Tag: defensive coordinator

Chiefs DC Steve Spaguolo discusses Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘Snaps for Josh will go up’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spaguolo discusses Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘Snaps for Josh will go up’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s game plan has a reputation for having a complicated playbook featuring various pass-rushing scenarios. The training camp sessions and practices run through different procedures, allowing players to make plays after putting in time in the facility.

Spagnuolo spoke with reporters on Thursday about Joshua Uche’s debut in a Chiefs uniform last week. He believes the former Michigan Wolverine will see more time on the field moving forward as he adjusts to his new team.

“We were hoping to get a few more snaps in there. It didn’t work out that way. I think the snaps for Josh (Uche) will go up.” said Spagnuolo. “In three days, it’s kind of hard to pick up any system. So we kind of fed a little at a time. Joe’s (Cullen) feeding him more. We just got through a walk-through; we’re in the first, second, and third down today. We got everything, so hopefully, we can build on what he did last week.”

Uche appeared in a few series defensively on Monday night but was active on special teams while learning the playbook. He’s a respected pass rusher from his time with the New England Patriots, finding his way in Spagnuolo’s defense.

Sean Payton highlights underrated element of Chiefs’ success

The Chiefs are known for their offense, but Broncos coach Sean Payton has highlighted KC’s “real good defense.”

The Kansas City Chiefs are the NFL’s only remaining undefeated team, but it’s not their offense that has been carrying them this season.

The Chiefs are averaging 25.4 points per game, which is certainly a good total (it ranks 10th in the NFL), but they have only allowed 18.4 points per game, fourth-fewest in the league. KC’s defense should not be overlooked.

“They’ve been in a lot a closer games this year,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said on Wednesday. “They’ve had some injuries like all of us. They’re playing really, really well on defense. What’s interesting sometimes is historically speaking, many of you’ve covered this league for a long time and if I asked you about the [Joe] Montana or the Steve Young 49ers, we all think of the offense always. Those guys had fantastic defenses, and I would say this team we’re playing has got a real good defense. We’ve got a ton of tape, obviously a divisional opponent on the road. We’re going to have to have a good week, and we’re going to have to play well.”

The Chiefs’ defense has allowed 293.6 passing yards (fifth) and 83.9 rushing yards (third) per game this season. The unit has 17 sacks and eight takeaways through eight games. KC’s defense is coached by Steve Spagnuolo, a four-time Super Bowl champion who goes way back with Payton.

“Listen, he’s a fantastic coach,” Payton said of Spagnuolo. “The late Jim Johnson, who some of you might remember, was one of our best defensive coordinators this league has seen. He was in Philadelphia and Steve cut his teeth under Jim. They’re going to apply pressure. It’s not just going to be on third down. It can be the weak linebacker in the corner. So a lot of fire zone coverage, a lot of man, and he saw it firsthand.

“Jim was someone that just really believed in stressing you in a lot of different ways. Now, that all being said, Steve’s put his spin on it. They’ve played really good technique; they’re smart; they’re near the top of the league in giving up explosives. Sometimes when you’re trying to apply pressure, you might get hit for the big play, but these guys are extremely well coached, and they’re a challenge.”

Spagnuolo landed with the Eagles one season after Payton left Philadelphia’s staff. He was later the Saints’ defensive coordinator in 2012 (when Payton served a full-season suspension for Bountygate). The veteran coach knows how to take away a team’s strengths, something Denver needs to be wary of this week.

“They do a really good job of finding your strengths and weaknesses and trying to exploit them,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. “It’s something that we have to know and be aware of, especially with us having a rookie quarterback. They’re going to try and test him and just see how much film is he watching and how prepared is he going to be?

“I have no lack of faith of Bo [Nix] being prepared, this offense being prepared, this defense being prepared and everyone being prepared to go in and take care of business. We have to be on our p’s and q’s to be able to go in there and knock off the defending Super Bowl champs at home.”

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, KC is considered a heavy favorite against the Broncos.

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Will Sean Payton find a role for Dennis Allen on Broncos’ staff?

After being fired by the Saints, perhaps Dennis Allen could land a role with Sean Payton’s Broncos?

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has 14 former New Orleans Saints coaches and staff members on his staff in Denver.

Perhaps another name will soon be added to the list.

The Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen earlier this week. Allen, 52, had two different stints under Payton with the Saints, including a run as the team’s defensive coordinator from 2015-2021.

The Broncos already have a defensive coordinator in Vance Joseph, but Payton could probably find a role for Allen.

On offense, Payton hired ex-Saints quarterbacks coach Joe Lombardi in 2023 to serve as Denver’s offensive coordinator. One year later, New Orleans fired offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. The Broncos already had a coordinator in Lombardi, so Payton hired Carmichael as a “senior offensive assistant.”

It wouldn’t shock anyone if Payton now created a defensive assistant role for Allen.

