34 said:

I don't think you're going to see a change at DC when a team is 10-2 and the #2 seed for the playoffs. Just won't happen. 

The defense this year gives up a lot of yards, but shows up when needed. The Cowboys and Eagles are special cases, because they're superior rosters and our defense is not talented outside of Z, Hunter, Tomlinson, Phillips, PP7 and Harrison. Kendricks is getting old. Hicks is JAG. The CB position has been decimated by injuries. That's not a recipe for firing a DC. 

Do they actually show up when needed, though? The defense has objectively been bailed out by luck this year. For example, Josh Allen dropping that snap, or Berrios dropping that sure-fire touchdown last week, or Dan Campbell surprisingly not going for it on 4th down when the Lions were like 4/6 that game. Not to mention, we need them to show up when we do have substantial leads, because this offense does certainly struggle in the second half. The defense always, without a doubt, fail this team in the second halves of games. They do not show up when needed in that case, and makes it harder for our offense when they tend to struggle, and the team altogether. 

Donny is addicted to not blitzing and using some variation of cover 2 every play. He sucks and he could scheme things up in a way to easier for some of the older players, or players who aren't very good, or positional groups that are generally a liability (CB's for example). But he actively chooses not to. Blitzing more than like 13% would help our CB's, as an example. Idk, I feel like I just typed out a word salad, but Donatelle completely sucks and needs to go. Not to mention, he kind of blamed players at a press conference last week or the week before, and that is opposite of coach accountability, which is a huge thing for KOC and his staff.

[Cearbhall]

It is looking like Patrick Jones is going to turn out to be a keeper. I don't see the question mark at defensive coordinator having much bearing on that reality.

Edited December 11, 2022 by Cearbhall

[ArcticNorseman]

I think both Wonnum and Jones are playing great this year.  They're fresh and fast when on the field.   I'm thinking the Vikes can use both these guys as leverage to the main office negotiations with Danielle.  

Jones is definitely a keeper and could be a full time starter in the next couple years.  

[wcblack34]

9 hours ago, AP_allday2869 said:

Do they actually show up when needed, though? The defense has objectively been bailed out by luck this year. For example, Josh Allen dropping that snap, or Berrios dropping that sure-fire touchdown last week, or Dan Campbell surprisingly not going for it on 4th down when the Lions were like 4/6 that game. Not to mention, we need them to show up when we do have substantial leads, because this offense does certainly struggle in the second half. The defense always, without a doubt, fail this team in the second halves of games. They do not show up when needed in that case, and makes it harder for our offense when they tend to struggle, and the team altogether. 

Donny is addicted to not blitzing and using some variation of cover 2 every play. He sucks and he could scheme things up in a way to easier for some of the older players, or players who aren't very good, or positional groups that are generally a liability (CB's for example). But he actively chooses not to. Blitzing more than like 13% would help our CB's, as an example. Idk, I feel like I just typed out a word salad, but Donatelle completely sucks and needs to go. Not to mention, he kind of blamed players at a press conference last week or the week before, and that is opposite of coach accountability, which is a huge thing for KOC and his staff.

People have already forgotten that the Defense needed the end zone fumble because the offense failed to gain one yard. If KOC calls a different play at the goal line, or Cousins extends, the outcome is much different and likely mundane. As it was, the defense was on it, and their presence did have an indirect effect on Allen's fumble. And when it has counted most, Peterson and Bynum have come up with big interceptions. In fact, Bynum posted his meeting notes from earlier in the week that had him ready to be in the right spot. That's coaching. 

Could Donatell blitz more? Absolutely, but we've also been playing with men down at CB. It may be that he, and KOC, prefer more men back in coverage to prevent the long scores and run after catch possibilities. 

Do you not think that if KOC said "blitz more," that Donatell would refuse? Doubtful. They're playing the scheme the coaches want right now. They're definitely not the '86 Bears, but they've been a lot more clutch this season. Another off-season with a chance to get more players who fit the scheme, and I suspect we'll see improvement. Regardless, unless we see a monumental collapse over the next few weeks, they're not firing Donatell. 

[PrplChilPill]

I'd like to see him play more

 

Edited December 12, 2022 by PrplChilPill