A little of McDermott revealed

[top dawg]

One person that I know relatively little about is the Panthers' defensive coordinator, Sean McDermott. I mean, Mike Shula has been discussed more than a little in this joint, and we've seen the praises of Ricky Proehl a little more than most, with I guess him doing such a masterful job with the receiving corps (particularly last year) and making some key plays as a receiver for the Greatest Show on Turf.  But, what about Sean McDermott, the guy that consistently has top ranked defenses in the NFL? Other than him being a disciple of the venerable Jim Johnson, the annual feelers from teams looking to replace their head coaches, or the occasional insinuation that Derm is a figure head for the defense which is really run by Ron Rivera, you really don't hear too much from or about McDermott. At least I don't, that's why I enjoyed reading David Newton's article about the Panther's DC

McDermott spoke of chemistry, which of course is arguably the most compelling way in order to bring about a strong sense of team work.

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"In order to build chemistry you've got to really know one another," McDermott said before the Panthers broke camp on Tuesday. "I want guys to spend time with one another, really get to know one another and care for one another.

"At the end of the day it's about love and trust."

 

Wait! What? Is this a football team of men, or a slumber party full of BFFs? 

Thomas Davis, the wise leader of men had this to say about his coordinator:

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"Coach McDermott's strength as a coach right now, without a doubt, is his ability to motivate guys and keep guys tuned into what we're trying to do as a football team and as a defense," Davis said.

Sounds to me like Derm knows the plan, makes sure everyone is on the same page, and teaches the need to stay focused, and he does it in such a way that the players buy in. But, more importantly perhaps, he identifies players that will stay focused and buy in.

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"We call it being wired like a Panther ... the Panther DNA," McDermott said. "What I look for are guys that work hard, have a great work ethic and embrace that underdog mentality a little bit. And certainly there is no substitute for toughness."

Toughness is a hallmark of not only the defense, but the offense as well. It's embodied within the Carolina Culture. And McDermott's philosophy about toughness fits hand-in-glove with Ron Rivera, whom many actually give the ultimate credit for the Panthers defense. But, Rivera might not be the micro-manager of the defense that everyone thinks, And Rivera says just that.

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"I don't interject as much as people think I do," said Carolina coach Ron Rivera, a former defensive coordinator. "The big thing for him is he's kind of developed his own personality.

"You can't reflect on where you've been and what they've done. You've got to grasp your opportunity and make it your own. He's done that."

 

One thing that Rivera talks about is putting players into a position to succeed, and Derm is philosophically in step with that thought which undoubtedly extends to the draft and the signing of UDFAs. 

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McDermott calls his defense player friendly. He builds around the strengths of players and finds ways to cover up weaknesses. He doesn't try to turn a 3-4 end into a 4-3 end.

"That's important, rather than tying them up with intricate schemes and things," McDermott said. "We can certainly do that. It's like the game of chess. But at the same time a player has to be able to execute and play fast and be fundamentally sound."

 

You see, people, this Carolina Culture thing has lots of moving parts, and more than a few coaches' thoughts play a part in whose going to be a Panther.  McDermott's voice is as important as ever in determining his defensive personnel. Sure, Gettleman makes the final call, and sometimes business in the office eclipses the business on the field, but McDermott knows the importance of rolling with the punches. That's why having tough, cerebral, and smart players with the physical tools to do the same, is at a premium in Charlotte.

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"You learn to adjust and adapt," McDermott said. "That's a sign of a good football team, where we can adjust and adapt to our surroundings."

McDermott has certainly adapted and met the challenges of his job thus far, and his defenses year in and out are a testament to that fact.  It would seem that he has arguably his biggest test in front of him with the loss of Josh Norman, but if training camp is any indication, then McDermott's defense is as steady as she goes. 

 

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[top dawg]

In before, "He gone!" 

GMs and owners across the league will not continue to overlook this man. 

[Moorgan]

I think our results this year will likely determine whether or not he leaves for a potential head coach job at Cleveland, as per usual. But many on here have said that Wilkes could step up to be the DC in that event. I have no idea but I like the idea of promoting within for the very same continuity that you talked about. Continuity has shown it's importance in the offense and the defense is no different.

[JawnyBlaze]

It's a nice article, but I couldn't help but chortle at the "he doesn't try to turn a 3-4 end into a 4-3 end" part...*cough* every end we have but CJ and Ealy *cough*

[Swaggasaurus]

27 minutes ago, JawnyBlaze said:

It's a nice article, but I couldn't help but chortle at the "he doesn't try to turn a 3-4 end into a 4-3 end" part...*cough* every end we have but CJ and Ealy *cough*

Horton and Addison are not 3-4 guys. Horton could not play at another position and is very good vs the run hence why he has been the first DE on the field for us in several games, Mario is a pass rush specialist 3rd down DE. No fuging way he would be a productive 3-4 OLB. Delaire, I'll give you that. 

[top dawg]

4 hours ago, Moorgan said:

I think our results this year will likely determine whether or not he leaves for a potential head coach job at Cleveland, as per usual. But many on here have said that Wilkes could step up to be the DC in that event. I have no idea but I like the idea of promoting within for the very same continuity that you talked about. Continuity has shown it's importance in the offense and the defense is no different.

I hear you, but I doubt Hue Jackson is going anywhere anytime soon.  You have to figure that the Browns have to learn the lesson of the importance of continuity at some point. Plus Jackson has gotten off to a good start. Good luck in that AFC North though...

[JawnyBlaze]

51 minutes ago, Swaggasaurus said:

Horton and Addison are not 3-4 guys. Horton could not play at another position and is very good vs the run hence why he has been the first DE on the field for us in several games, Mario is a pass rush specialist 3rd down DE. No fuging way he would be a productive 3-4 OLB. Delaire, I'll give you that. 

I'll give you Horton, that one was a stretch, but Addison and Delaire are more built for a 3-4.  

[Moorgan]

11 hours ago, top dawg said:

I hear you, but I doubt Hue Jackson is going anywhere anytime soon.  You have to figure that the Browns have to learn the lesson of the importance of continuity at some point. Plus Jackson has gotten off to a good start. Good luck in that AFC North though...

Cleveland gonna Cleveland. :)