Dom Capers analysis
ANALYSIS
With the Patriots bringing Dom Capers aboard as a special assistant/secondary coach, colleague Christopher L. Gasper makes the point that this is somewhat similar to the team hiring Bill Belichick as assistant head coach/secondary in 1996.
It is rare to have the opportunity to add someone with Capers' experience and expertise.
Most intriguing from a pure Xs and Os standpoint is the potential fusion of ideas between the traditional Belichick 3-4 defense and Capers' pressure-based 3-4 defense. Capers has a well-deserved reputation for generating heat on the quarterback in a variety of ways.
Furthemore, Capers' presence could allow Belichick the freedom to focus his attention elsewhere. It was common to see Belichick scribbling on the whiteboard with defenders during games, at the same time the offense was on the field. While Dean Pees remains the team's coordinator, Capers could also take on some high-level responsibilities based on his experience, thus freeing Belichick.
I may be getting paranoid, but does the Capers hiring give the Krafts' a head coach "candidate" in house if the Walsh / Taping thing gets ugly?
I actually thought of a similar idea John. Is it possible that the Patriots are covering themselves is Coach Belichick gets suspended for a long period of time? I will say it again, Spygate is the most overrated sports story of all time, but I am afraid that people won't rest til they have Coach Belichick's blood on their hands.
I do like the idea of adding more of a pressure scheme to the defense. Maybe Jason Taylor would fit in ;)
You read my mind, that was the first thing that also came to my mind. I guess I am also paranoid.
My sentiments exactly. This move indicates to me that the Patriots brass are worried that BB may be facing a years suspension and Capers is now capable of stepping in during the suspension.
Don't get me wrong, I applaud the hiring. Capers is a great coach, but why would he come here as a assistent in charge of the secondary. Way below his stature.
For the first time, I believe the Walsh claim may have some merit.
Rocky
While I don't think it's likely, there could be something to that idea. According to the news archive on patriots.com (page 146 of 151), when the Pats and Jets were fighting over the HC of the NYJ in early 2000, Kraft was reportedly ready to hire a Tom Donohoe/Capers combination as an alternative, as late as the day before Belichick's hire. On 1/26/00 Bryan Morry wrote: "Capers and Bill Belichick appear to be the Patriots top two options to replace Pete Carroll as head coach..." Belichick was introduced on 1/27/00. Regardless, Capers is a proven defensive coach who should improve our defensive backs, and add to gameplanning during the week.
http://www.patriots.com/Search/index.cfm?pn=146&PCID=41
Mike- I dont know if you check your mailbag prior to answering the questions, but I inquired/suggested 2 days ago! if the Patriots would hire another assiant "ala Dom Capers." I still have the message that I sent you in the mailbag and emailed to you as well from aol.
Why? Because they werent happy with the defensive breakdaown in the SuperBowl and quite honestly, if Bill is suspended for any games in 08 due to these ridiculous spygate charges, then Capers would be the interim coach.
He is a "special assistant" because Dante Sc. is already the assistant head coach.
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
ask reiss
Questions will be considered for Mike's mailbagbrowse this blog
by categoryINside Boston.com