Sometimes, when one is walking through a diamond mine in Arkansas, he needs to first know where the mine is located. Then he might appreciate insider information as to where the better spots are to look. And then, he might appreciate the identification skills to notice when he has in fact come upon a diamond. With actual size being an actually better standard once what one is searching, is past a search stage.
Surprisingly, today's conditions for the defensive side of the ball, is pretty similar to what Dallas observed when Jimmy Johnson was starting out with 'ol Jerry, and Jimmy pulled off a deal where Dave Wannestedt came to the Cowboys from Miami along with David Shula. Don Shula allowed Wannestedt to accompany David Shula so that his son would get a chance with a team as an Offensive Coordinator.
Wannestedt was of a blue collar personality. He thought you treat people honestly, you work your *** off, and you're tough. Nothing comes easy. You grind it out. You try to convince your guys how much more successful they can be if they just give everything they have.
Forget the talent, if they don't play hard, you'll have problems.
When Wannestedt arrived under Jimmy in Dallas, that talent was longer on work ethic and emotion than first round talent. Tom Landry's flex no longer had a home in Dallas. Though both were 4-3, they were different. Wannestedt and the current defensive scheme, are a flip of the flex.
The flex was a stop and read. The current and Wannestedt type, was a read on the run.
No stars, no mystique.
You shade and shoot gaps instead of controlling them. Speed. Quickness.
Your ends crush upfield. Linebackers gang tackle. Safeties play like linebackers.
Rod Marinelli is just like the early version of Dave Wannestedt. Strength is achieved by placing the right guy in the right place and making him understand exactly what has to be done to beat an opponent.
Players respond because they believe in their coach.
Just like when Wannestedt arrived, as is the case with Marinelli, the one thing that is needed for a Super Bowl, is a pass rusher who could be counted upon no matter what. Wannestedt was served up Charles Haley. Marinelli is still in his search for a similar talent now. We all are hoping that Lawrence is the next to fill the mold of a Haley or Demarcus Ware. But that is what is needed most, to turn that corner for a dominant defense.
I think he's better than serviceable and may turn out to be a good SDE who can play some 1/3 esp in the Nickel. But we can agree to disagree. I saw a nice old Mooney the other day and a 182RG that I thought was mine for a minute. Wrong number same paint. Wish I'd never sold that one.
