New Broncos Defensive Coaches Take Over

Well, Shanhan's already been busy this off-season. Following up on the earlier story about the firing of Larry Coyer, yesterday Shanahan also fired defensive line coach Andre Patterson, which I also think is a good move. The line was far in a way the weakest link in the Broncos defense. They were never able to rush four and get any pressure at all on quarterbacks, and Coyer was too predictable and wouldn't call a blitz to make up for it.

Mike Shanahan's new people have now moved in. Taking over as defensive coordinator is defensive back's coach Bob Slowik. I don't know a lot about Slowik, but I think promoting the person who runs one of the best parts of the defensive is, inherently, a pretty solid idea. However, Shanahan also brought in Jim Bates, a 14-year coach in the NFL, to be assistant coach of the defense, and word on the street is that he'll have most of the defensive control, just like Mike Heimerdinger, the assistant coach of the offense, has more control of the offense than the current offensive coordinator.

I don't honestly know a ton about Bates. He was the interim head coach during the 2004 Miami debacle, but his most recent stint was as Green Bay's defensive coordinator. Of course, it's hard to know how much his season at the Pack reflects how good he is, because that team's great defensive tradition has fallen on hard times recently. But what we do know is that Shanahan has been connected to Bates for some time. Bates' son works as an assistant for the Broncos, so it's plausible at least to think that Shanahan has been targeting him since earlier this year when the defense started its collapse.

The one thing I want address about this is that while I agree with the defensive shakeup in general, I don't think that's where the work needs to end. Larry Coyer and Andre Patterson weren't solely responsible for the lack of defense late in the season. I think Shanny's Cleveland experiment has failed. The Broncos need some new personnel on the offensive line, and Shanahan shouldn't stop overhauling the defense until we have the players and the coaches that can put the Broncos in a position to be successful rushing the quarterback.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-14-2007 @ 6:03PM

Carolyn said...

Hey,
Has any one ever thought of a women becoming a coach??? You can't say they won't be good at it, because there has NEVER been one.. Just a thought!!

1-15-2007 @ 12:43PM

Paul Wexler said...

Hey Gabe, didn't we have this conversation two months ago about Shanny creating a fall guy "every year" then fire him? and Two about the less than quality types he brings in to play for the Donkeys? Am I the only one who sees this? Why does every one give him a free pass every year? More Violence, more firings, more 500. football, more delusional fans that think they are winning the Super Bowl every year. This is the same place that embraces Gary Barnett for crist sake, bet you miss Rick now! Back to my point, I told you this was coming, and you are doomed to repeat it again and again as long as Shanny is your HC/GM and Bowlen is more worried about his Fur coats and where are his three different girlfriends going to sit in the stadium so they don't run into one another. Do some homework, write something interesting. By the way, Bates is a good guy and a fantastic coordinator, he is the opposite of Shanny, the guys will respect and follow him. This will lead to trouble and division in the clubhouse. Should be another fun year!

1-15-2007 @ 6:56PM

Gabe Stein said...

That's your opinion paul...but I keep saying you're just making stuff up, and that's my opinion. I don't see any truth to your claims and I haven't all year, and so far all you've done is say things without backing it up with any kind of evidence whatsoever. At least when I'm condescending and say things like, "I thought we had this conversation," I back it up. Peace.

1-17-2007 @ 2:18PM

ok Gabe it took me awhile to stop laughing, I will make up the scapegoat list for you.... BRB

1-17-2007 @ 2:51PM

2007 scapegoats Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, Def Line Coach Andre Patterson, QB Jake Plumber.

2005 Brian Greise

2003 Ray Rhodes

2001 Greg Robinson

Oh by the way the only time he was a MASTERMIND was when GIBBS was coaching the offensive line. Then average backs like Terrel Davis, Anderson, Olandis Gary, Reuben Droughns all looked like the second comming of Bo Jackson instead of the practice squad fodder they really were. Notice who led the league in rushing the last few years? Duh who was there line coach? duh. As to evidence to the violent/punk/drug dealing trash Mike has brought to town, are you kidding? No need to bring all that up again. And if you want evidence about wide receivers taken in the draft just go to ESPN and pull up the draft history, or like I said before, go to your local Duncan Donought and as the guy mopping the floor to sign your cup, I am sure you can sell it on Ebay. OK what else would you like me to "back up"? Like I said before, who let you write this, who don't know very much about this team or its innerworkings?

1-17-2007 @ 6:00PM

sorry about the typos I am taking potshots at you and the donkees while taking calls and yelling at 5 people

1-17-2007 @ 6:11PM

Somehow Paul, that doesn't really surprise me.