Jack Del Rio? Let Him Go. Broncos Are Okay Without Him
Jack Del Rio seemed to have worked wonders last year in his first year as defensive coordinator of the Broncos, this year however hasn’t been so hot. Del Rio was fired in his first ever head coaching gig by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2011 season, having held the job for eight and a half seasons. In that time frame, the Jaguars only saw the playoffs twice, and a regular season win/loss record of 68-71.
In 2012 in the first season under Del Rio the Broncos defense excelled due to the dynamic tandem of superstar linebacker Von Miller and all-pro defensive end Elvis Dumervil who combined for almost 30 sacks total. Along with forcing 30 turnovers on 16 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries, Del Rio’s defense supported Mike McCoy’s offense all the way to home field advantage throughout the playoffs that culminated in a dramatic double overtime loss to Baltimore.
In 2013 the production of Del Rio’s defense dropped dramatically due to the loss of Elvis Dumervil via the Mile High Fax Fiasco, and Von Miller for six games due to the Mile “High” suspension. Del Rio and the Broncos have posted 41 sacks this season which accounts for the loss of all of Elvis Dumervil’s sack production from the 2012 season. However the interceptions and fumble recoveries are up with totals of 17 interceptions and 18 fumble recoveries. The Broncos are an even 0 in the turnover differential category.
Jack Del Rio even took over the Broncos head coaching duties during John Fox’s illness, and lead them to a 3-1 record that should have been 4-0.
In 2013, the Broncos as a defense rank 27th in the pass and 8th against the rush.
After the University of Southern California fired head coach Lane Kiffin, speculation started to run rampant that Jack Del Rio would get consideration after the regular season for the position. Although that position has since been filled, Del Rio has been linked as a potential candidate in a few open head coaching vacancies in the National Football League.
After the production drop due to the complete loss of defensive leader Elvis Dumervil and the production drop off from another defensive leader and captain in Wesley Woodyard, one wonders would losing Del Rio hurt this defense all that much? After all John Fox is a defensive specialist himself and there are other good coordinators that are available that...CONTINUE READING
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