We landed Wade Phillips!

[Prime Time]

http://thebiglead.com/2017/01/11/wa...-would-be-a-dangerous-combo-for-the-nfc-west/

Wade Phillips, Aaron Donald, and Robert Quinn Would Be a Dangerous Combo for the NFC West
By: Ryan Glasspiegel

The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing. Arguably as significant a free agent as any prospective head coaching hire is Wade Phillips, whose prowess as defensive coordinator was a major factor in the Broncos’ Super Bowl victory.

My gut feeling is that this would be a very formidable combination. While McVay may not be the splashy hire Stan Kroenke would need to move luxury suites and tens of thousands of PSLs, McVay is just 30 years old and has had a swift ascent up the coaching ranks.

Phillips could mentor him in the administration aspects of the job, and oh by the way, do wonders with the pieces already there on the Rams defense.

Phillips has had a hand in the development of some of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history — Von Miller, JJ Watt, Bruce Smith, and Reggie White. What he’d accomplish with Aaron Donald — a veritable beast already — and Robert Quinn would be ferocious.

The Rams are conspicuously lacking a viable QB, but if McVay and Phillips are ultimately paired with the Rams, my prediction is that this would at least contend for the playoffs in 2017.

 

[Mackeyser]

@Mackeyser, I'm eating a little crow today after making a comment Phillips ready to retire and you called me on it. I like mine medium thank you!

I like my crow with mango salsa... LOL

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I'm sorry, but you're just wrong.

And this has NOTHING whatsoever to do with any level of excitement.

Schematically, it's been said over and over and over again that Philip runs a 4-3 under 1 gap that puts Quinn in the "Ware" role and it's not that hard to understand.

Brockers has already been playing both 1 and 2 gap NT for awhile now as GW has had the Rams in some 3-4 looks on occasion. So it wouldn't be something that he couldn't do. Moreover, he's BIGGER than most NTs. Moreover, Brockers would EXCEL in a Philips 3-4 (hybrid) because his is a 1 gap and Brockers would actually get more opportunities to defeat blocks which he's actually pretty good at.

I'll make a post later today about Denver's starting D and how our D would look changed to it.

You'll see that we will be not just fine, but actually BETTER. Considering we actually have more guys like Easley and AD than Brockers, this move may actually benefit us going forward.

There will be some learning pains. That's to be expected, but Philips isn't the kind of coach to overly complicate things. He's going to put guys in position to make plays and do what they do best.

There's a reason that as a DC over the last nearly 30 years, he's been among the best in the business...consistently.

And, lastly...THERE IS NO, ZERO, NADA, ZILCH, ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE WHATSOEVER that the Rams will EVER get rid of Future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, irrespective of Scheme. Aaron Donald has the talent to succeed in either scheme AND, it turns out that Philips uses both a 3 tech DE and a 5 tech DE, so if AD really wants to stay inside and keep at the 3 technique...NO PROBLEM. Easley, who's really coming along can slip out to the 5 technique and blow things up.

Neither Brockers nor Donald are going ANYWHERE, and I'd wager all of my ROD dollars this year and next.

Put me in the wait and see category. I will believe it when I see it. We get these hopeful thoughts and rationalized explanations every time we see a new coach hired in the NFL. When we see it all in action and it is working well then I will be convinced. The Denver front seven that won the Superbowl is not the same personnel that the Rams currently have. The old Dallas D or Chargers D that Phillips had so dominant at one time is not the same personnel the Rams have.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Phillips has had a hand in the development of some of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history — Von Miller, JJ Watt, Bruce Smith, and Reggie White. What he’d accomplish with Aaron Donald — a veritable beast already — and Robert Quinn would be ferocious.

Maybe I am just being pessimistic with all of these years of losing, or maybe I am realistic but this statement is bonkers. Those players listed would be great no matter who coached them. Giving Phillips credit for developing them is ludicrous. I hope he can take advantage of Donald's skillset but I think Quinn is on the verge of being done. His back is not going to get better. Those things only get worse slowly. He has not been the same player in recent years.

 

[Selassie I]

If Bernie reads this his head will explode.

I love it PT. LOL

Bern knows how to reach me though. Hahaha. Although I highly doubt that he wants to go down that road with me again. Several years back we had a fairly long discussion. I was professional, but firmly critical of his Breakfast With Big Bernie clips.

