A systems check for the change gang

Sporting News, The, Feb 18, 2002 by Gary Horton

What kind of impact will the first five coaching changes of the offseason have upon the way these teams operate on the field and in the front office?

Redskins Steve Spurrier's offense will make Redskins fans feel like they traded in their pickup truck for a Ferrari. And if the high-octane attack works for the Redskins the way it has for the Rams, the fans will appreciate the ride.

Spurrier has the system; it's just a matter of getting the personnel to match his pace and make it run smoothly. It begins at receiver, where Spurrier has a need for speed. Rod Gardner fits the requirements, but the Redskins need more burners to complement Gardner.

The big question is: Who will play quarterback? It probably won't be Tony Banks or Kent Graham. There is talk of bringing in a veteran such as Drew Bledsoe from the Patriots. But Spurrier needs a raw, young quarterback to mold into the system, not a 30-year-old veteran like Bledsoe with established ways and habits.

The public perception is that Spurrier and team owner Daniel Snyder will struggle to coexist. However, they might fit better than some expect. Big-name, high-priced athletes excite Snyder, and Spurrier built his successful Florida program upon luring the Sunshine State's finest, fastest and most high-profile prospects.

Panthers The dismissed coach, George Seifert, and the new coach, John Fox, share common roots as defensive minds--but that's about all.

Seifert tailored schemes, alignments and personnel to exploit weakness of opponents. Fox thrives on aggressiveness and quarterback pressure, always searching for the big play. Considering the youth of the Panthers' defense, the Seifert plan could have worked in time. But the freestyle approach of Fox might provide the breath of fresh air this team needs.

In recent years, Seifert shaped his offense to fit his personnel. He knew the offensive line was weak, so he spread the field with three and four receivers, using quick-hitting pass plays to move the ball. In contrast, expect Fox to bring in players who best fit the team's philosophy. Fox says his team will run the ball, control the clock and look for the big play through play-action. Fox wants a smash-mouth offense and will send the soft players packing.

Vikings Coach Mike Tice will try to re-establish balance in the Vikings' offense. His base offensive formation will be a two-tight end, two-wide receiver, one-back set.

With Randy Moss getting so much attention on the outside, the Vikings feel they must be able to run the ball again to succeed. New coordinator Scott Linehan is a proponent of the Joe Gibbs power offense, though he directed a spread passing attack at Louisville. Tice was impressed by the way Linehan adapts to his talent.

The defense will evolve under Willie Shaw, who moves from secondary coach to coordinator. One thing is certain: The scheme will be aggressive and focus on stopping the run. As some of his younger players begin to mature, Shaw's complex coverage schemes will be more successful.

On personnel matters, the Vikings will be more conservative in free agency and the draft. In the past, Dennis Green had the freedom to go after great talents of dubious character. That's all in the past.

Chargers New coach Marty Schottenheimer will put the offensive load on LaDainian Tomlinson and the running game. Unlike the situation in Washington, where Snyder wanted a fast-paced, pass-minded offense, Schottenheimer is working with a front office--namely G.M. John Butler--that is in sync with the coach. Butler will leave the play-calling to the coach. Look for Schottenheimer to go with Drew Brees at quarterback, allowing the youngster to learn the job on the fly, instead of veteran Doug Flutie, who doesn't fit the coach's style.

Dale Lindsey is the new defensive coordinator, but he will use Schottenheimer's scheme, which basically is a cover 2 zone behind an attacking one-gap system up front. This defense is designed to take chances by pressuring the quarterback and relying on the secondary to be in the right place when mistakes are made.

Look for San Diego to acquire tough, hard-nosed players through the draft and in free agency. Upgrading the offensive line is the biggest priority, because in Schottenheimer's system, the game is won or lost in the trenches.

Colts Don't expect the Colts' offensive personnel or philosophy to change under new coach Tony Dungy. But look for G.M. Bill Polian to make plenty of changes on defense. Simply put, the defensive veterans didn't get it done, and neither Polian nor Dungy wants them around.

For Dungy to be successful, he needs physical, aggressive cornerbacks like he had in Tampa Bay with Ronde Barber, Donnie Abraham and Brian Kelly. Dungy's cover 2 scheme relies on the ability of his corners to force the receivers inside toward the safeties. They don't have to be overly big but certainly more physical and aggressive than Jeff Burris and David Macklin, the Colts' corners last season.

The Colts also need to acquire a dominant pass rusher who will force opposing quarterbacks to get rid of the ball quickly. This will allow aggressive corners to take chances and make big plays.