Interesting comment from Leonhard's presser today

[HappyDays]

I would recommend watching his entire presser if you get a chance. Leonhard is extremely bright and I get more excited about the potential for this defense every time I hear him talk. I'll be shocked if he isn't a head coach within three years.

 

This particular comment jumped out and feels instructive about where the defense is going:

 

Quote

Jim Leonhard with some notable comments on Terrel Bernard:

 

“He’s so damn smart and sometimes you want him to turn his brain off and just go play free and react to what he sees rather than overthink it. That’s the biggest thing, it was a little more structured in what he was asked to do in the previous scheme. It was very much ‘I see this, I do this’. And just getting him to play a little bit more free was probably the number one thing. If you want to play the way we want up front, ahead of him, he’s gonna have to react a little bit more. And that was the number one thing he’s had to learn.”

 

It's interesting how Leonhard kind of takes a shot at the previous scheme. That wasn't his intention but it has to be said to get his point across.

 

For all the talk about the change to a 3-4, for me the biggest change is the change in mindset on defense and I think this comment speaks to it. With McDermott it was see the play unfold first, then react according to your strict set of rules. It was a play backwards not forwards kind of mindset that resulted in us giving up a lot of soft yards and frustrating 3rd down conversions. And every year we'd get to the playoffs and smart QBs and offensive coaches would know our rules and mercilessly take advantage of them.

 

Obviously every defense has keys and rules that the players have to follow but there is a middle ground between reckless and rigid. I think Leonhard has found the right balance and the results will show up in certain players looking better than they have before, the LBs being maybe the biggest beneficiaries of the change.

 

Ever since Brady took over the mantra of the coaching staff has changed from "do your 1/11" to "play free." It's an important distinction. Building a perfectly oiled machine is a nice idea, but great NFL defenses are made by players making plays. And Leonhard understands that his guys will be able to make more plays when they're playing on their toes instead of on their heels.

 

For posterity here's the entire press conference:

 

 

[yall]

Just now, HappyDays said:

I would recommend watching his entire presser if you get a chance. Leonhard is extremely bright and I get more excited about the potential for this defense every time I hear him talk. I'll be shocked if he isn't a head coach within three years.

 

This particular comment jumped out and feels instructive about where the defense is going:

 

 

It's interesting how Leonhard kind of takes a shot at the previous scheme. That wasn't his intention but it has to be said to get his point across.

 

For all the talk about the change to a 3-4, for me the biggest change is the change in mindset on defense and I think this comment speaks to it. With McDermott it was see the play unfold first, then react according to your strict set of rules. It was a play backwards not forwards kind of mindset that resulted in us giving up a lot of soft yards and frustrating 3rd down conversions. And every year we'd get to the playoffs and smart QBs and offensive coaches would know our rules and mercilessly take advantage of them.

 

Obviously every defense has keys and rules that the players have to follow but there is a middle ground between reckless and rigid. I think Leonhard has found the right balance and the results will show up in certain players looking better than they have before, the LBs being maybe the biggest beneficiaries of the change.

 

Ever since Brady took over the mantra of the coaching staff has changed from "do your 1/11" to "play free." It's an important distinction. Building a perfectly oiled machine is a nice idea, but great NFL defenses are made by players making plays. And Leonhard understands that his guys will be able to make more plays when they're playing on their toes instead of on their heels.

 

For posterity here's the entire press conference:

 

 

It's funny, I told my spouse the exact same thing about him being a head coach in 2 to 3 years.

 

Also heard him take several possibly intentional shots at the previous system and/or coaching of the defense. I have a feeling we're going to like what we see and this will be an upgrade from McDermott and that flat-brimmed hat blowhard Babbich.

[That's No Moon]

3 minutes ago, yall said:

It's funny, I told my spouse the exact same thing about him being a head coach in 2 to 3 years.

