Interesting chatter going on on local sports radio here regarding the Packers defense and what options they would have if Capers was let go and GB went in another direction at defensive coordinator in 2014. Let me say sitting here today, even with 3 straight losses, I think Dom still has another season before MM who is fiercely loyal would can him. But I also realize there's another 6 games to go and if this defense is still not getting off the field and looking flat, well then maybe he would make a change.
One of things guys like former Packer Gary Ellerson discussed last night (and Larry MaCarren also hinted on this) is that if the Packers went in another direction and say hired a Lovie Smith, the transition back to a 4-3 wouldn't be as dramatic as one may think.
Datone Jones: Feeling is he could easily transition to a 4-3 end and flourish. He would be a sack producer and could put up the gaudy numbers CMIII now does. Coming out of college felt he could do well in either defense but in the 4-3, he could be a true pass rush specialist.
Nick Perry: Assuming he can get on the field and stay there, see Jones. Ellerson felt he would need to pack on some weight but this was his most comfortable scheme and he wanted to be a 4-3 end in the NFL, so much so he gained 10 pounds of pure muscle to try and convince NFL teams he could be an end.
CMIII: Naturally the biggest concern and no idea what his comfort level would be moving to this defense but feeling is he would slide to weak side LB and could still play at a high level. You wouldn't make him strong side because of his size but like a Nick Collins who did very well in both defenses, CMIII is the kind of player who is just a good player period. He could be a very effective WSLB.
Raji: Some are wondering beyond money if Raji doesn't want to be in his role in a 3-4 and would rather move to a 4-3 where he's more likely to accumulate stats and get some more obvious recognition then he's getting now. If it's money he's looking for beyond the VERY generous offer GB gave him, one of the key reasons he is likely not to get it is on the stat sheet he's showing nothing. Not in tackles, pressures, sacks, QB hits. His role is not one where he will put up numbers to justify >10mil a year. IIRC he has something like 12-13 tackles for the season. Not numbers that scream pay me more then what the Packers are offering.
Thoughts? Is this team better built to be a 4-3? Or you keep them as a 3-4?