Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers doesn't regret debuting his "Big Okie" defense the week before the Packers' Monday night showdown with the Minnesota Vikings.
The "Big Okie" was used to defend St. Louis Rams power running back Steven Jackson and featured linebacker Brandon Chillar as the strong safety. Though Jackson had 117 yards rushing and 46 yards receiving, he did not have a run over 20 yards and did not score a touchdown.
Capers sprang the defense on the Rams rather than waiting a week to debut it against Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson because he thought it was necessary to help win the most important game to the Packers at that time.
"We talk all the time with the team about this," Capers said Saturday. "One thing I've learned about this business, it's like walking a tightrope; you better stay focused on what's right in front of you because if you look too far to the right or the left, you're going to fall off."
Another reason Capers may have felt comfortable using it is that he has something else in store for the Vikings. When asked if he would use the "Big Okie" against Peterson, he said he would prefer to let the Vikings wonder about that.
"We have a number of packages," Capers said. "We aren't going to show our hand. We go in and carry a lot of different personnel groupings. They (the Vikings) are switching their groupings every play and every other play, too."
Capers has a number of options available to him to defend against Peterson, quarterback Brett Favre and the Vikings' receivers. Chillar got beat by tight end Donald Fells for two passing touchdowns against the Rams, but his ability to both rush and play coverage allowed Capers to do other things.
Another option Capers has is to play inside linebacker Desmond Bishop more. Bishop debuted on defense last week against St. Louis, replacing starter Nick Barnett after he had played 40 snaps, and performed solidly. The hard-hitting Bishop had two tackles, including one for loss.
Capers also has the option to rotate his big men against Peterson now that rookie defensive lineman B.J. Raji appears closer to full strength. Raji is listed as probable with an ankle injury and should be available for as many snaps as Capers needs.
What stands to be the most interesting part of the game plan is how Capers will blitz Favre. Considering how smart Favre is, Capers has to come up with something he can't recognize pre-snap or else he'll just change his protection at the line of scrimmage to account for a free blitzer.
And then Capers has to design the pressure so Favre can't step around it.
"You can see his experience, No. 1, in his pocket presence throwing the ball," Capers said. "I think he's always been outstanding in terms of feeling where the pressure is coming from and being able to slide in the pocket and give his receivers time to open up. He still has the arm strength to throw to his receivers all over the field."
"JS online" wrote: