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 

This is the most reasonable take that I've seen regarding Dom Capers with the Packers, and how this all turned out to be so bad on D.

We set records for futility in 2011. Abysmal. Yet, we led the league in INTs and takeaways.

2011 we ranked 32nd. (14th rush / 32nd pass)

2012 we ranked 11th. (17th rush / 11th pass)

2013 we ranked 25th. (25th rush / 24th pass)

Since Capers took over as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator in ’09, the team ranks No. 3 in the NFL in total takeaways (133), No. 1 in interceptions (103), No. 2 in opponent passer rating (73.8) and No. 4 in points allowed per game (19.3).

Seems we have just really missed on adding personnel at key positions or losing key players to injury.

Ted Thompson added a top defender this year in Peppers via FA for the first time since 2006. 8 years without a top defender added, with many losses. This kind of forced Capers' hand in having to coach up rookie and 2nd and 3rd year talents - many need a couple of years development, physically, mentally and from an experience standpoint.

Originally Posted by: play2win 

didnt know the packers still have top numbers overall the past 4 years. wierd - the way we talk sometimes youd think we just were abysmal

Originally Posted by: Dulak 

Actually, just near the top in those categories only... but, surprised they have stayed that high. We were like 4th in sacks in 2012, first in INTs in 2011 and tied for first in takeaways I think, despite being the 32nd ranked pass D that year. Our overall rankings really stunk in 2011 and 2013.

What killed us was such piss poor run D last season, and piss poor pass D in 2011. 2012 saw us spike up a bit, I think in large part to Hayward coming on as a rookie and a relatively healthy Matthews for much of the season. What really hurt us was lack of top pass rush opposite Matthews and on our DL, along with subpar play at S, amongst other things, since Collins went down in Sept of 2011.

I think these deficiencies were mostly due to lack of top personnel and lack of availability. Ted sticking so firmly to draft & develop only for personnel acquisition, and a lot of our guys going down. Pretty hard to develop that talent you bring in when they cannot take the field.

Originally Posted by: play2win 

Yeah, remember we called it a "bend but don't break" D? "Yes, but we're getting turnovers."

We started out stuffing the run last year, but went down hill. This year, they're going "smaller and quicker" on the Dline, which in my opinion will NOT help stop the run. But we shall see.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 

Yeah, remember we called it a "bend but don't break" D? "Yes, but we're getting turnovers."

We started out stuffing the run last year, but went down hill. This year, they're going "smaller and quicker" on the Dline, which in my opinion will NOT help stop the run. But we shall see.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 

Yeah, remember we called it a "bend but don't break" D? "Yes, but we're getting turnovers."

We started out stuffing the run last year, but went down hill. This year, they're going "smaller and quicker" on the Dline, which in my opinion will NOT help stop the run. But we shall see.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 

Packers , as of now, lost Wilson (306), Jolly(320) and Pickett(340)

Raji(340) replaces Pickett, Guillon(315) was brought in, Thorton(304) 3rd rnd draft pick.

Those are essentially the changes other than Peppers(287).\ who will be playing all over the line and Lb positions.

If Pennel(332)UDFA would happen to make the team, The Packers may be younger and quicker, but they sure aren't going to be "smaller".

"younger and quicker" will be a good thing if these guys learn their assignments and as said above are sure tacklers.

You did hit on the "turnover" issue, which it has been proven over time, a team that creates more turnovers than they give up will be successful more times than not.

Originally Posted by: StarrMax1