Zimmer v. Anarumo

[Whatever]

I think some folks are losing track of a few things, to be fair

Lou's gotten more resources devoted to his unit in terms of outside Free Agents. However, Zimmer had a lot more resources devoted to retaining his players. Continuity on defense is important. I never remember Zim going into a situation where he had three new starters in the secondary.

Both men have had their success with guys who aren't exactly household names. Hilton was certainly not a premier add, but he quickly established himself as one of the top nickels in the league under Lou. Eli Apple resuscitated his career, then faded after he left. BJ Hill was a trade candidate that would have been otherwise cut and has developed into a solid starter. Vonn Bell signed well after the initial FA feeding frenzy ended, then left and got cut a year into a 3 year deal. Even Trey Hendrickson many were saying was cheaper replacement for Carl Lawson when he signed.

The philosophies are a lot different. Zimmer's focus was on competing with the other AFCN teams, while Lou's is competing with the high powered aerial offenses of the AFC. However, Zimmer's defenses usually faltered in big games and moments and poor discipline and self-destruction were as much hallmarks of his units as their tough nosed style.