Ranking the NFC South Coaching Staffs

by Jaxon on Jun 22, 2009 9:35 AM EDT Comment 28 comments

Former Panther beat writer Pat Yasinkas has been ranking the NFC South division by position which we have discussed at least partially. He now has rankings on the coaching staff and I was surprised to see Carolina at #2 given how new most of the other staffs are. The Bucs have a rookie coach in Raheem Morris, the Falcons have 2nd year coach Mike Smith and the Saints have 3rd year guy Sean Payton. Guess who he ranked #1?

NFC South - ESPN
2. Carolina. There's no question John Fox has the best résumé in the division and that's why I came very close to going with him at No. 1. Fox is the only division coach to have taken his team to the Super Bowl, but he's never had back-to-back winning seasons. He's got a good chance to change that this year. But there were two reasons I gave the nod to Smith. First, I'm still trying to figure out why Fox, with one of the league's best running games, decided to put it all on Jake Delhomme on a rainy night in the playoff loss to Arizona. Don't tell me it was because the Panthers got behind. They weren't using the running game much before that. Second, and this one is bigger, Fox's staff had some major changes in the offseason. Just about the entire defensive staff left voluntarily and that makes you wonder about things like harmony and chemistry. There was a time early in his tenure when Fox had one of the league's best coaching staffs. Maybe the new coaches will work out well, but we have to wait to see.

So after one good season the Falcons have a better staff? I think Ol' Pat worries too much about being a Panther Homer. Pat makes good points about the Panthers but I don't think that takes away from the comparison to the other teams.He seems to give no consideration to the quality of the new coaches brought in to replace those that left 'voluntarily'. Meeks brings a nice resume, at least as good as Mularkey's.

What do you guys think?

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I think he got it right.

If this were on head coaches alone, you might give the edge to Fox. However, the Atl coaches top to bottom are very solid. Think about what they did last year. As far as talent on last year’s roster, I’d say Atl was the worst in the division, and they made the playoffs…

I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.

Elayne Boosler

by NaGaNole on Jun 22, 2009 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gee, you wouldn't be biased eh NaGaNole?

Just for you (In case you missed the first one I put up for you!)

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 22, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha~ A little biased indeed.

Though I won’t be satisfied till I see what the Falcons defense can do in training camp. They’re not going to be a top 10, and keep finding myself wondering if they’re even going to make the top 20. So many new pieces to the puzzle. It has me wondering.

"Once again the trowsers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn

by Revshawn on Jun 22, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me. Biased?!?!?!

I am the no spin poster. I provide fair and balanced reasons to put the Falcons on top. HAHAHAHAHAHA Wanna gave that GT-FSU debate yet? Better jump in now why the getting is good and y’all have the last win…

I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.

Elayne Boosler

by NaGaNole on Jun 22, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But for real...

I love posting with the CAR fans. We can talk football with just harmless ribbing each other from time to time. Y’all have a lot of class.

I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.

Elayne Boosler

by NaGaNole on Jun 22, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still vividly remember that goal line fumble

that saved the win for us. How about you? We play again this year right?

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 22, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In Tallahassee...

Nightmares of that fumble and the triple option will keep me up every night the week before that game…

I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.

Elayne Boosler

by NaGaNole on Jun 23, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

#2! Are you kidding me????

Yes his comments are true, but they are no reason to put him 2nd! Resume! Resume! Smith’s resume ONLY consists of last year… AND HE WON LESS GAMES THAN FOX!!!! What happened to Peyton after his incredible 1st year?

Gimme a break Pat! He knows Foxy is leagues above those guys. This is no more then pleasing his EPSN bosses and fans.

I want to see what Falcoholics honestly think about this.

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Jun 22, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm glad to see

that you were much more reserved when you paid us a visit

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Jun 23, 2009 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Momma taught me to always be polite

Until you leave tha room!

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Jun 24, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fox and his staff took a good team and won a division...

Smith and his staff took a train wreck and made the playoffs…

I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.

Elayne Boosler

by NaGaNole on Jun 23, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't think it was good...

I think too much was made of how we blew the Zona game by not running it ect. What about the Steve Smith – Ken Lucas thing? That was supposed proof as too the quality of our staff. I think its a sham to put the Falcons first. I thought Ron Meeks was upping our staff.

Question, people on ESPN saying we lost “half” of coaching staff which can’t be true. What were the significant downgrades we made at coaching positions that made us #2?

