ESPN analyst Edwards: James Bettcher has what it takes to replace Todd Bowles
Aug 3, 2015, 11:14 AM | Updated: 11:14 am
DC James Bettcher watches as the Cardinals offense goes to work during training camp. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)
(Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)
You’d think it would be tough to replace a man who led the Arizona Cardinals to the NFL’s fifth-best scoring defense in 2014.
However, former NFL coach and current ESPN analyst Herm Edwards told Doug & Wolf of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM that new Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher has what it takes to replace former coordinator and current New Yok Jets head coach Todd Bowles.
“The great thing (Bettcher) has going for him is he’s sat in that room, he’s listened to how Todd really clarified some players’ strengths on defense,” he said. “That’s the critical part. What do our players do well?
“The first thing you realize is you lose Darnell Dockett. You lose (Antonio) Cromartie. Those are two big players in our defense, along with our nose tackle in (Dan) Williams. You’ve got some players to replace them. They might not have the same skill set. You might not ask those guys to do the same as the three other guys to replace them. That’s the whole key when you’re a coach. Your number one key is, ‘Never allow players to fail. Put them in places to have success.’”
The Cardinals allowed 18.7 points per game in 2014, a number bested only by the Seattle Seahawks (15.9 points per game), Kansas City Chiefs (17.6), Detroit Lions (17.6) and Buffalo Bills (18.1). The team also forced 25 turnovers.
Bettcher has been with the Cardinals organization since 2013, serving as linebackers coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator when Bowles was hired away.
