Al Golden and the Coke Machine at Work

[Joelist]

With the number of high picks they have sunk into the defense the approach makes sense. They had a DC who was living on a brief period where having a largely veteran unit that knew his system allowed for performances that were acceptable. But the issue was brewing even then - the draftees were not being coached up. So when inevitably they needed to get those youngsters in they could not absorb Lou's system and the result was an implosion. And then it took Lou WAY too long to recognize the issues and do the obvious - simplify the defense. After which the performance improved. But the braintrust of the team for various reasons let Lou go - with the not coaching the kids up being one they actually said in an interview.

Enter Al Golden, whose reputation is one of coaching up new players and making sure his players can execute his system. Will it work? Only time will tell. He definitely has a good bunch of blue chip picks to work with and will likely get more in this draft so he will get a great opportunity to show he can coach them up.