Butler believes that assessing defensive performance requires nuance and direct knowledge of coverage assignments that PFF grades fail to capture.

“It's just so much that goes on. You never really know unless you know you watch the tape. And a lot of times people reach out and say this is what happened or this is what the coach told me.”

Steve Spagnuolo is an excellent defensive coordinator who utilizes his tools effectively to counteract high-performing offensive players.

“He is going to take away whatever you do really well and he's going he's he's got all of the tools within his repertoire to do it. And he's too good of a coordinator.”

The tush push is a highly effective play for overcoming red zone scoring struggles.

“I keep telling you guys, will you please [ __ ] put the tush push? It's a cheat code, Travis. Just put the tush push in and we will get rid of these red zone issues.”

A successful defense requires players who possess high football intelligence and versatility.

“So the first thing I'll look at is guys that can get it mentally. And then the next thing will be because we're talking about uh guys that have come in trying to get a job. The guys that can play more than one position.”

He prefers to follow his coaches' established techniques rather than seeking out independent specialists in the off-season.

“I like to do what my coach is teaching me you know I think that's something that a lot of players get lost in you know you can learn a lot of things and if your coach isn't coaching it I don't think that helps too much for the defense or the scheme”

He thinks defensive backs have to manage the second hardest position on the field behind quarterbacks.

“I think it goes quarterback and then DB.”

Chad Johnson emphasizes that an effective defensive strategy relies on all 11 players winning their individual battles.

“When all 11 people are doing their job collectively the right way, winning their individual battles, every down, down one, down two, down three, everything will work fine.”