Let's just say that it is unlikely that I will ever be on his Christmas card list.

But please... feel free to give him my phone # if he wants it. I will gladly answer his calls.

 

[Mackeyser]

That's fine. But please understand that I'm NOT a cheerleader. I'm not a pollyanna.

I've been spending a TON of time spending HOURS and HOURS reading and watching videos, assessing inputs and putting together patterns and matrices.

My assessment is that harmonics of this are off the chart.

If you'll recall my posts last off-season? I was basically told by quite a few posters to stfu, because a ton of Kool-Aid was being consumed and I was harshing on their buzz. But... all my inputs showed that things looked bad. And the more I assessed, the worse it looked. I HOPED for the best as a fan, but...it didn't look good.

AND... I didn't just pee in the punch bowl, trying to be a Donnie Downer (as another poster put it), I said explicitly WHY...IN DETAIL.

I'm not saying I can't be wrong. I WAS wrong. I was wrong about Demoff in this process, for example, but that didn't involve any assessments, metrics or criteria that I use for my football takes. I tried to extrapolate some of his decisions without enough context...and it turns out that he totally knocked it out of the park.

And of course, we'll all have to wait and see... cuz that's how time works. I wouldn't fast forward if I had the chance, cuz I've seen the movie, Click. Gotta celebrate even the bad moments.

But my point is that based on a pretty thorough analysis, this combination of McVay and Philips won't just be a decent pairing, but should be an amazing pairing and the Rams D should be a top 5 D next year.

I feel very confident making that call. And I am very comfortable going into detail as to WHY... much as I went into detail as to WHY the Rams would almost certainly fail going into last year even prior to OTAs.

It'd be one thing if I were a pollyanna. But when an analytical realist starts getting hyped, it means the smart money is about to go all in.

That's a really, really GOOD THING.

And if Kromer comes as OL coach? hooo boy!

 

[JRobinson]

I'm also with Elmgrove. Don't get me wrong, I'm stoked about the hire of McVay and now Phillips. But,.... I know what the Rams are and I feel that Williams is just as good of a coordinator as anyone. Of course scheme and player types matter, but just pure coaching and play calling... Williams was legit. Sure we gave up big plays here and there, and we weren't a top 5 D like we expected, but how could they be when they're on the field forever?

Point is, I believe in Phillips because of his track record. But let's be real here, there are holes to be filled.

 

[jap]

We need a health specialist for Wade. He is SO important for this team, I worry about an overweight, almost 70 year old man with so much of our teams immediate future in his hands.....

What he really needs is a protege who can absorb as much knowledge as possible using any means necessary . . . including the Vulcan Mind Touch. Phillips can essentially adapt Bud Carson's old role with the early Saint Louis Rams, where he not only coached the players but also coached young coaches. Naturally, when the technology for replicating clones from DNA becomes available, we can endlessly recycle all the top coaches we want.

 

[bubbaramfan]

I'm with Elm, super skeptical. While Phillips has more experience than any other DC in the NFL, McVay has none. I've watched the Rams bring in unproven guys to be HC and its NEVER worked out.

I'll believe in these guys when I see wins.

 

[StealYoGurley]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwmHHfeombE

Thank you this video was awesome!!!

Those of you complaining about a potential 3-4 switch clearly didn't watch it. This guy has had so many hall of famers and he knew how to coach to their strengths. He fits the scheme around what they can do not what he wants them to do. After watching the video I know he can fit the rams players perfectly into the scheme if needed.

Sam OLB- Hayes- Strong guy lined up on the TE. Fit what he does perfectly
LE- Donald- JJ Watt/Bruce Smith role. Donald is the closet thing to watt and could put up similar numbers playing there.
NT- Brockers- Phillips use a Shade tech nose what brockers does now anyway
RE- Easley/Westbrooks- More of the pass rushing end who can hold up against the run, both these guys can do that
Weak OLB- Quinn- Demarcus Ware role leading sack guy on the d let Quinn rush from the open end on LT and RT without TEs chipping and let him eat
Sam MLB- Tree- Lets not forget he was a 3-4 MLB in college and Phillips clearly said you dont want these LBs taking on the guards these days with how big guards are. Could clearly fit here.
Weak MLB- Barron- Phillips wants more of a coverage guy coming from the back side with speed. Yet again another perfect fit.

