Dan Quinn Or Todd Bowles: Which Pending Loss Will Hurt More?

Being two of the best teams in the NFL often means great things, but it also means others want a piece of that greatness.  Thanks to their success in 2014, it’s very likely that the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals could lose their defensive coordinators to head coaching opportunities next year.  With both squads on top in the NFC West, it’s fair to ask.  Which loss will hurt more?

Quinn

There is no doubt that the Seahawks have become not just a great defense but perhaps an all-time defense under the watch of Dan Quinn.  In 2013 they were ranked #1 in both yards and points allowed, spearheaded a 13-3 record, closed the door in the NFC championship and led the way to the franchises’ first Super Bowl in league history.

This year there is little change.  They are #1 in both categories again with one game left to play and have allowed more than single-digit points just once in the past five games.  The question is how much of this is Quinn’s doing?  Players of course swear by him and his uncanny ability to motivate and study film but it’s key to look at the years before he arrived to know the extent of his impact.

In 2012 under Gus Bradley, who is now a head coach himself, the Seahawks ranked 1st in points allowed and 4th in yards.  So it’s fair to say talent has a lot to do with why Seattle has had so much success, though Quinn deserves props for keeping the train on the tracks.

Bowles

So what about Todd Bowles?  Bruce Arians wanted him as defensive coordinator no matter where he ended up as head coach.  It’s clear the 51-year old was in demand and through two seasons it’s easy to see why.  His first year with the team in 2013 they were 7th in points allowed and 6th in total yards, boasting the best run defense in the NFL.  Arizona finished 10-6 but regrettably missed the playoffs.

This season they are even better in points allowed (4th) though a myriad of injuries have really hurt them all season, resulting in a pedestrian 24th ranking in total yards.  Bowles’ ability to adjust to the players he has available is deserving of major credit, but is it all him?

To an extent, yes.  Prior to his arrival the Cardinals clearly showed they had talent but lacked something to get them over the top.  In 2012 they were 17th in points allowed and 12th in yards.  Most notable of all?  They were a horrific 28th against the run.

Based on these numbers it’s fair to say that the Arizona Cardinals may feel the sting of losing their coordinator more than the Seattle Seahawks.