Earlier this season, the New York Jets fired Robert Saleh and he quickly landed as a consultant with the Green Bay Packers. Time will tell if Allen might land a similar gig in Denver.

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Joe Woods will call defensive plays after Dennis Allen’s firing

Darren Rizzi confirms that Joe Woods will take over calling defensive plays after the firing of Dennis Allen

The New Orleans Saints’ firing of Dennis Allen moves around the coaching tree a decent bit, and one of the questions that became of this was who would call defensive plays, as Allen had previously done so. That question was answered during media availability on Monday, with interim head coach Darren Rizzi announcing that Joe Woods will take over these duties. This was the presumed result as Woods is the defensive coordinator of the Saints currently.

This will be the first time the Saints have had someone new calling defensive plays since nearly a decade ago, as Dennis Allen has handled this since his promotion in 2015 from senior defensive assistant to defensive coordinator with New Orleans. Prior to that it was Rob Ryan from 2013-2015 before he moved on to the Buffalo Bills shortly thereafter. We will see how Woods does in this new role, but ultimately the defense has not been exceptional as of late so things being worse would be a tough mark to hit.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo discusses Joshua Uche’s role: ‘I’m not sure’

Kansas City Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo discusses Joshua Uche’s role: ‘I’m not sure’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ recent trade with the New England Patriots has landed them one of the best young pass rushers in the league. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke to reporters on Friday for the first time since acquiring Joshua Uche, sharing his thoughts on his potential role on the team.

“I’m not sure what will happen this Monday – I mean, it’s quick, but (Defensive Line Coach) Joe’s (Cullen) doing – Joe and (Assistant Defensive Line Coach) Terry (Bradden) are doing the best they can to get him (Joshua Uche) up to date on the things we’re doing,” said Spagnuolo. “We just went through a walk-through there, and he got involved in it, so that’s good. We’ll see where we’re at. Hopefully, we get some edge rush out of him. I know he’s a good football player – a lot of good things about him – all the research we did. Mike Danna played with him. I remember talking to Mike about him as a teammate, and everything came back positive, so (we’ll) keep our fingers crossed and be hopeful.”

Uche has two sacks this season and will be counted on in various ways for Spagnuolo’s defense during the stretch run. The relationship with former college teammate Mike Danna should help the learning curve and possibly get Uche on the field for Monday night.

Chiefs LB Joshua Uche details his progress in learning Steve Spagnuolo’s system: ‘It’s a lot’

Kansas City #Chiefs linebacker Joshua Uche details his progress in learning Steve Spagnuolo’s system: ‘It’s a lot’ | @EdEastonJr

Newly acquired Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher Joshua Uche addressed the media on Thursday for the first time as a team member. He spoke about his adjustment to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system and progress to potentially playing on Monday night.

“It’s a lot. Man, that’s what makes him (Steve Spagnuolo) so great,” said Uche. “He brings in smart, tough, dependable football players that can pick up and absorb much information. So, you know, I know it’s my first couple days in, but I’m working the best I can to absorb all that information.”

The former Michigan standout, who played for the New England Patriots for the last five years, admires Spagnuolo’s game-planning style and is eager to work with him in Kansas City.

“He’s one of the legends in the league. Just from all the different schemes, he runs blitzes and pressures, you name it,” said Uche. I mean, yeah, he’s definitely a legend around the league. I mean, seeing him up close and personal day in and day out right now is like, I don’t know, it still doesn’t feel real. It’ll hit me soon, though.”

Uche practiced for the first time on Thursday and hopes to get the coaches’ green light to play in Week 9 while he still learns the playbook.

“I’m doing everything I can to be out there, you know, at the end of the day, that’s a coaching decision,” said Uche. “So, (I’m) just doing everything I can to be prepared and ready to go to help the team win.”

The former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has two sacks so far this season and hopes to add to that total in Kansas City.

Broncos DC Vance Joseph had a perfect response to head coach rumors

“Being mentioned is cool, but right now my mind’s not there,” Broncos DC Vance Joseph said of being named on head coach candidate lists.

The Denver Broncos‘ defense has been one of the best in the NFL this fall, which has led to rumblings that defensive coordinator Vance Joseph could be a top head coach candidate following the season.

Joseph, 52, previously served as Denver’s head coach 2017-2018. The Broncos went 11-21 during that time and Joseph was fired, but he was working with a roster full of deficiencies, including not having a franchise quarterback.

With such a strong defensive scheme, Joseph could perhaps have a better run as a head coach if he lands in the right situation.

After practice on Thursday, Joseph was asked for his thoughts about being mentioned among head coach candidates this season. Joseph had a perfect response.

“I don’t have a thought about it right now because, thank God this league has seasons, right?” Joseph said. “You know, we have an offseason, you have a draft season — right now it’s play and win season. So for me, my entire focus is this [upcoming] football game and winning games and coaching right now. That stuff takes care of itself down the road.

