"Leonhard brings fascinating experience from his time as a player and coach to the table, including his six stellar seasons as defensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin (four top-five FBS defenses) and his last two seasons with the Broncos (17th and seventh in pass defense). His disguised coverage and simulated pressure scheme would bring a layer of complication for opposing offenses that Dallas hasn't brought defensively in some time."
"Hiring a play-caller with just two seasons at the NFL level is a major risk. Yes, Leonhard's experience at the college level was about as a high of a grade as it could be, but the ability to show adaptability over time at the NFL level is a different animal. When opposing offensive coordinators get that first six-game sample-size from his scheme and concepts, they will adjust and attack. Is there evidence that he can react to that accordingly?"
"A specialist in run game plans, Orr's first year as a coordinator with the Ravens in 2024 saw Baltimore allow the fewest rushing yards of any team in the league by a 217-yard margin. If Orr has a quality pass game coordinator to be his running mate as the defensive coordinator, he could end up being a splendid hire with his run-fit teaching and front-seven production."
Jim Leonhard offers disguised coverages, simulated pressure concepts, and extensive college success plus two NFL seasons with pass-defense improvements, providing teaching and energy. The limited NFL play-calling sample creates risk about in-season adaptability and response to offensive adjustments. Zach Orr specializes in run-game planning and produced an elite rushing defense in 2024, with strong run-fit teaching and front-seven production potential. Orr needs a high-quality pass-game coordinator to compensate for weak recent pass defense numbers. Local ties and prior work with Schottenheimer add familiarity for Orr, while each candidate presents trade-offs between strengths and vulnerabilities.
Read at Blogging The Boys
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