Ron Meeks Rewind: What Panther Fans Can Expect from the Defense in 2009

by Jaxon on Jun 9, 2009 5:00 AM EDT

There's been a good bit of speculation as to what kind of changes new DC Ron Meeks might bring to the Panthers defense in 2009, some very positive and some not expecting any changes at all. Will there be significant changes or not? I'm a firm believer that the past can many times predict the future so I thought I would dig around a little to see what was being said about Meeks before he left the Colts, things from seasons past that might give us a clearer picture. I began by sorting through old posts on Stampede Blue, SBN's Colts site as well as the Indystar.com. I managed to find a few choice nuggets but overall...I'll let you decide.

First lets start with the positive stuff, that Meeks was very well thought of before leaving:

Somewhat off topic: Teams that could have head coaching vacancies next year - Stampede Blue
I personally think Meeks is an underrated coordinator, and should get a chance to lead a club. Alvin Williams would make a great DC somewhere.

2008 Rankings mean nothing... unless, of course... - Stampede Blue
The part about Indy having the best coaching staff in football is something I have never read anywhere. PFW's Matt Sohn is either a big Colts fan, or he knows more about football than just about every pundit in creation. I'm not sure I agree with him, but he makes a good point. Who is a better OC than Tom Moore? For the past three years, Ron Meeks has done an excellent job coaching the defense.

Meeks is also known for getting the most out of certain players. We've heard plenty about Sanders, Mathis and Freeney but here's another guy that was key to their SB run:

New position no problem for Morris - NFL - ESPN
"I don't want to say we turned to [Morris] out of desperation," said defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, "but we had to do something and we didn't have a lot of options. The other guy was giving us nothing and we couldn't keep getting that kind of performance if we were going to play the way we needed to play. Rob is a veteran. He's a pro. He's started a lot of games in this league and made a lot of tackles. Everything we do is predicated on getting people to the football, and Rob gets to the ball."

We've heard a lot about the defense getting to the ball so that is a very consistent comment. Now let's talk about some of the 'non-changes':

Colts signaling change in linebacker philosophy by waiving Buster Davis? - Stampede Blue
Former DC Ron Meeks rarely blitzed, and the result was a very strong pass rush and a dominant pass defense. Last year, they set an NFL record with fewest passing TDs allowed.

The Meck Deck " Blog Archive " Welcome to the Ron Meeks Era, Panther Fans
We’ll have to get to camp to find out, but the Brown pick up also makes me wonder if Tyler Brayton and Charles Johnson will see more reps at DT with Brown on board. Johnson especially is a Meeks-sized "rush" DT. The Panthers got Meeks more help in CB Sherrod Martin another big, versatile ballhawk in the mold of Charles Godfrey, who might blossom into a Pro Bowl safety this year. Martin will have ample opportunity to earn playing time, if he can grasp the complex schemes Meeks employs and avoid the injuries that shut him down for two seasons in college.

Though the Panthers often lined up 3 DE's on obvious passing downs I don't recall Charles Johnson being one of the them. With Everette Brown being the faster player and Johnson having more bulk I bet this prediction is on the money. Our front four on passing downs could easily be Brown, Johnson, Lewis and Peppers.

The mention of 'complex schemes' actually falls into the 'expected changes' in my book.The Panthers noticably simplified their scheme last season and it worked for about 8 games. Yet when they got to the Arizona game, a team they had already played, they were reluctant to change from what had gotten them there. We all know how that turned out so 'nuff said. The point is Meeks uses complex backfield schemes and fast linemen to get pressure. If they can confuse the QB for a moment or two that is all they should need.

In the name of fairness I had to include this last piece. Does this sound familiar?

So, how the F did we lose to the friggin' Chargers? - Stampede Blue
There are a ton of reasons why this defensive meltdown occurred. First and foremost, the game plan stunk. Less than a month after singing Ron Meeks' praises, I now have to crucify him. The Colts defensive line got zero pressure all game long. No blitzes were called. None. If some where, they were either few and far between, or so poorly executed they went unnoticed by San Diego's o-line. Bob Sanders was hardly used as a weapon to engineer a pass rush, much like he did against the Titans in Week Two. With Dwight Freeney IRed and Robert Mathis still not 100% (he was used as a situational pass rusher and not a starter), the Colts relied on Darrell Reid, Josh Thomas, Ed Johnson, and Raheem Brock for their pass rush. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.

They were missing their best pass rusher and Mathis was not 100% so there is at least a plausible explanation.It does though sound very much like what I was saying after our loss to the Cardinals last season.