If this is the case it's because the defense is putting BTA, and not just against the bad teams, but good teams with good QBs.  If the defense is doing that, this team is winning a championship in that time span and Mr. Leonhard can go with my blessing.

[Dan]

To be fair… we haven’t seen his defense in a single game, let alone a full season.  So, I think we defer statements like “Leonhard has found the right balance and the results will show up…”.   His defense may not be balanced at all.    I completely agree that McDermott’s defense had been figured out.  And by the time we got to the playoffs, pretty much every team we faced dictated too much.  

 

I think we’ve all said it at one or more points… we need a little less of his system and process and just a little more playmaker.  McD’s defense was definitely out of balance in that regard.  Hopefully Leonhard’s is more balanced, but until I see it in some big games, I’ll be patient to anoint him.

 

I’m not even sure I like Brady’s new phrase… “put the ball down”. ?  Isn’t that what it is?   What does that mean?  Don’t we want the guys to hold onto the ball?  Why are they putting it down?   “Play free”. I can get behind.   

[GunnerBill]

I don't read it as a shot at the previous scheme. It is entirely accurate that the previous scheme required read and react linebackers. I know fans generally perceive "reactive = bad, instinctive = good" but I doubt any professional coach, let alone a guy like Jim who has played in and coached different schemes thinks of it in that way. Obviously he believes in his scheme, and that is his preference but I doubt he thinks or intended to suggest the previous scheme was bad because it uses linebackers differently. 

[WotAGuy]

Anybody being released from jail we can sign?  Those guys would love to play “free”. 

[GunnerBill]

Just now, WotAGuy said:

Anybody being released from jail we can sign?  Those guys would love to play “free”. 

 

Seattle and KC are always the top of the incarceration waivers list. 

[BillsPride12]

I'm just so excited to have a fresh Defensive perspective this year. I didn't hate McDermott as an overall head coach but ironically enough I absolutely hated his Defensive philosophy 

[Southern McButterpants]

1 minute ago, GunnerBill said:

I don't read it as a shot at the previous scheme. It is entirely accurate that the previous scheme required read and react linebackers. I know fans generally perceive "reactive = bad, instinctive = good" but I doubt any professional coach, let alone a guy like Jim who has played in and coached different schemes thinks of it in that way. Obviously he believes in his scheme, and that is his preference but I doubt he thinks or intended to suggest the previous scheme was bad because it uses linebackers differently. 

I think the main reason that Milano, in his prime, was such a fan favorite was that he was instinctive and could sniff out plays.

[GunnerBill]

Just now, Southern McButterpants said:

I think the main reason that Milano, in his prime, was such a fan favorite was that he was instinctive and could sniff out plays.

 

But he was also a very, very smart football player. His play diagnosis was elite. It still showed up at times last year too he just isn't always quick enough to get there anymore. 

 

Dorian Williams is a very instinctive player too. Unfortunately he doesn't have the same play diagnosis skill as Milano. I think it is very conceivable that this scheme suits Dorian better, because he is required to think less. 

[Dan]

Just now, BillsPride12 said:

I'm just so excited to have a fresh Defensive perspective this year. I didn't hate McDermott as an overall head coach but ironically enough I absolutely hated his Defensive philosophy 

I always felt like McD came in (with Frasier) and they thought they could “remake” the tampa 2 and redefine defensive strategy in the NFL with their insistence on the nickel and heavy Dline rotation.  And it was good.. .to a point.  One thing I think most of us, and the league figured out in 2021ish?  Is that it has major flaws, is highly predictable, and almost certainly cost us at least 2 Superbowl appearances.

[HappyDays]

3 minutes ago, Dan said:

To be fair… we haven’t seen his defense in a single game, let alone a full season.  So, I think we defer statements like “Leonhard has found the right balance and the results will show up…”.   His defense may not be balanced at all.    I completely agree that McDermott’s defense had been figured out.  And by the time we got to the playoffs, pretty much every team we faced dictated too much.  