“There’s a season for that stuff, but right now, for me, it doesn’t even have a place for me. I’m so busy right now. My mind’s on this team, a young defense who’s playing good football, they keep improving each week, to get ahead of the adversity before it strikes, that’s my focus. But obviously, being mentioned is cool, but right now my mind’s not there.”

https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1849550307161686274

Joseph’s focused on the task at hand. He’ll turn his attention to any potential head coach interviews after the season ends.

If the Broncos do end up losing Joseph, they have an excellent in-house candidate to replace him in defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Jim Leonhard, a former college coach who had drawn interest from NFL teams as a DC candidate before landing in Denver this offseason.

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Steelers’ DC isn’t keen on treating LB Payton Wilson like a rookie

Steelers’ defensive coordinator Teryl Austin spoke highly of Payton Wilson’s maturity and what it means for the team.

It is clear that not every rookie needs time to adjust to the NFL level of speed.  Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Payton Wilson has been turning heads through seven weeks of the 2024 season with his elite play in both the pass and run defense.  His instincts have further supported the argument that Wilson deserves more play time on defense, as he has been used sparingly thus far.

Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin seems to agree that the rookie linebacker shouldn’t be restrained in any capacity, as his maturity allows for the team to place more trust in his play.

The team would be wise to continue to treat him as a more established player in the league, even though he might have far less experience than other linebackers on the roster.  The admiration that Wilson’s teammates and coaches have for him is backed up by his competitive spirit on and off the field.

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Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo praises rookie defensive back: ‘He’s earned playing time’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo praises rookie Chris Roland-Wallace: ‘He’s earned playing time’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo addressed the media on Thursday, discussing the emergence of rookie defensive back Chris Roland-Wallace after his impressive performance against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday.

“Listen, C-Ro (Chris Roland-Wallace) is one of those guys that – he came here as a free agent,” said Spagnuolo. “He earned everything he’s gotten right now. He made the team, made the roster, made the 53. He’s earned playing time. I don’t know if you know – (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) and I talked every week about trying to get him in there in games. We got him in there last week.”

Roland-Wallace is an undrafted free agent who made the team and took advantage of his opportunity in Week 7. The rookie collected his first interception, much to the delight of his teammates and Spagnuolo.

“I think before Jaylen (Watson) got hurt, I can’t even remember, but we’ve been talking about it a lot,” said Spagnuolo. “I guess what I’m trying to say is he’s kind of earned the right to get some playing time, so you’ll see him in and out of there, and we’re going to have to use him as one guy goes down – other guys, our responsibilities go up so that’ll happen to Chris.”

The Chiefs’ defense is looking for a steady replacement for Jaylen Watson, who was at the cornerback position opposite Trent McDuffie.

Sean Payton has intel on Saints and Dennis Allen has intel on Broncos

Sean Payton knows the Saints well, and Dennis Allen knows the Broncos’ coach well. We’ll see if one has an advantage over the other on TNF.

When the Denver Broncos go on the road to face the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football this week, Sean Payton will face the team that he coached from 2006-2021.

Now three years removed from his tenure in New Orleans, Payton might not necessarily have much intel on the Saints’ current players, but staff members like V.P. of player personnel Cody Rager and senior offensive assistant Pete Carmichael were in New Orleans as recently as last season.

Saints coach Dennis Allen served as Denver’s defensive coordinator in 2011, but that was so long ago that no players remain with the Broncos from that roster. Allen did, however, coach under Payton in two stints in New Orleans. Allen’s defense faced Payton’s offense every day in practice for 12 seasons.

Payton and Allen know each other well, so any inside intel they have on each other might be somewhat canceled out on Thursday.

“I think from a personnel perspective, you’d say most recently Cody,” Payton said of knowledge of the Saints. “There are a lot of players there for me that I’m unfamiliar with, but Pete or Cody [are familiar with]. So that part relative to the scouting report, strengths, weaknesses. Dennis [Allen] and I have worked together for…he was on our original [2006] staff, then became our defensive backs coach, became a defensive coordinator, came here, then [was a] head coach. Then I hired him back.

“I think I said this the other day: I think on a short week there will be a wrinkle or two, but so much of it is the rest, recovery and preparation mentally because you can’t actually get maybe the full-speed work that you’d like. That’s Thursday Night Football. It is what it is.”

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix downplayed Payton’s familiarity with the Saints, and he noted that New Orleans will have knowledge of Denver’s offense.

“Maybe a little bit, but things change yearly and weekly,” Nix said when asked if Payton’s knowledge of the Saints will give the Broncos an advantage. ” You never really know what they’re planning for until you get to the game. You can just go by film.

“It’s good that they have been around and at least they know some of the foundation. They also probably know us a little bit just because of the similar offense. It’ll be fun, and it’ll be who can execute at a higher level.”

Thursday’s game will be available to stream on Prime Video.

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