So that's what I could find and bet you agree most of this confirms things we have already learned. So in summary here's what I think I will expect from the defense in 2009:

A pass rush that rarely blitzes and relies on under-sized speed rushers to get to the QB
A more complex secondary scheme designed to confuse the QB and receivers
A more aggressive defense that insists on all 11 players flying to the ball
More turnovers as a result of the aggressive behavior, a new more complex scheme our divisional opponents have not seen
Fewer passing TD's given up and higher sack total from 2008

Let's bring it! Go Panthers!

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One thought...

This post sparked something I’ve been thinking about for awhile now with regards to the speedy, undersized linemen putting pressure on the QB that Ron Meeks utilizes so effectively. Another key component to that defensive philosophy is the play of the other 7 guys on defense. They have to be flying to the ball, because if the front 4 line up against a mauling run-oriented team, the LBs and safeties have to come up fast to shut it down. Otherwise, the undersized linemen will get manhandled and opposing RBs will get into the secondary more often than not.

If our back 7 can provide proper run support to shut down an opponent’s rushing attack…combined with our offense putting up points in a hurry…it makes the other team fall back to their passing game (i.e., become one-dimensional) to try and conserve clock and score faster to catch up. If we can force that to happen, it lets our speedy pass-rushing D-lineman pin back their ears and really get after the QB, while the secondary focuses on the best possible pass coverage to give those guys a chance to get some sacks.

So, with that said, the “complex schemes” our secondary will need to learn will likely involve a lot of “read and react” from the safeties and CBs. If a safety has to “fly” to the ball in run support, the CBs need to be prepared to handle their guys man-to-man without any safety support. I also think our LBs will have to a better job of coming up to make tackles and in covering the TEs. Otherwise, this defensive game plan will start to break down. It’s all about execution, timing, and tenacity. If guys are flying to the ball, making big hits, and going for the ball, good things are bound to happen.

Still Meeks definitely has his work cut out for him. And so do all of our defensive players in learning this scheme. The good news is I think we have the personnel, speed, and size necessary to execute Meeks’ defensive philosophy as well as the Colts’ teams of the past. And that speed element has been on display at the OTAs so far, it appears. I really like how they’ve changed up some of the drills. There’s a video over at Panthers.com that shows the D-linemen working on their agility drills so they can turn their hips and run to the ball, too. It’s all good stuff.

I’m really eager to see how all this translates to the field. We’ve got a chance to really improve our team if Meeks can get our defense playing better and executing his scheme properly. Basically, if our offense can repeat last season’s success and our defense can improve just a little bit, we’ve got the makings for a serious run to (and through) the playoffs. I just hope these guys can incorporate what Meeks is bringing to the table…that we keep the right personnel for the job…and that we avoid injuries so we aren’t faced the kind of meltdown the Colts suffered in that Chargers game you cited.

My two-cents,
—Neil

by NSpicer on Jun 9, 2009 9:46 AM EDT reply actions

Good points Neil

I would have never guessed our o-line would have performed so well last season given the wholesale changes. I’m hoping wholesales changes in the defensive mindset (but not scheme) has a similar impact this season. Richard Marshall will have a big impact on how the back seven performs. He will get picked on until he proves he can make plays. We need Marshall to step up and the rookie Sharrod Martin to grow up fast.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 9, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree, good post.

The one thing I do not agree with is:

“I also think our LBs will have to a better job of coming up to make tackles and in covering the TEs.”

I DO agree that they need to improve on covering TE’s, but I think our LB’s are great at running and making tackles. I think both Beason and TD are excellent in this regard.

I wanted to add that I think we will see improved numbers (INT’s and PD) by our back 7. The Colts have had history with that. Several of there players had good or great seasons ie, Cato June, Jason David, Nick Harper, Gary Brackett, and Bob Sanders.

Will Parker

by WillParker81 on Jun 15, 2009 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions

A few thoughts...

1. I really don’t see Godfrey becoming a Pro Bowler this soon, if at all.
2. Johnson did play some at DT last year, and offseason reports have had him bigger and stronger without losing much speed.
3. Darin Gantt seemed to indicate that the nickel CB rotation is set, with Marshall on the inside because he’s smaller and has the quickness to stay with Eddie Royal/Harry Douglas types, Gamble on one outside spot, and CJ Wilson taking the other outside spot. I commented that that would mean we spent a second-round pick on a dime back, and I wasn’t corrected. Darin says the hope is that Martin can be a special teams ace to start with as he transitions from college safety to corner (as Wilson has apparently done to their liking.)
4. Over the long haul since Fox came, we’ve already been great at forcing turnovers, ranking in the top two overall (not sure if the Ravens passed us over the course of this season, but those two were way out in front of the pack.
5. As I noted in an earlier post, the stats bear out Meeks’ “no-blitz” solution. They’ve only had like two multi-sack seasons from back seven players in the last 5+ years, and the highest that was was 3 from Bob Sanders. For comparison’s sake, we got 3.5 from Thomas Davis and 2 from Richard Marshall just last year, and in the last five years, we’ve seen multi-sack seasons from Diggs, Draft (5), James Anderson, Fields (4), Witherspoon, Minter, Morgan, and Terry Cousin. So all those who cry that Ravens-/Eagles-esque massive blitzing is the only way we can improve our pass rush are very likely to be disappointed.