"Form is temporary, Class is permanent"

by CatRashFever on Jun 22, 2009 10:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, thats what happens when you put the game in the hands of an aging, choking QB who is 7-22 when he has to throw the ball more than 30 times a game. It amazes me how he seems to get a free pass for the worst performance in playoff history by a QB. This year, just line Smith up at QB and run the wildcat, please keep the ball out of the hands of shakey jakey.

by D.W.G. on Jun 22, 2009 2:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Free pass?

Delhomme has taken an endless amount of crap for that game. I’ve given him a pass based on his whole body of work, not just one game. If I’m wrong I’ll be the first to admit it.

The 7-22 stat doesn’t bother me so much because when you are behind you have to throw the ball more. The Wildcat would never work for long as a base offense, you have to be kidding about that. A triple option would be more effective (which I am also not advocating).

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 22, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As far as the 7-22 stat, I think that there are two main reasons for it.

1. What Jaxon mentions above about playing from behind.

2. Our offense is not built to throw the ball all over the field. Just like the Eagles and Colts do not play with a smash mouth mentality. If the Eagles were on the 2 yard line and needed to score, they would put the ball in McNabb’s hands ~ 60% of the time.

Will Parker

by WillParker81 on Jun 24, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think they'd put it in his hands 100% of the time...

He’s the QB, he takes every snap…. =)

I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.

Elayne Boosler

by NaGaNole on Jun 24, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right :-)

Will Parker

by WillParker81 on Jun 24, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to disagree Jax...

I was a bit irked at first, but Pat makes some good points. I’ve always found Fox to be one of the best coaches in the league, but I’ve never been too impressed with the staff around him. We lost our QB coach and Meeks is not a huge upgrade at DC. Davidson isn’t bad.

I was very impressed with what Mike Smith did to turn that team around in one season, especially with a rookie QB at the helm. It helped that he had Turner, but Fox has some pretty good RB’s too. But the Falcons deserve alot of credit for last year, and if you’re not going to give it to Matt Ryan and you’re not gonna give it to Mike Smith and his staff, then who gets it?

by pancanbra on Jun 22, 2009 6:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dimitroff?

This guy hit a grand slam year one.

Turner, Smith, Ryan, (I can’t think of a 4th to make the metaphor work).

Anyway, they all deserve a little credit.

by the bomb dot com on Jun 22, 2009 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha…fair enough. He does deserve alot of credit. But he just puts the pieces in place. He doesn’t make them move.

by pancanbra on Jun 22, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The ranking for the Falcons is based on what they think is further to come

whereas the Panthers is based on what has already happened. Why can’t Pat see just as much optimism with the recent changes in Carolina? The Falcons made a nice draft pick and signed a couple good free agents to an already fairly good roster. The Panthers have been more methodical but have even better results.

I still think it is more Pat not wanting to be accused of being a Homer.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 23, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't really have a problem with Fox #2

His inflexibility and vetish are deserving reasons to put him down there. But I’m not saying he’s a bad coach, he is one of the best, just he could be the best if not for those two faults. Mike Smith needs another season to prove, but for now, I have no problem with him #1. Payton at #3 is a shame, because he just needs a defense. Morris at #4 is about right, at least until we see what he can do.

by Flowing Willow on Jun 23, 2009 6:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like you point about Fox's inflexibility.

That is my biggest criticism. I think that he does not make the necessary changes in game at times. Like Gamble not matched up with Fitzgerald. As well as his lack of 4th down attempts. Do not get me wrong, as a former LB, I believe in punting and playing with the defense, but there are times here and there when I think it would benefit the team to take that risk.

Will Parker

by WillParker81 on Jun 24, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It`s all about staff

I like Fox, Smitty and Peyton.
Right now, Smitty has the best staff.
It`s that simple.

by BlackTalon on Jun 24, 2009 1:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Care to qualify that?

There’s only a couple guys on that staff with any name recognition (Mularkey, Musgrave.)

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 24, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Off the top of my head, there's...

Paul Boudreau-OL coach, Hall of Famer Emmitt Thomas-Sec. coach, Sugar Bear Hamilton-DL coach

I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.

Elayne Boosler

by NaGaNole on Jun 24, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean...

I’ve never heard of any of those guys, just like I’m sure I could use the names Richard Williamson and Jim Skipper and it wouldn’t do anything for you.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 24, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fox is the better coach

He’s got the track record, at least, and he’s always seemed like a quality coach for you guys. Mike Smith may well surpass him—and he had a fantastic year last year—but I’m not ready to crown him after a single season.

by Dave the Falconer on Jun 24, 2009 3:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs