Getting to hear Jonathan Gannon speak this week was an interesting, if funny and not-all-that-surprising, diversion. But while the defensive coordinator sets the table, his assistant coaches are responsible for preparing most of the meal.
Whatever Gannon’s vision for the defense might be (and despite his claims, he does have a scheme), it’ll be on the position-specific, on-field assistants to teach it, implement it, and get all the defensive players on the same page. And to that end, it was interesting
to hear a couple of the Packers’ new defensive assistants talk this week as well.
Like Gannon, most of what they said wasn’t surprising. Everybody wants to be fast and physical. Everybody wants more takeaways (wouldn’t you rather take the ball away more than less? Of course you would). Everybody wants to have intelligent, athletic players who are coaches on the field but can also run faster, jump higher, and tackle better than their peers across the league.
But I submit that it’s still important to pay attention whenever Gannon or his assistants (or any coordinator or coach in Green Bay) speaks. You may not learn more from any given press conference, but you’ll start to notice trends and developments over time, and those little elements will shape what the Packers look like on the field in a big way.
Why new Packers DC Gannon doesn’t have a defensive scheme | ESPN
Gannon does have some pretty reliable scheme hallmarks, for what it’s worth.
Bobby Babich looking for uptick in turnovers in Packers secondary | Packers News
As I wrote yesterday, this is what every coach wants.
Sam Siefkes Might Not Be Packers’ Linebackers Coach Without Decade-Old Fib | Sports Illustrated
Look, do you want to be an NFL coach or not?
What did Packers coordinator Cam Achord like about kicker Trey Smack? | Packers Wire
Trey Smack kicks it (smacks it?) long and straight, which is good enough for Cam Achord.
‘The sky’s the limit’ for Lukas Van Ness in Packers’ defense | Packers.com
Lukas Van Ness has his fifth-year option in the bag and is looking to build on a season that started strong but was derailed by injury.
Had he heard there was a female coyote on the island or something?
