Todd Bowles’ replacement at defensive coordinator will call plays in the NFL for the first time this season. His first game experience will come in the preseason opener against the Chargers, but before that, he’s still getting plenty of practice.
In the 11-on-11 drills featuring the offense against the defense, both he and coach Bruce Arians call plays for their sides of the ball, with no idea what the other one has planned.
“We’re playing real football,” Bettcher said. “We’re not just scripting periods. We’re calling games and preparing.”
While it will undoubtedly feel different when the stadium is packed and there is a score to consider, the repetitions at game speed should help alleviate the learning curve.