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

by MichaelProcton on Jun 9, 2009 10:06 AM EDT reply actions

What about dropping the DE's into coverage?

We saw some of that last season with Pep and Brayton. Do you think we will see much of it with Meeks?

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 9, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

If they're not going to blitz...

I wouldn’t see the benefit, as teh QB would just have that much longer to find a hole.

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

by MichaelProcton on Jun 9, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions

You're right...

on point 5. I have to say—I have been one of the people whining that we needed to have more exotic blitz schemes (a la Eagles/Ravens) to be more successful on pass rushing. But the more I think about it…and the more I read — I’m learning that it’s not necessarily true.

I’m really excited to see what Meeks is going to do to turn our defense into an even stronger force. My only reservation is how little Meek’s defenses utilize the blitz. While I understand that we can be successful with not blitzing every-other-down, I feel like it’s necessary to do it some. If nothing else to keep the offense guessing.

by boywonderncsu on Jun 9, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

I think Fox...

might want some more pressure than Meeks has traditionally brought. I’m sure Fox will still be involved on that side of the ball and the pressure (which I never thought was enough in our Division) will be consitent or just under from last year, just a thought. I wish we still had Jarrod Cooper and He Hate Me. How much fun was our special teams that year? And the suicide blitzes that Cooper would go in for sometimes were priceless.

http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2008/12/31/14/298-PanthersEagles04_12.standalone.prod_affiliate.138.jpg

"Form is temporary, Class is permanent"

by CatRashFever on Jun 9, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Cooper was a fan favorite and I’ll always remember him for his big hits, but he also wasn’t a high character guy. He was arrested at least three times and was suspended for steroids at one point. It would be nice to have a guy like Cooper but without his off-field issues. He Hate Me was the man too.

by zrjohnso on Jun 9, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Cooper was a beast.

And he actually didn’t make a half-bad safety when Oakland gave him the chance.

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

by MichaelProcton on Jun 10, 2009 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought Fox was often criticized for not blitzing enough?

Hasn’t he mainly relied on a stout front four to get pressure without blitzing? If so, then it might be an easy transition to Meeks’ game. Just replacing power rush with speed rushers… which is what it looks like we now have.

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

by southtunnel on Jun 9, 2009 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Same here

I actually wanted us to hire Jim Haslett, because he was known for his aggressive defense. But Meeks is a nice consolation prize. If we did switch to a Pittsburghesque defense, I believe we have the personnel to make it work. From what I’ve heard, when Thomas Davis blitzes he is nearly unstoppable. I’d like to unleash him as a 3-4 linebacker in some sets.

by Flowing Willow on Jun 10, 2009 2:54 AM EDT up reply actions

We don't have the D-linemen to make that scheme work.

Kemo would theoretically be an NT, but he came to Carolina specifically not to have to play that role. Lewis may be able to handle 3-4 DE, but I don’t think Brayton or anybody else could handle the blocker-occupying role on the other side.

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

by MichaelProcton on Jun 10, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions

I remember ma-AH-kay key-moy-AH-too

…stating that he enjoyed playing NT, but that he’s willing to play either NT in a 3-4 or DT in a 4-3, that it doesn’t matter to him. Fox utilizes him like a NT in his defense anyways, he’s used to occupy a couple of OL men, and as a run stuffer in both. He was also pretty good at playing NT for the Ravens.

“PRO CAREER

Established career highs with 16 starts and 70 tackles for Baltimore in 2005.
Helped Baltimore rank second in the NFL with an average of 3.58 yards allowed per rush in 2004.
Contributed to a Baltimore defense that yielded an NFL-low 4.23 yards per play in 2003.
Gathered first career sack at Indianapolis (10/13/02), dropping Colts quarterback Peyton Manning for a four-yard loss."
http://www.cpanthers.com/Team/PlayerBio.aspx?id=7584

So good that the Ravens wanted to keep him as their NT, and the Browns wanted to sign him as their NT.

