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Rob Ryan: Underrated Defensive Coordinator
Published: June 16, 2009
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When we think about NFL football over the past ten years we really don’t think offense, we think defense. I feel I needed to write this article.
In Cleveland, we have had some atrocious defenses since we have come back into the league, and we as fans can admit to this type of nonsense.
When the last regime was fired from the Cleveland Browns, I will have to say it was my happiest time after watching the type of football played by Romeo Crennel and his band of misfits that he called coordinators.
With the new regime in place, I feel that the Browns have found their diamond in the rough when it comes to defensive coordinators in the NFL.
Rob Ryan is the man that will turn around this Browns defense. Some fans are going to disagree with me, and that is their right. But you cannot argue what this man has done with the Oakland Raiders. Come on: the Raiders have been the laughing stock of the league for a while now.
Ryan did not have a lot of talent when he was in Oakland. Yes, he did have some players, a couple of Pro-Bowlers, but not like the Baltimore Ravens, which have at least three to six Pro-Bowlers a year.
This is just a little of what Ryan has done with the Oakland Raiders.
Rob Ryan is in his fifth year as the Raiders defensive coordinator. In 2007, Ryan coordinated a Raiders defense that produced two players who ranked in the top 10 in the AFC in sacks, ranked third in the NFL in percentage of passes intercepted, eighth in the NFL in pass defense, fifth in the AFC in opponent’s third down efficiency (39 percent), and sixth in the AFC in opponent’s Inside the 20 touchdown percentage.
In 2006, Ryan oversaw a defense that led the NFL in pass defense and ranked third in total defense. The Raiders defense under Ryan also ranked fourth in the NFL in fewest yards allowed per play, fifth in defense inside the 20, fifth (tie) in defensive touchdowns, and fifth in net passing yards per play.
Ryan’s defensive schemes in 2006 also helped Derrick Burgess record 12 sacks and play in his second straight Pro Bowl, Warren Sapp record 10 sacks (an NFL high for defensive tackles). In addition, the defensive schemes helped Nnamdi Asomugha post a career high eight interceptions. He was named USA Today’s “All-Joe” and Bill Arnsbarger’s “Football Insiders” Defensive Coordinator of the Year.
This is just a taste of what this man can do with a defense. I am excited to see what he will bring to the Browns.
In closing, we should be thankful to the Oakland Raiders for letting a Defensive Coordinator like Rob Ryan go. This will back fire in the Raiders face.
This might be a little premature in my part, but I love the Browns and I am happy with this selection.
GO BROWNS!
The Cleveland Browns Cornerbacks: The Sleeper Unit
Published: June 4, 2009
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Looking ahead at the upcoming season, the Cleveland Browns are going to have a surprise unit on the field this year—the secondary.
Over the past 10 years since the Browns have come back into the league, we have had what you call a dry spell of talent in the secondary.
This year it is going to be a little different. Cleveland has quality players all across the secondary roster.
Watching the Browns last year was dreadful, but the one spot on the field that I felt that was an up and coming unit was the cornerbacks’. Eric Wright and Brandon Mcdonald did their best to keep with the wideouts in the league.
I felt that they did an admirable job, considering that there was no defensive pressure on the quarterback. When pro quarterbacks have all the time in the world to pass the ball, someone such as J.T. O’Sullivan can torch the secondary.
So, looking at what the Browns did in the draft and in free agency, I am confident when I say this that the Cleveland Browns will have a top-15 secondary this year.
Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald will be in their third year as pros. They will have a better advantage keeping with wideouts, because they should have an improved pass rush, along with a better linebacking core. Because of this, they won’t be forced to cover for so long.
The additions of Corey Ivy, Rod Hood, and Hank Poteat give the Browns a veteran presence that will teach the young guys “the tricks of the trade”.
Having this type of veteran leadership will have the biggest impact for a unit that was pretty much last in every category for pass defense.
Coye Francies and Don Carey will have an impact—just not really sure where at this point in time. I would think more along the lines of special teams during their rookie campaign.
These two guys (Francies and Carey) are going to battle for some playing time. They both have a different skill set than the other.
Carey is probably going to be more at the line of scrimmage for run plays. He is a physical corner.
Francies might become a nickel type of defender. He has good hips and can run with the pesky slot receiver during the underneath routes.
I feel the Browns are going in the right direction with what they have done in the first year of the new regime—building a solid veteran presence, and drafting a couple of corners that will build depth and make for good competition later down the road.
So, I think the fans this year will be pleasantly surprised with what type of secondary takes the field, and how well they will do.
Go Browns!