Yes the rams need more depth at OLB, but their current personnel could definitely fit into 3-4 if needed. Coach these guys up like Phillips can may be even better than a 4-3

 

[Mackeyser]

Well, that's fine.

My only point was that last year, there was no REASON to be hyped about the season.

This year, there are MANY.

They may not pan out. But it's entirely different.

And I'm CERTAIN that you'll have tangible feedback prior to getting a regular season win that will be enough to discern how different this is from the Fisher regime and his nonsense.

 

[Mackeyser]

Thank you this video was awesome!!!

Those of you complaining about a potential 3-4 switch clearly didn't watch it. This guy has had so many hall of famers and he knew how to coach to their strengths. He fits the scheme around what they can do not what he wants them to do. After watching the video I know he can fit the rams players perfectly into the scheme if needed.

Sam OLB- Hayes- Strong guy lined up on the TE. Fit what he does perfectly
LE- Donald- JJ Watt/Bruce Smith role. Donald is the closet thing to watt and could put up similar numbers playing there.
NT- Brockers- Phillips use a Shade tech nose what brockers does now anyway
RE- Easley/Westbrooks- More of the pass rushing end who can hold up against the run, both these guys can do that
Weak OLB- Quinn- Demarcus Ware role leading sack guy on the d let Quinn rush from the open end on LT and RT without TEs chipping and let him eat
Sam MLB- Tree- Lets not forget he was a 3-4 MLB in college and Phillips clearly said you dont want these LBs taking on the guards these days with how big guards are. Could clearly fit here.
Weak MLB- Barron- Phillips wants more of a coverage guy coming from the back side with speed. Yet again another perfect fit.

Yes the rams need more depth at OLB, but their current personnel could definitely fit into 3-4 if needed. Coach these guys up like Phillips can may be even better than a 4-3

YES!!!!

Man, wish I could give multiple big ups!!!

And, you saved me from having to make this post. I was gonna do the Denver-Rams equivalent post, but this should suffice.

Excellent work!!!

 

[Prime Time]

 

[bubbaramfan]

PT, in case you haven't noticed, it already IS crap. :neener:

 

[Merlin]

I don't get it. The defense is pretty good. Now they have to retool the defense as well as overhaul the offense. They are going to need a Nose tackle and despite what anyone says Brockers and Donald are not 3/4 DE's. I don't see where this hire makes sense. They will be letting Donald go when he hits free agency if not trade him sooner for a first round pick.

I don't recall Phillips ever running a 4/3.

This is not a something to be excited about.

All of the cap space will be blown in one year trying to turn the roster over. We are definitely looking for a rebuild now.

He's going to run his system, sure, and when you look at personnel the Rams are deficient at two positions in order to do that: ILB and CB. We need a CB in case Gaines doesn't return to his pre-injury form. And we need ILBs who are stout enough to take on interior OL or we'll be blown out in the run game. They could use a replacement for Quinn on the depth chart but that's not a need to have for this season, not to have a respectable defense, best approach is get the old guy back in form and keep him out of live action through preseason once he gets enough snaps.

Brockers has already been playing both 1 and 2 gap NT for awhile now as GW has had the Rams in some 3-4 looks on occasion. So it wouldn't be something that he couldn't do. Moreover, he's BIGGER than most NTs. Moreover, Brockers would EXCEL in a Philips 3-4 (hybrid) because his is a 1 gap and Brockers would actually get more opportunities to defeat blocks which he's actually pretty good at.

Yeah no doubt, and Wade is known for adjusting things based on his talent. He took this job for two reasons IMO, one being that he respects our kid coach, and two being that he respects our defensive talent. Dude is not in his first rodeo, he knows what he's doing. Brock will undoubtedly be given a chance to run a two gap responsibility on the nose, as it helps the interior LBs, but if not then Wade will adjust and have him running one gap. Donald will have one gap that utilizes his speed, no need to be concerned with him. The DL is not really a concern in this transition at all. Quinn should excel in this defense as long as he's healthy, but expect Wade to tinker with who is rushing and where all through camp and we will probably find out one of these guys can do a good job at it, maybe someone like Barron or Ogletree.

 

[FrantikRam]

I have seen plenty of Phillips defenses over the years. He runs a 3/4. He will make it fit at first because he wont have a choice. It would be impossible to make all of the moves necessary. Over the next two to three years the defensive roster will be turned over and this defense will be a true 3/4 defense.

