How does his style match the roster/Vrabel's philosophy?
If it's a fit I'd say hell yes.
In general his defense started as a descendant of his father's 46 defense, but more adaptable and versitile.
Rex Ryan's defensive philosophy is often described as "organized chaos." Here's a breakdown:
* Aggressive and Attacking: Ryan's defenses are known for their aggressive nature, featuring frequent blitzes and pressure packages designed to disrupt the opposing quarterback.
* Multiple Fronts and Coverages: He employs a variety of defensive fronts (3-4, 4-3, etc.) and coverages to keep offenses guessing and off-balance. This constant shifting makes it difficult for quarterbacks to read and react.
* Focus on Turnovers: Ryan prioritizes creating turnovers through aggressive play, forcing fumbles, and intercepting passes.
* "Bend But Don't Break" Mentality: While aiming for takeaways, Ryan's defenses sometimes allowed yards but focused on limiting big plays and ultimately forcing punts.
Key Characteristics:
* Blitzing: A hallmark of his defenses, Ryan loved to blitz, often sending multiple players from different angles to confuse the offense.
* Physicality: Ryan's defenses were known for their physicality and intensity, aiming to intimidate and disrupt opposing offenses.
Impact:
* Ryan's defenses had success during his time with the New York Jets, leading them to two consecutive AFC Championship games.
* His aggressive style has influenced many other coaches in the NFL.
Criticisms:
* Some critics argued that his aggressive style could sometimes lead to big plays against his defense.
Overall, Rex Ryan's defensive philosophy was a unique blend of aggression, creativity, and personality. While not always flawless, it produced some memorable moments and established him as one of the more distinctive defensive minds in the NFL.