[ad_1]
The November rumors of “tension” between New York Giants HC Brian Daboll and DC Don “Wink” Martindale apparently weren’t simply smoke. On Monday, it was introduced that New York and Martindale had been parting methods after two seasons and that the assistant is anticipated to resign, although he has not but officially carried out so.
In mild of the midseason stories, the transfer is not essentially stunning, however New York’s protection wasn’t precisely its largest subject. After such a controversial exit, the stress is on for Daboll to land a major improve for his defensive play-caller. Listed here are three candidates who might be his reply.
Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach
Though Pierce loved a formidable 5-4 run as Las Vegas’ head coach and has the help of a number of key gamers, if the workforce hires a extra skilled candidate, he needs to be New York’s best choice. In line with Sports activities Illustrated’s Hondo S. Carpenter, that seems to be the case already, as a member of the Giants group advised him that Pierce “could be a prime goal for our DC job.”
Whereas it could be a step-down, given his latest success, Pierce won’t get critical consideration for an additional workforce’s head-coaching job. Taking up a DC position could be an enchancment over his earlier place as a linebackers coach, and the chance to work for the workforce he received Tremendous Bowl XLII with might be engaging for Pierce.
Below Pierce, the Raiders reworked into one of many NFL’s prime defensive models, permitting the fewest factors (16) and Eleventh-fewest yards per recreation (324.9) whereas forcing 14 turnovers. Moreover, the Raiders collected 30 sacks over their last 9 video games, and if there’s one workforce that may profit from a greater pass-rushing scheme, it is the Giants, whose 34 sacks had been the fourth-fewest within the league.
Leslie Frazier, free agent
Given Daboll and GM Joe Schoen’s ties to the Buffalo Payments, it would not be surprising if Frazier, who was the workforce’s DC from 2017 by means of the 2022 season, was an early front-runner to switch Martindale. New York has proven curiosity in Frazier a number of occasions over time, as he interviewed for its head-coaching emptiness in 2022 and visited the workforce last offseason aspiring to presumably be part of the workers.
Along with his Payments tenure, Frazier had three different stints as a defensive coordinator, working for the Cincinnati Bengals (2003-2004), Minnesota Vikings (2007-10) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-15). Nevertheless, the 64-year-old undoubtedly loved his most success as a DC in Buffalo. In three of his six seasons with the Payments, Frazier’s protection was a top-three unit by way of factors and yards allowed, together with in 2021, the place the workforce ranked first in each classes.
Andre Patterson, New York Giants line of defense coach
Whereas there needs to be a number of intriguing exterior candidates to select from this offseason, going the inner route might be helpful, particularly if there are any gamers who passionately disagree with Martindale’s departure. Patterson is probably essentially the most underrated member of Daboll’s workers and was instrumental in growing DT Dexter Lawrence II right into a two-time Professional Bowler and among the finest gamers at his place.
Over his first three seasons, Lawrence performed simply 150 snaps at nostril sort out, the place he would transfer to completely because of Patterson, and the outcomes have been strikingly completely different. Lawrence notched 8.5 profession sacks and 30 QB hits earlier than Daboll’s workers took over, and simply final season alone, he racked up 7.5 sacks and 28 QB hits.
Patterson spent two seasons because the co-defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings (2020-21) and performed an integral position in elevating their move rush to an elite stage. In Patterson’s second season with the Vikings, the workforce ranked second in sacks (51), which was greater than double their 2020 sack complete (23). Giants edge-rushers Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari’s play nonetheless leaves a lot to be desired, so having the chance to proceed working beneath Patterson might assist every make vital leaps, even when they don’t seem to be as drastic as Lawrence’s.
[ad_2]
Source link
