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lionstop1
Top Notch
To start, I can appreciate when upper management allows the coaches to have control over what type of team is being put on the field. After all, they're the one's that have to coach and lead these players every day. Then, I like the coaches that build "their way" and refuse to have it any other way.
Chip Kelly has done this, especially as of late, but the thing I like most about it all is that he's a risk taker. Taking risks is one thing I think all coaches, GM's, scouts, etc should participate in. It's one of those things that has a huge payoff once you get it right. I think most of the successful coaches have taken those risks to get over the top.
So why do I mention this?
Well....I think the Lions have a group of guys (Caldwell, Austin, Mayhew) that share this characteristic and heading into next season, they should continue.
As head coach, Caldwell stepped in and hired two coordinators with no experience and although things weren't perfect, I still think the payoff will be huge moving forward. Caldwell didn't rely on experience, he made his staff his own and I respect that.
Last year, Austin was most likely the one behind the Ihedigbo signing and much of what was behind the defense. I thought it was risky with his style of defensive play for the Lions but he made it work. This year, I'm sure his words encouraged the Lions that Ngata should be a Lion.
Although criticized, I find most of Mayhew's risks over the years good ones to take with the exception of Young. He'll trade up, trade for players, make moves and now has shown that he won't hesitate to let others go and move on. The Ebron pick was a hell of a risk but I think it will pay off. This year, I expect the same.
Here's two things I think we will see:
The Lions will take a RB early in the draft given the opportunity. Gordon will be the first choice, with Gurley being the next option (risk).
The Lions will move forward and shape the defense around the guys they have now. I don't think we will see what most expect at the other DT spot. I see a situation where the rotation will be unique to where Caraun Ried, Walker, and others (maybe a rookie) will see time there.
Chip Kelly has done this, especially as of late, but the thing I like most about it all is that he's a risk taker. Taking risks is one thing I think all coaches, GM's, scouts, etc should participate in. It's one of those things that has a huge payoff once you get it right. I think most of the successful coaches have taken those risks to get over the top.
So why do I mention this?
Well....I think the Lions have a group of guys (Caldwell, Austin, Mayhew) that share this characteristic and heading into next season, they should continue.
As head coach, Caldwell stepped in and hired two coordinators with no experience and although things weren't perfect, I still think the payoff will be huge moving forward. Caldwell didn't rely on experience, he made his staff his own and I respect that.
Last year, Austin was most likely the one behind the Ihedigbo signing and much of what was behind the defense. I thought it was risky with his style of defensive play for the Lions but he made it work. This year, I'm sure his words encouraged the Lions that Ngata should be a Lion.
Although criticized, I find most of Mayhew's risks over the years good ones to take with the exception of Young. He'll trade up, trade for players, make moves and now has shown that he won't hesitate to let others go and move on. The Ebron pick was a hell of a risk but I think it will pay off. This year, I expect the same.
Here's two things I think we will see:
The Lions will take a RB early in the draft given the opportunity. Gordon will be the first choice, with Gurley being the next option (risk).
The Lions will move forward and shape the defense around the guys they have now. I don't think we will see what most expect at the other DT spot. I see a situation where the rotation will be unique to where Caraun Ried, Walker, and others (maybe a rookie) will see time there.