Coach Anarumo

[*SHRacerX*]

(06-13-2019, 09:47 PM)bengaloo Wrote: Reading the article Hobson put out about the defense, I'm really loving what players are saying about coach Anarumo. This isnt just being PC for reporters, this is pretty good stuff.

Some highlights from the article https://www.bengals.com/news/revived-defense-a-must-see-in-mandatories

“You get to see him today. Just go out there and see him,” said Jackson, who senses Anarumo is lining up behind him every play. “I don’t know how to explain last year. It feels like new players in here.

“Everything is black-and-white. There’s no gray. With Lou, he’s on my case 100 percent of the time,” Jackson said. “He’s harder on me than anyone who’s ever coached me.”

“Basically, it’s all the same dudes,” said Boyd, a fourth-year wide receiver who admittedly is having problems finding the windows in the defense that were so open in practice last year. “But they’re teaching it so well over there, it seems like they’ve been playing together since before I even got here … They dominated (Tuesday) at the end of practice, so it’s great to see that. The defense is starting to win some days. We know we’ve got a high-powered offense, but it’s always good to see these guys bring the energy.”

“I think we’ve established some accountability in the room from top to bottom and that has shown on the field,” Bates said of the overall defense. “I feel really good about what we’ve done so far, but we have to keep building on it.

“The genuine energy he actually gives off. He wants you to be great,” Jackson said. “He’s behind me 95 percent of the time and he’s telling me what I’m doing badly and what I’m doing great. When you’ve got a coach like that, you can’t help but love him. I’m going to listen to everything he says this year and I’m pretty sure my game is going to escalate.”

“He definitely has a little spark to him. We love him. We’re having fun,” Jackson said of that New York state of mind. “It’s not faking it. Everyone is on the same page. We definitely look like a new (defense). He lets us know exactly what he wants done and he’s teaching the way he wants it done. If you can’t get it done, you’re of the field.”

We may have found a diamond in the rough with this dude. I dig his attitude in interviews and I'm glad we got him the more I learn. Lou has the makings of a helluv a coach.

I get the skepticism from many that will say this is the typical Hobson fluff, and so one...

However, when a player like Boyd describes how they had difficulties against the defense after a previous article had AJ saying how Marv didn't want the offense to show up the defense in practice...Well, it looks as if something has changed.

Last year the defense for much of the season was setting records for ineptitude.  Down the stretch, after Austin's termination, they looked better (largely due to more man defense) but weren't going to be confused for the 85 Bears or anything close to that.

This year, I see the talent that we were so optimistic of on the defensive line a year ago with a new scheme that supposedly is going to be more aggressive.  They bolstered the middle of the line with the addition of Wren, and have Glasgow coming back off of injury.  Billings in year 3.  Added depth at end with Wynn.  

A year ago I thought they might break the franchise records for sacks, only to fall on their faces.  Rarely blitzing, and rarely having an answer for a team that goes maximum protection.  I have a feeling this defense will be different and substantially better than the unit of last year.  With this offense, a middling defense might be enough.  Top 10?  I won't hold my breath, but I absolutely believe they have the talent.