 

I think we’ve all said it at one or more points… we need a little less of his system and process and just a little more playmaker.  McD’s defense was definitely out of balance in that regard.  Hopefully Leonhard’s is more balanced, but until I see it in some big games, I’ll be patient to anoint him.

 

Oh for sure, the results still need to show up when it matters. That part was more my prediction based on things I've seen and heard this offseason. I predict that things like missed tackle rate and 3rd down conversion rate will be notably better because of the new philosophy but we have to see it.

 

4 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

I don't read it as a shot at the previous scheme. It is entirely accurate that the previous scheme required read and react linebackers. I know fans generally perceive "reactive = bad, instinctive = good" but I doubt any professional coach, let alone a guy like Jim who has played in and coached different schemes thinks of it in that way. Obviously he believes in his scheme, and that is his preference but I doubt he thinks or intended to suggest the previous scheme was bad because it uses linebackers differently. 

 

Yeah I don't think he intended it that way either. But when he says Bernard sometimes "overthinks" plays, he seemed to be implying that it was a symptom of his role in the previous scheme. No coach, even those that prefer McDermott's scheme, want their players overthinking anything. Leonhard is saying he has had to coach that tendency out of Bernard, a tendency that was established in the previous scheme. Whether intended or not I took it as a criticism. Either way it is a welcome change for many of us.

[LetsGoRed]

12 minutes ago, Dan said:

To be fair… we haven’t seen his defense in a single game, let alone a full season.  So, I think we defer statements like “Leonhard has found the right balance and the results will show up…”.   His defense may not be balanced at all.    I completely agree that McDermott’s defense had been figured out.  And by the time we got to the playoffs, pretty much every team we faced dictated too much.  

 

I think we’ve all said it at one or more points… we need a little less of his system and process and just a little more playmaker.  McD’s defense was definitely out of balance in that regard.  Hopefully Leonhard’s is more balanced, but until I see it in some big games, I’ll be patient to anoint him.

 

I’m not even sure I like Brady’s new phrase… “put the ball down”. ?  Isn’t that what it is?   What does that mean?  Don’t we want the guys to hold onto the ball?  Why are they putting it down?   “Play free”. I can get behind.   

Agreed. I think they're coming from the standpoint of "don't dwell on anything," which is totally fine messaging. It's just delivered in a clunky manner. But if the players and coaches know what it means and the mantra sticks, that's all that matters.

[NoSaint]

21 minutes ago, yall said:

It's funny, I told my spouse the exact same thing about him being a head coach in 2 to 3 years.

 

Also heard him take several possibly intentional shots at the previous system and/or coaching of the defense. I have a feeling we're going to like what we see and this will be an upgrade from McDermott and that flat-brimmed hat blowhard Babbich.

honestly, I take few of his distinctions as shots. He’s coming in and running a different scheme and highlighting those differences doesn’t mean the other is terrible or anything. 
 

Obviously he thinks he has the best recipe but it doesn’t mean all others are bad

[NoSaint]

5 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Oh for sure, the results still need to show up when it matters. That part was more my prediction based on things I've seen and heard this offseason. I predict that things like missed tackle rate and 3rd down conversion rate will be notably better because of the new philosophy but we have to see it.

 

 

Yeah I don't think he intended it that way either. But when he says Bernard sometimes "overthinks" plays, he seemed to be implying that it was a symptom of his role in the previous scheme. No coach, even those that prefer McDermott's scheme, want their players overthinking anything. Leonhard is saying he has had to coach that tendency out of Bernard, a tendency that was established in the previous scheme. Whether intended or not I took it as a criticism. Either way it is a welcome change for many of us.

overthinking what Leonhard wants does not always mean overthinking what McDermott liked 

 

example- read one player and go on instinct with risk of missing vs read multiple to ensure the right gap but risk being a millisecond late 

 

There’s not a right/wrong or good/bad there necessarily 

[Yobogoya!]

