knapplc
International Man of Mystery
Randy York's Q&A with Carl Pelini:
Q: You've watched the film, analyzed the players and determined where you are as an overall defense. Where are you?
A: Ahead of where we were last year. We made such huge strides last year throughout the camp and throughout the season, so we have to match that. I think we're as deep as we've ever been physically, and I think that knowledge-wise, we're ahead of where we've ever been. But again, the improvement has to match what's it's been because being ahead at this point doesn't really help you all that much.
Q: Can you describe the defenses you've coached in your first three years here and how this one might compare to the first three?
A: In terms of numbers and guys you can put in the game that have experience, we're deeper in the secondary, and we're deeper up-front. Because of injuries last year and other issues the first two years here, we've ended each season with a lot of question marks at linebacker. We still don't have great depth there yet, but we're developing that, and I do believe if we can stay healthy in fall camp, we're not going to have the question marks that we've had at linebacker. Right now, I'd say we're a little bit ahead of the game.
Q: What's the greatest strength of this defense?
A: I think the strength could be all three levels across the board. Early on, we were really good up front. Last year, obviously, I thought we were really talented in the secondary. The year before, injuries at linebacker kind of hurt us. So, I'd say we have experience and play-makers at all three levels.
Q: You've watched the film, analyzed the players and determined where you are as an overall defense. Where are you?
A: Ahead of where we were last year. We made such huge strides last year throughout the camp and throughout the season, so we have to match that. I think we're as deep as we've ever been physically, and I think that knowledge-wise, we're ahead of where we've ever been. But again, the improvement has to match what's it's been because being ahead at this point doesn't really help you all that much.
Q: Can you describe the defenses you've coached in your first three years here and how this one might compare to the first three?
A: In terms of numbers and guys you can put in the game that have experience, we're deeper in the secondary, and we're deeper up-front. Because of injuries last year and other issues the first two years here, we've ended each season with a lot of question marks at linebacker. We still don't have great depth there yet, but we're developing that, and I do believe if we can stay healthy in fall camp, we're not going to have the question marks that we've had at linebacker. Right now, I'd say we're a little bit ahead of the game.
Q: What's the greatest strength of this defense?
A: I think the strength could be all three levels across the board. Early on, we were really good up front. Last year, obviously, I thought we were really talented in the secondary. The year before, injuries at linebacker kind of hurt us. So, I'd say we have experience and play-makers at all three levels.