Capers addresses media
New Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers is scheduled to make his debut behind the podium at 9 a.m. today. Refresh for updates as he answers questions.
* Opening statement: "I'm excited to be here and be a Packer. I feel much better about being here than the last time I was here (in the 1996 championship game). ... Hopefully, we can get back there and have that same kind of feeling again." Always had respect for tradition, fan support. That influenced decision to come here.
* What see personnel that fits well with scheme and what still needs? Early to give legitimate comment. "I've made the transition many times with going to different places." Gone to 4-3 teams; how gradually evolve depends on personnel. It's a mistake to come in and say have cookie-cutter defense and try to fit personnel to that. Must fit defense and fit to personnel you have.
* Where were past transitions from 4-3? Most clear was when left Carolina, went to Jacksonville. Always go through and evaluate strengths and weaknesses. Key is molding to players' strengths.
* On being aggressive: "If you can play aggressively and stop the run, that's the best of both worlds. I think that's where things have to start." Must stop run to dictate down and distance -- that allows to be aggressive and give offense problems.
* Where learn defense? Been blessed to be around good coaches. Worked in college with three coaches of the year, used some elements there. Worked in USFL with Jim Mora. Had two good years with elements of this defense. When went to New Orleans, all went together and brought along same defense, which worked well except against San Francisco. Eventually won division title over San Francisco. Then joined Bill Cowher's staff at Pittsburgh. Pressure packages were part of evolution of zone scheme. By third year with Steelers, players caught on and were doing more pressure.
* What like to do in coverage? "I think your coverage has got to be a combination of pressure and coverage." Better pressure equals better coverage. Have to mix coverage. "I think you have to be able to change up, and it's got to be a combination of pressure, coverage and disguise." Can't let teams know what you're doing.
* How keep it simple? Start with a process. "Everything has to be pretty well-defined." Job as coaches are to remove gray area. More can do that's simple for defense and tough for offense, the better the defense will be. Have to have attention to detail.
* Met Mike McCarthy before Friday? Yes. "I've always had a tremendous amount of respect for what he's done offensively. ... Offensively, I've always thought he's been one of the very best coaches."
* What was interview process? "It was a typical interview." Been on both sides of it. Got to know each other, talked about McCarthy's vision. Thought it was very informative. Thought it was a class organization. Had great visit with Mark Murphy. "It was very professional, all the way from when you're picked up at the airport and the accomodations and all those things." Made impression because those are all things he wanted to have when he was a head coach -- organized, detailed. "I've been very, very impressed, and first impressions I think are always important."
* What's dynamic as former head coach? "I think that's a good question." As head coach, knew what you were looking for in assistants -- now as assistant, try to be that guy. Must clearly define role and do best in that role that you're capable of.
* Hard to step back in that fashion and fill that role? "I've done it a number of times. It's kind of exciting. It's exciting to come in and have a new challenge. That's why we got into this business to begin with ... so I don't think it's that hard." If let ego get involved, won't be around long.
* Want to be a head coach again? "Well, not with an expansion team. You never say never. The approach I've always taken is if you do the very best job (with what you have) there will always be opportunities that present itself." Would have to be right situation. Goal now is to make defense as good as possible.
* Scheme impacted by what picked up from Bill Belichick? "You're never too old to learn something new." One thing excited about going to Patriots last year was being in successful organization. Did learn some things, hopefully can utilize.
* Vision really similar to McCarthy's? Had really good conversations. Always interesting to get offense's perspective on what causes problems, which McCarthy provided. "There's a lot of teams using different styles of 3-4s in the league right now." Pittsburgh, Dallas, New England all have own styles. "I felt good about our conversations."
* Giants contact? Don't think there's any benefit of going into those conversations. "I had conversations with numerous teams. ... I felt this was the best match." Had dinner with McCarthy on Friday, interviewed Saturday, talked two or three times on Sunday.
* Make an offer couldn't refuse? "It was a matter of fit." Felt comfortable.
* Some thought this isn't ideal defense for Aaron Kampman -- make a comparison to another guy? Know Kampman's been a very good player. "I think the No. 1 thing you do is adapt" scheme to good football players. Take 11 best and adapt to get them on the field. "It's about players and scheme, but it's probably more" about players. Put good players out in any scheme and they'll be successful.
* See that in linebackers, like A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett? Both have been good football players. "I'm really in the preliminary stages" of looking at the roster. Thinks there's some possibilities.
* So, what do next? Immerse in film room, evaluate personnel have, come away with some impressions of what they do well and what can feature. Then, start to meet as defensive staff and go through step-by-step process.
* How much input in filling out staff? McCarthy will make decisions, but will be involved, will meet with them.
* Important to have coaches that have coached in 3-4 before? No. 1 priority is to have good assistant coaches. Must be good teachers in classroom, must be thorough, must be sound fundamentalists and must have good work ethic.
* What's important of nose tackle in scheme? Very important. Different style of nose tackle. Some can sit in there and play head-up (two gap), others on edge of center (one gap). Need big, physical guys that are hard to knock off the ball.
* What's your coaching style? Try to develop approach that handles ups and downs -- be consistent, but demanding. Try to define expectations. Communication is a key.
* What stands out about 1996 NFC championship game? Had won eight in a row, unbeaten at home, lot of momentum coming in. Game started well, up 10-3, and missed throw into end zone. From that point on, started to go against. "The Packers had the best team in the league that year. They were No. 1 in offense, they were No. 1 in defense. ... It's awful hard to get your offense and your defense that good at the same time." Remembers an assistant coach on the sideline warming hands on one of blowers, and his laminated game plan had melted and caught his gloves on fire.
* What percent like to pressure on passes? "That varies. It varies on the team, really. ... It's foolish if you know people are going to protect ... to keep bringing pressure and isolate guys in one-on-one coverage." Must have combination of things to disguise, come out of pressure, hit with pressure when not expecting. If expecting pressure every down, will sit back and protect all day.
That's it for now. Check back for more analysis later in the day and stop by my live chat from 1 to 2 p.m.