Ron Meeks Is New D-Coordinator

[Zod]

Lots of poor assumptions in this thread.

For the truth of the matter, read...

http://www.carolinahuddle.com/2009/01/27/ron-meeks-to-improve-carolina-defense/

That is all.

[SmootsDaddy89]

For anyone who cares, I agree with magnus, our defensive problems weren't so much about the scheme we ran as it was about execution. I do think Meeks is much better in that area than turgovac will be.

[photoguync]

Well, at least Meeks comes from a consistantly winning system. That makes me optimistic he will improve our D.:willy_nilly: After all, we came very close this year, in spite of the defensive errors and the turd. I'm looking forward to next season. :drool5:

Anybody else need a pair of rose colored glasses? I have extras.:coolgleamA:

[SCP]

Stoked that we will be running the Tampa TWO

The same Tampa 2 that we bulldozed for 800 yards rushing on MNF this season? Fox will not go to a 3-4 or a Tampa 2. I'm a 4-3 guy, I love it actually. It's a great defense when implemented correctly. You just can't let your corners play 7 yards off the ball against a guy like L Fitzgerald. The 4-3 will work if you take out some of the Fox conservatism.

[panthers55]

Before coming to Indy, Meeks wasn't a Tampa-2 disciple. He hadn't coached in it before. It's a more passive defense than what we run.

I really think people are putting way too much into the playcall and far too little into execution, preparedness, awareness. That's where we struggled, not because we didn't blitz a guy.

That is a very good point. The bottom line is that it really doesn't matter what scheme we run if we do it very well. As you mention it is how well you execute the scheme more than what scheme you run. All schemes have strengths and weaknesses. Well run, they all are effective and conversely there are ways to beat each one. Hopefully Meeks will be able to adapt and shift and make meaningful adjustments which our last coordinator did at times very well while other times not well at all.

[ShutDwn]

Everyone is so stupid for immediately assuming that we will run the tampa 2, the colts defense or any other defense for that matter. Why the hell would Fox hire someone who runs a defense he doesn't know?

But then again people have been talking about how well our talent fits _______ defense for the last three weeks.

[hmsmike]

Cheers everyone, happy to be aboard.

Too soon to say if it's a good or bad pick, but I do have a couple of concerns off the top of my head:

1.) The best we can look forward to is a change in execution of the status quo, not a change in defensive strategy/approach. Performance of the defense in '08 was worrying after the bye week. Do we have the personnel to execute a coverage style defense for a full season? Not sure. I think opposing OC's studied first half '08 film of our coverage, and were able to figure it out and beat it (culminating in the AZ playoff game). Also, I feel odds are Peppers is gone, and while I will not miss his recent years' inconsistency, his sack total will be very hard to replace, especially in a system that relies heavily on pressure from the front 4.

2.) I worry about our personnel in key positions, especially on coverage... Ken Lucas I'm looking at you.

3.) Coach Meeks was 20th or worse in run defense in 5 seasons... Think Reggie Bush, Michael Turner, and Jerious Norwood are smiling right now?

4.) It's nagging me how much is being made of his Superbowl ring. Coach Meeks deserves due credit, and generally I agree with the adage that defense wins playoff games... but when I think about that championship team, I think of Manning and the offense.

5.) I think my biggest concern is that both our offense and defense are both built for being better at protecting a lead, with a ball-possession offense and a defense scheme that is better at defending the pass, than it is at coming from behind (again, see: the AZ playoff game; At least for the offense struggling to play catchup). I don't question our team's heart, but if we find ourselves falling behind in games, we're going to struggle mightily to score points and defense an opponents clock-killing run game.

So I reserve judgment. I think Meeks is an improvement in a coach, but can't help but worry that the Panthers think the solution to our defensive problems is more of the same.

Welcome Aboard!

[pantherclaw]

Wow, I've missed a lot since I went to work yesterday.

I couldn't get through the third page without wondering if many of you even know of the guy we hired, and how our own team is ran. Seems to me that many of you are making assumptions. (nothing new there).

First, Meeks is a good coach.

Second, the Carolina defense has always had some tampa 2 in it, since John Fox came on board.

Third, just cause Meeks was hired, doesn't mean was are going to change to smaller personal (ala the colts defensive line ~ which is the biggest reason they got ran on so much).

People forget who run this team, football wise. Hurney and Fox. They are the ones that bring in the personal. I seriously doubt we'll go to a smaller defensive line, when Fox has always believed in size, strength, and speed along the line.

Without a doubt Meeks coached his HC's defense. He's going to be doing much of the same here.

Those who know about Meeks (which surprises me how many of you don't), know that this guy gets the most out of his players. He plays to their strengths. That bodes very well for our defense.

As far as my opinion on this hire ~ he's a solid coach. And I don't think there is anybody else out there that is really that much better of an option. I know many people wanted a more aggressive coach (ala Eagles defense) ~ but I'm looking forward to seeing what Meeks will do.

[pantherclaw]

I have a question I know no one can answer, but.....

I wonder who was the most instrumental in bringing in Meeks?

Fox, Hurney or The Richardson's.

How is that question not able to be answered? Anybody who knows the Richardsons, is they stay out of the football decisisions outside of the GM and HC.

They let the guys they hired, take care of their football operations. Which is the way it should be.

[Highlandfire]

Wow, I've missed a lot since I went to work yesterday.

I couldn't get through the third page without wondering if many of you even know of the guy we hired, and how our own team is ran. Seems to me that many of you are making assumptions. (nothing new there).

First, Meeks is a good coach.

Second, the Carolina defense has always had some tampa 2 in it, since John Fox came on board.

Third, just cause Meeks was hired, doesn't mean was are going to change to smaller personal (ala the colts defensive line ~ which is the biggest reason they got ran on so much).

People forget who run this team, football wise. Hurney and Fox. They are the ones that bring in the personal. I seriously doubt we'll go to a smaller defensive line, when Fox has always believed in size, strength, and speed along the line.

Without a doubt Meeks coached his HC's defense. He's going to be doing much of the same here.

Those who know about Meeks (which surprises me how many of you don't), know that this guy gets the most out of his players. He plays to their strengths. That bodes very well for our defense.

As far as my opinion on this hire ~ he's a solid coach. And I don't think there is anybody else out there that is really that much better of an option. I know many people wanted a more aggressive coach (ala Eagles defense) ~ but I'm looking forward to seeing what Meeks will do.

How dare you put up a calm, rational post....

[pantherclaw]

Yes Man hire.

This will begin the end of Fox in Carolina sadly.

Think so? on the second comment...not the first.

Honestly, did anyone expect Fox to bring in somebody who isn't going to run his defense, and have the same mind set at him?

This is still Fox's team. I don't see it as the beginning of the end, unless the team doesn't perform to Fox's own expectations. Which is always possible...but I think Fox and Hurney got the guy that would help them the most achieve what they want.

[pantherclaw]

Stoked that we will be running the Tampa TWO

We have employed the Tampa 2 since Fox has been here. Just haven't full time.

[carpanfan96]

Lots of poor assumptions in this thread.

For the truth of the matter, read...

http://www.carolinahuddle.com/2009/01/27/ron-meeks-to-improve-carolina-defense/

That is all.

I think a lot of us knew that whoever was hired was going to be implementing Fox's defense, I think the main reason I'm excited about it is because of Godfrey. He will be a star under meeks.

[Jackofalltrades]

The basis of the Cover 2 is getting pressure with your front four, something we've relied on for years. Doing so doesn't mean you need smaller or quicker personnel. I doubt we see many changes at all with regard to personnel, we still need a BIG DT, IMO.