Part of being a successful coordinator in the NFL is having an ability to read the flow of a game and thinking two, three, or four plays ahead of the opponent. Figuring out what they’re trying to do in each situation and having a countermove in mind. This is why they so often refer to it as a “chess match.” Usually, the coach who gains the upper hand in the battle of wits ends up victorious. Sean Desai knows this.
The Chicago Bears defensive coordinator has seen it happen many times since arriving in the NFL. He also knows that there aren’t many better chess masters in the league than Sean McVay. The Los Angeles Rams head coach is widely considered among the best play callers in football. That is quite a challenge for a guy making his debut as a coordinator this Sunday night. Not that Desai is bothered by it.
He loves chess and plays it all the time.
The man was groomed by Vic Fangio, another one of the widely-regarded play calling gurus in the league. So the 38-year old has a strong appreciation for handling the ebb and flow of a game and working through the wrinkles McVay is bound to throw at him. If anything, Desai sounds eager for the challenge. Not only does he love playing chess, but he thinks he is pretty good at it too.
McVay’s reputation is well-earned. Since taking over the Rams in 2017, their offense has never finished worse than 11th in total yards. Part of why he is so good is his galaxy brain. McVay was blessed with an incredible memory. One that allows him to recall every single play he’s run in his career. It’s little wonder he is adept at getting a step ahead of opponents so often.
Sean Desai has continued to come across as well-prepared
This isn’t something he was thrown into on a whim. He earned this job with the Bears. Matt Nagy passed over some experienced and proven candidates because of the plan Desai presented. His influence over the defense since then has become palpable. They rave about his energy, his intelligence, and his ability to get everybody pointed in the right direction. Already he seems to have changed their identity.
While toughness, discipline, and speed remain the hallmarks of this defense? Sean Desai is adding another imperative to the mix. Turnovers. From the moment camps began in June, he was constantly chirping at players to grab interceptions and force fumbles. He even invented the turnover bucket. A nice riff on the University of Miami’s iconic turnover chain. Every time the Bears force a turnover, the ball goes in the bucket.
Players have responded in a big way.
So the first major hurdle was cleared. Now comes the hard part. Putting all that work into results on the field. Desai isn’t going to be brought into this with kid gloves. McVay was merciless last year in the Rams’ decisive 24-10 win. Now he has a better quarterback in Matthew Stafford. Everybody expects that team to compete for a Super Bowl. Chicago’s new defensive coordinator has his work cut out for him.