New coordinator has little time to fix struggling defense
Rod Marinelli is in paradise.
We know this because Raiders coach Jon Gruden says Marinelli not only thrives in adversity, but also loves it. Circumstances seldom get more adverse than what the Raiders’ interim defensive coordinator is facing after taking over for the fired Paul Guenther for the last three games of the season.
All Marinelli has to do is get one of the most maligned defenses in the NFL to suddenly become competent in order for the Raiders (7- 6) to get back in a playoff position. The emphasis will be on “what we do well” and of late that’s been tough to discern.
Win three or it’s over. Starting with minimal preparation for a Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Chargers (4-9) at Allegiant Stadium. No pressure there.
When asked about the range of emotions Sunday night he would take over the defense after a 44-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Marinelli responded with a flat-line gesture as if smoothing over wet concrete.
“Just like that. No changes. I don’t change,” Marinelli said Tuesday in a video conference. “I don’t care what happens. Up and down. It’s how you respond. My response is with poise and patience. Panic (and) you don’t know what you’re doing. So it’s all poise.”
The Raiders have been riddled with defensive penalties, unable to stop the run and poor in terms of both pass rush and pass coverage. Potential starters Johnathan Abram, Damon Arnette and Nicholas Morrow
are in concussion protocol and may not be available. Same with Clelin Ferrell, who hurt his shoulder and left the Jets game.
With lack of production everywhere, where do you start?
“I think you’ve just got to rely on your rules,” Marinelli said. “You want to make sure guys have rules that can take care of everything. Which allows you to play really fast. One thing I really believe in a defense is chemistry and speed and guys working together. And the star of the defense is the defense — nobody else. It’s not a call, it’s not a coach. It’s trying to get that continuity together this week.”
Teamwork, fundamentals, hustle. The same things preached by oldschool coaches since the beginning of time. All valid traits that have eluded the Raiders for 13 games with Marinelli as part of the coaching staff. Things that eluded them under Ken Norton Jr., Jason Tarver and almost any other defensive coordinator you can
name for the better part of the last 25 years.
And while talent ultimately wins in the NFL, Marinelli said he’s looking beyond physical skill.
“The identity, you’ve got to hit like a Raider and you’ve got to have great tempo and great pursuit and gang tackle,” Marinelli said. “And that takes no talent. None. Just having an attitude and a will to do that. That’s who I’ve been my whole career.”
Matt Millen, the Fox network analyst who hired Marinelli to coach the Detroit Lions in 2006, said players can expect a matter-of-fact tone and no gray areas.
“What Rod can do is maybe turn up the heat a little bit in preparation, start adjusting some attitudes and get them flying to the ball,” Millen said in a phone interview. “It’s not like you can make a huge change. That can’t happen.”
Marinelli’s energy and core beliefs were consistent during his role coaching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under Tony Dungy and then Gruden, winning a Super Bowl. Through a 1038 record as the Lions head coach that included one of only two 0-16 seasons in
NFL history.
Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said he won’t know for sure what to expect with Marinelli in charge until the game is underway, but doubts if it will be overly dramatic.
“I know Rod’s scheme is a little different. You’ll see more shell coverage and line stunts,” Lynn said in a conference call. “Definitely expect them to do some things, try to get after the quarterback, but I don’t see a big difference this late in the game.”
RUGGS OUT THURSDAY >>
Raiders rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list, which means he won’t be facing the Los Angeles Chargers.
Ruggs didn’t practice, neither did fellow rookie wide receiver Bryan Edwards, who was held out for precautionary reasons as Ruggs’ situation came to light. Edwards, however, is expected to practice today and be available to face the the Chargers Thursday night at Allegiant Stadium.
MCKINLEY OFF I. R., BEASLEY BACK ON ROSTER >>
Edge rusher Takk McKinley was actiavted to the 53-man roster after missing the requisite three games on injured reserve and presumably will make his Raiders debut against the Chargers. The Raiders also signed Vic Beasley to the 53-man roster a day after he’d been restored to the practice squad.
McKinley, who played at UCLA by way of Kennedy High-Richmond, was claimed off waivers Nov. 23 and placed on injured reserve to rehab a groin injury. He had also been claimed by Cincinnati and the 49ers after being cut by Atlanta. He was released both times him when he didn’t pass the physical.