I wouldn't say he's irreplaceable but I do think he maximized the talent of guys like Zombo and Walden and got the most out of the talent that was there. That doesn't mean he's the best or someone else can't do the same but I do think he was a good coach.

Originally Posted by: steveishere 

I don't really get the "loudmouth" and "meathead" type of stuff. Seems more like a false perception to me. In all his interviews or times he was shown on camera as a coach he came off as pretty professional to me.

Originally Posted by: steveishere 

I really liked what he did with our OLBs - IMO if it were not for injuries we would of decimated offenses.

Originally Posted by: Dulak 

My problem with Dom is the sheer number of guys who seemingly cannot grasp his scheme (especially on the back end). If you have to keep more talented players on the bench because they don't know the defense as well as vets who aren't very good then you need to make an adjustment.

Originally Posted by: steveishere 

This makes me think immediately to a Lombardiism, one where he spoke of teaching his players in the most simple of terms.

I wish Capers would embrace more rookies, but then again, maybe those who weren't trusted really weren't ready for the concepts. It is not like he doesn't trust them at all, because we saw quite a lot of trust instilled in both Casey Hayward and Micah Hyde as rookies, and they performed exceptionally well. That, and he has had to prep many rookies to step up for injured veterans in his tenure here, quite a lot.

McCarthy's insistence that they simplify our D, and allow for the talent to produce more than scheme is refreshing, and I do think it will render some really positive results. We may see exceptional results if we can stay healthy.

Originally Posted by: play2win 

I am not sure if trust was instilled in Casey Hayward, or if trust was earned by his play.

Rookies shouldn't be given anything. They should be forced to earn they way onto the field, as should every player.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 

Something I remember being talked about during the draft was how the Steelers tended to draft guys to "redshirt" them on the defense for a year or two then have them step in. I wonder, since Capers comes from the LeBeau school of defense if it's the nature of the zone blitz scheme to take a year or two to acclimate to it before being ready to contribute.

With the Packers method of drafting talent this would seem to be the way to build it, but like with the age and infirmity hitting the Steelers now, it can be a problem if you need to replace someone right away. For them, look at the issues with no Casey Hampton and an injured Polamalu.

I am not sure simplifying things will necessarily be enough but I DO like the build up of talent over the last few ywars. While it isn't a top 5 defense I just don't see any more glaring needs on that side of the ball.

Originally Posted by: OlHoss1884 

I don't really get the "loudmouth" and "meathead" type of stuff. Seems more like a false perception to me. In all his interviews or times he was shown on camera as a coach he came off as pretty professional to me.

Originally Posted by: steveishere