I get that people are getting excited over change and I am glad Fisher and Williams are gone too, but the only time I recall Phillips succeeding is when he had a loaded defense full of stars. And McVey is the epitome of unproven. The track record for head coaches in his age bracket is not very good. I hope the guy is a genius, on the level of the greats but I can't help being skeptical with these moves.

I have read the responses here btw, I just don't buy it. I don't believe that Brockers is the right type of build for the NT spot on Phillips D. I don't think that Donald is the right type of DE to play it either. There is also a sudden need for LBers. I question if Barron is a fit at OLB in the 3/4. Tree is not a 3/4 MLB, nor a 3/4 OLB. Forrest may do well at OLB but I don't see much else being a great fit. The DBs will be fine but they were already the weak link on this D. Hopefully they have the foresight to move Joyner to FS. This hire creates many more needs.

There are just way too many 'wait and see' questions with these hires for me to get excited. I expect the D to take a big step backwards because the front seven will be a square peg in a round hole. It will take time to move all of the parts but guys like Tree, Brockers, Donald, Quinn will not be Rams in the future.

Get excited man.

Donald can easily play DE in a 3-4. I think Brockers can too.

We need 3 LBs and a NT - that's not too crazy. A NT and at least 1 pass rushing LB can be had in FA. We desperately need an upgrade at MLB; I'm hoping we get that in the draft.

Put a Raekwon McMillan next to Ogletree and this defense will take off.

They can't really take a step back when they were already bad this past year.

 

[Prime Time]

PT, in case you haven't noticed, it already IS WAS crap. :neener:

 

[Psycho_X]

I've been about as pessimistic and down on the Rams as one can be while still being a fan the last couple of years but am excited about Wade Phillips a LOT. McVay, yeah I'm going to wait and see before I get too excited however I know he runs an offense that competes in the NFL which is far greater than anything we've had lately. So it's hard not to at least acknowledge that things will improve some. Will wait before I start spouting playoff talk because we're a long way from that. But I am super, super excited about Phillips. If Robert Quinn can stay healthy I think he'll have a career year next season... and I know what his career year has been before.

I'm not going to hide it.... I have very low opinions of Demoff/Kroenke and their character and that'll never change. But I think this was a very good hire overall. A year from now i may be eating those words and frankly it won't surprise me because of history but for the time being i'm actually excited.

 

[shovelpass]

I think think Forrest could thrive in this scheme off of the edge. He played really well in a limited role before his injury. Hopefully he'll be healthy and ready to work to start the offseason.

 

[Prime Time]

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/1/13/14263130/los-angeles-rams-hire-wade-phillips-sean-mcvay

by Sean Wilkinson

Excellent Defensive Coach

Wade Phillips has been a coach in the NFL for 34 years. Per Pro Football Reference, here are how his defenses have fared in yards allowed.

1st: 2 seasons
Top 3: 6 seasons
Top 5: 10 seasons
Top 10: 19 Seasons

That’s impressive. In 56% of his seasons in the NFL, Phillips has fielded defenses that have ranked in the top 10. The Rams ranked 9th in total yards allowed in 2016 under Gregg Williams, but were 23rd in points allowed. Look for Phillips to improve upon that.

Given McVay’s offensive background and Phillips’ defensive expertise, I’d expect Phillips to have complete autonomy on the defensive side of the ball.

Has a Reputation for Maximizing Talent

J.J. Watt.
Von Miller.
Demarcus Ware (twice).

There is no doubting that Phillips has had access to premium talent in recent years. While the depth isn’t there, that trend will continue with the Rams.

To differing extents, Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, and Trumaine Johnson all fit that mold. Donald was big draw for and potential defensive coordinator, but having Quinn and the potential to retain Tru was likely icing on the cake for Phillips.

This is phenomenal news for a perennially underachieving Rams defense.

The Elephant in the Room

4-3 or 3-4? That’s one of the biggest questions as we inch closer towards McVay’s introductory press conference this afternoon. Personally, I think that the reality probably lies somewhere in between.

I think that there will be times when Quinn finds himself in a 2-point stance outside of Donald. But I also believe Phillips is too smart to adopt a 100% 3-4 philosophy with the Rams personnel.