2 minutes ago, Dan said:

I always felt like McD came in (with Frasier) and they thought they could “remake” the tampa 2 and redefine defensive strategy in the NFL with their insistence on the nickel and heavy Dline rotation.  And it was good.. .to a point.  One thing I think most of us, and the league figured out in 2021ish?  Is that it has major flaws, is highly predictable, and almost certainly cost us at least 2 Superbowl appearances.

 

Yep. I think McD's entire philosophy is predicated on consistency over a large sample size. "Trust the process". Meaning keep doing things the same way week in and week out and if you play it safe and execute you can win more than you lose. 

 

This shows up in the outright dominant stats we enjoyed in point differential and overall games won during his tenure. TBH if you're ok with just having a long-term winning program his mindset certainly is not "wrong".

 

But since McD was always coaching towards what you might call "median results" -- we struggled in the postseason when you have to go through a gauntlet of the 3-4 best teams who are each going all out. Those games don't have a "median" mindset to them. You can't expect those results to match up with the long term sample size of the regular season. 

[H2o]

Sometimes you just have to let guys go play football. Yes, you need to stay within certain boundaries and make sure you're doing your 1/11, but the boundaries can't be in place to where they take away from a player's natural gifts and abilities. I'm sure there are a few players that were hamstrung by McDermott. Those guys will be easy to spot this year. 

Edited August 18 by H2o

[MJS]

It's not a shot at the previous scheme at all. Different schemes require different approaches. Players are going to get burned at times in this scheme for reading and reacting too quickly. This defense will give up more big plays, likely. That's the tradeoff for playing faster and more physical. You become susceptible to fakes, misdirection, play action, etc. But the hope is you cause enough chaos and confusion and rapid decision making from the offense to force them into mistakes.

 

Defenses like McDermott's have been very popular with a more controlled, fundamentally sound, rules based approach that requires more patience and smart decision making. There are lots of ways to play offense and defense, though.

26 minutes ago, Dan said:

I always felt like McD came in (with Frasier) and they thought they could “remake” the tampa 2 and redefine defensive strategy in the NFL with their insistence on the nickel and heavy Dline rotation.  And it was good.. .to a point.  One thing I think most of us, and the league figured out in 2021ish?  Is that it has major flaws, is highly predictable, and almost certainly cost us at least 2 Superbowl appearances.

Lots of other defenses were doing the same thing and almost every team runs heavy nickel and dline rotation.

Edited August 18 by MJS

[transient]

Whenever the term "read and react" joins the chat I think it triggers Bills fans' PTSD of Walt Corey wasting HOF talent with his defensive philosophy only to watch Wade Phillips start taking teams to the woodshed 2 seasons too late. 

Edited August 18 by transient

[corta765]

38 minutes ago, Dan said:

I always felt like McD came in (with Frasier) and they thought they could “remake” the tampa 2 and redefine defensive strategy in the NFL with their insistence on the nickel and heavy Dline rotation.  And it was good.. .to a point.  One thing I think most of us, and the league figured out in 2021ish?  Is that it has major flaws, is highly predictable, and almost certainly cost us at least 2 Superbowl appearances.

The league evolved offensively when the 2 Safety shell came in around 21/22 time frame. ONCE that happened having a defense that was far more Nickel/Dime based lost its luster. Teams went back to running the ball as a result, something McDs defense forever was never great against. For a while his defense was very good but once the league changed & the Bills lost some truly good talent the defense never progressed with it. McD is still a good defensive mind as you saw many games last season where a bad first half generally saw really good second half adjustments, but he ran out of time here and his scheme needs to evolve. My biggest criticism with his defense was the need for very specific players and the scheme getting too complex. Paralysis is analysis after a while and there is some real truth to making things too complex even if on paper it looks good. A guy like Poona Ford stunk here but otherwise was good elsewhere, a ton of resources were put into the defensive line and it never seemed to fully click. Beane absolutely takes some heat for that, but the same head coach was driving the boat for a longgg time so it falls a lot at his feet too.