“Finding a nose tackle, whether in free agency or the draft, is a top priority for the Browns. They like Haloti Ngata, the 338-pound nose tackle from the University of Oregon, but sitting with the 12th pick there is no guarantee he will be around. That is one reason Savage will be very active pursuing the Ravens’ 340-pound defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu. The Ravens want to re-sign Kemoeatu. "
http://www.thehuddle.com/nfl_team_rpts/archive2006/20060313/around-CLE.php

“The Ravens fear they could lose up to five starters off last year’s defense, including NT Maake Kemoeatu and S Will Demps. The Ravens want to keep Kemoeatu but know Cleveland will come hard after him.”
http://www.blueandsilverreport.com/2006/03/04/rumor-ratings-hot-or-cold/

by meanoreno on Jun 12, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

They might have wanted him more than anything in the world...

But one of the main reasons he piced here was that he could play 4-3.

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

by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions

It was the offer

…not the fact it wasn’t a NT position why he chose the Panthers. He stated he’s willing to play either in a 3-4 or 4-3, that it didn’t matter to him. He was actually more effective as a NT too, but that’s beside the point.

by meanoreno on Jun 13, 2009 1:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm not buying that.

I’ve read it from writers and his own mouth that that’s not true. Not sure where you’re getting the “more effective” part from, either.

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

by MichaelProcton on Jun 13, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Where's the article where he said he didn't want to play NT?

Google guru, you’re task has been given.

by Flowing Willow on Jun 13, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

You don't have to buy

… that’s your prerogative, just like I don’t have to buy your explaination as to why he signed with the Panthers.

Here’s Kemo in his own words and why I believe he signed with the Panthers.

“Ma’ake Kemoeatu
DT – Carolina Panthers
Panthers sign DT Kemoeatu to 5-year, $27.5M deal

“Ken is my agent, business partner, advisor and friend. I am from a small town in Hawaii and signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent. Ken did his research, used his connections and placed me with a ball club and in a scheme that was a perfect fit for my abilities. In 2006, he guided me through free agency and negotiated a contract that makes me one of the highest paid DT’s in the league.

Ken has also helped me set up a financial management program so I know my future is secure. With Ken’s help, I look forward to a long and prosperous career.""
http://www.lgglaw.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=firmGroups.firmGroupDetail&id=4018

It made him one of the highest paid DTs in the league. Also, notice where he says his agent “ken” placed him with a ball club in a scheme that he felt was perfect fit for his abilities, he’s talking about the Ravens and being a NT. The following article shows that sure wasn’t the case after signing with the Panthers. Kemo felt like he had to lose weight to play his new position and he did.

“SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Maake Kemoeatu lost about 10 pounds in the first four days of training camp with the Carolina Panthers, but for the newest and largest addition to the defensive line, it was hard to tell.

The Panthers already have Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker and Kris Jenkins up front, and hope the Hawaii native will make Carolina’s line the best in the NFL.

“It’s a very talented line,” said Kemoeatu, who signed with the Panthers in the offseason after recording a career-high 70 tackles with Baltimore last season.

“They’re already the best, I’m just an addition.” he said. “I’m just adding on to what they already have. I’m just trying to keep up.”

With the addition of 6-foot-5 Kemoeatu, that line will be a lot bigger.

During minicamp in April, Kemoeatu weighed 370 pounds. He checked into training camp at 355 pounds and said Monday he weighed about 345. The goal was to lose another 10 pounds.

“That would be a good playing weight for myself,” said Kemoeatu, brought in to replace the released Brentson Buckner. “That would make me light enough to move around but heavy enough to take on those double teams.”
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2536677&campaign=rsssrch&source=carolina+panthers

Of course, I know you don’t have to buy this reason You can just keep on believing it wasn’t about the money, but instead it was about playing on a defense he wasn’t already fit to play on and had to lose weight to do so, even though he thought a 3-4 defense was a perfect fit for his abilities. Yep, that sounds logical to me..

by meanoreno on Jun 14, 2009 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions

What I mean is

kind of like the Cardinals, having a base 4-3, but mixing in some 3-4 occasionally. We don’t have the right personnell though I agree.

by Flowing Willow on Jun 11, 2009 2:31 PM EDT reply actions

Interesting thought

I had previously given some thoughts to us running some sort of hybrid. No, we don’t really have the personnel for a base 3-4 but still — it’s fun to play in fantasy land and to imagine a hybrid 4-3. Even if it was just for 1-2 snaps in a game, I think it could be beneficial (slightly) just to keep the offense off balance.

Also … (no surprise I was going to mention this) we could get Peppers in on some OLB action. Maybe if he had to drop into coverage more often as the case with 3-4 OLBs he would realize that he’s better suited as a 4-3 DE.

by boywonderncsu on Jun 11, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions