Carroll County Times: Westminster, Maryland
excerpt:
Growing up as the son of the legendary former Chicago Bears defensive coordinator and head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan learned from the architect of the blitz-happy 46 defense.
One page of the Buddy Ryan playbook that Ryan has definitely adopted in Baltimore is utilizing the versatility of his players. It was especially apparent when the team shifted former All-Pro linebacker Adalius Thomas all over the field for the past few years.
"My dad always taught us to not let the only limitations your players have is you," Ryan said. "If you can do multiple things with them, don’t limit them. Of course, you have to have the athletes.
"If you look at your players’ strengths and weaknesses, don’t harp on their weaknesses because you really can become creative if you play to their strengths. You’re always trying to do things to help the player."
A year ago, the Ravens allowed the fewest yards per contest (264.1) and points allowed (201) while finishing first in interceptions (28) and second in sacks (60) with one less than the San Diego Chargers.
Since the NFL tends to be a copy-cat league, some of the methods Ryan utilized with Thomas are being duplicated this year by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau with athletic defensive end Brett Keisel.
"Dick LeBeau is an outstanding coach," Ryan said. "I’m a student of the game and, trust me, I’ve stolen from him many times. We’re very similar type of teams, very passionate and aggressive, smash you on defense.
"That’s no surprise that coach LeBeau would look at some of the things we do. Trust me, we steal from him, too."
Rex takes page out of dad's playbook
Rex takes page out of dad's playbook
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