OK, I get it. The NFL is an offensive league. The people want elite quarterbacks, a load of points and highlight-reel catches.
But the league appears to be entrenched enough in analytics to know that top-notch defenses are a prime catalyst for success.
That’s why it’s a surprise to me with six head coaching vacancies filled this offseason not one went to a defensive mind.
Five offensive specialists coming off coordinator gigs — Ben McAdoo (NYG), Dirk Koetter (TB), Hue Jackson (CLE), Adam Gase (MIA), Doug Pederson (PHI) and one very offensive-minded former head coach Chip Kelly (SF) snatched up the jobs.
So no one is looking for the next Mike Tomlin or Ron Rivera? It seems like every year a team adds and soon discards the next young offensive mind.
The NFL’s worst case of groupthink.
It’s all in the numbers. Nine of the top 10 teams in sacks on the year made it to the playoffs.
Six of the top seven teams in most takeaways made the playoffs.
All but one playoff team finished in the top 12 of scoring defense.
And that’s why you play the game, right? To make the playoffs.
I came across a stat the other day that sort of reinforced my thoughts via Louis Riddick, ESPN NFL analyst and former scout.
Nine of the past 14 Super Bowl winning head coaches have been defensive-centric assistants. That includes the last three champions, too.
If past success isn’t an indicator of future success I’m not sure what is?
Maybe, there’s a logical reason. Maybe there weren’t good enough defensive candidates or teams didn’t want to let their teams finish in the playoffs. Or maybe they’ve decided that they know better the teams like the Steelers and Panthers.
The biggest indictment to me was that the New York Giants finished last in the league in total defense yet promoted their offensive coordinator to head coach and retained their defensive coordinator.
Isn’t a 32nd ranking a big enough sign what the problem is?
Oh and a few candidates — Lions’ defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, Panthers’ defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, Patriots’ defensive coordinator Matt Patricia or former defensive-minded head coaches Mike Smith and Jim Schwartz.
Oh well, maybe next time.
CHEW ON THIS
— for Steelers
— : Broncos will get to the Super Bowl if Peyton Manning doesn’ mess up
— Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
WATCH THIS
The late Alan Rickman and Jimmy Fallon ingest helium and hilarity ensues
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
S/O to a couple names in the wrestling world. Former WWE Superstar Barbara Blank a.k.a Kelly Kelly turns 29 today and Shane McMahon son of Vince McMahon turns 46.
Cameron Wolfe: 303-954-1891, cwolfe@denverpost.com or @CameronWolfe
