A few potential ways to attack the Eagles, and a few things the Redskins need to be careful of.
by UkRedskin on Oct 16, 2011 7:44 AM EDT
in Redskins Analysis
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PrintGoing to mix things up a bit on this breakdown. I thought I'd try something I haven't done before, and look at some idea's on how to attack the Eagles, and some things we need to be careful of. This will involve more theory than we've seen in the other breakdowns. So while there will be screen-shots, I will also introduce a new feature, the whiteboard. This could potentially be a recurring feature if it gets good feedback, but at the same time, might well turn out to be an absolute disaster. Only one way to find out. Lets start with a few ways the Redskins can potentially attack the Eagles.
Having watched some Eagles film, the first thing I noticed was the Eagles like to use a "Nickel" package (where the defense - see what I did there?- has 5 defensive backs on the field, usually 3 Cornerbacks, and 2 safeties) wuite frequently, to allow all 3 of their star CBs on the field at the same time. The Eagles view this as a big strength of their defense, and quite rightly so. Having 3 of the NFL's best CBs in Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel is an impressive secondary. However, while they are premium coverage guys, it leaves them very open to the run. They can all be good run defenders against WR's, but when a TE or an Olineman gets his hands on a CB, you expect them to win that battle. So one idea I had was to split either Fred Davis or Chris Cooley out as a WR. Lets have a look:
At first. when they see Davis and Cooley in the huddle, they'll send on their base 4-3 defense and no extra DBs. But if we line up with Davis in the slot. The first option for the defence to do is bring an OLB into coverage. If this happens, I think you would back Davis to beat the current group of Eagles OLBs and throw the ball to him. The other option for the Eagles is to rotate a safety down if they think its still a run play.
From this, We could back Davis to beat his man again, or we could run the other way from the SS, taking him out of the play. However, the big problem now is that the Eagles are playing with one deep safety.
So one option could be to let both our natural WR's run deep patterns, knowing that at least one of them will get 1-on-1 coverage as the safety over the top can only cover so much ground. The main problem with this is that we don't really have a WR that can take advantage of that match-up, and the Eagles CB's are more than good enough to hold up solid coverage on 1-on-1 deep routes. So I think Davis would still be the primary target, and I would still back him to beat a safety in single coverage more often than not.
These are just a few theories. But the main idea of this is to get that Nickel package of the eagles on the field, forcing an LB off the field.
With the Nickel package on the field, the Eagles are vulnerable to the run. Whoever the CB is on Davis, you'd expect him to hold a block on a CB. One idea I drew up here was motioning Cooley to the right side, and having heavy blocking to that side. You could even motion Davis back in to a TE position, and you could have a corner effectively playing LB, making it easier to run on. Now there are ways the Eagles can deal with this, they can still bring a safety into the box, they could send a heavy blitz protected with deep zones from a selection of the DBs. But if we can force the Nickel package on the field, while keeping 2 TE's on the field, we'll have a better chance at running the ball effectively.
Running on the nickel package is one thing. But to pass on it will undoubtedly be tough, they are 3 of the best CB's in the league after all. There are a couple ways of dealing with this, lets have a look at a little bit more theory.
The idea of this play is to get the 3 WR's to run deep "clearing" routes. Basically, we'd have no intention of throwing deep at them, but we'd get them to clear space behind them by forcing their CB to run with them. With 3 WR's running deep, the safeties are likely to hang back to help cover over the top.
Everything above the blue dotted line would be irrelevant. You can see the space left behind the DBs. Rex would have 2 reads. He could throw to the TE or the RB and then it would be up to them to make a play.
That is just a theory however. It could be stopped by zone coverage, of by CBs passing on the deep routes to the safeties and coming up to help cover the TE/RB. So lets have a look at a play that has killed the Eagles so far. The screen.
The weakest part of the Eagles defense is their LB core. Their Dline is very aggressive and can provide a good rush, while we know what they have in the secondary. Screen plays are a perfect way to attack LBs. What we'll see here is a screen up the middle. The 49er RT and C get out from the line, and the FB goes out like he's running a route, drawing an LB to him. The main risk of this play is allowing that Eagles Dline a free run at Smith. The RB actually has to chip the DE from the far side, before running into position to receive the pass.
I've circled the 3 guys that have gotten up-field to help block on the screen. Smith manages to get the ball to Hunter, the RB, before the pass-rush gets there. The RG is going to turn back and make a block on the extra Dlineman, allowing Hunter to hit the open field.
The RT loses his block, he tries to make up for it, but ends up getting in Hunters way. The Center does a nice job on his block and gives Hunter space.
In the end though, Hunter gets the first down and some. It takes a combination to get him down, including Asomugha who eventually realised it was a screen and came up to make the play.
I showed you a Redskins screen to Roy Helu in my last breakdown and said I was surprised we haven't seen more of them. I think that could be huge for us this week, as the Eagles have failed to consistently stop them so far this season.
Now on to a few things we need to be careful about. The Eagles are undoubtedly a very talented roster, after all, there is a reason many predicted them to win the NFC East, and potentially go all the way. Don't let their poor start fool you, they still have plenty of weapons that can hurt you.
I briefly mentioned their Dline. It's stacked with very good pass-rushers that could give our Oline and Grossman a very tough day. They are all aggressive when rushing the passer, and can get to the QB quickly. We saw in the screen play that the DE nearly got to Smith before he released the ball on the screen.
Babin is one of the big off-season acquisitions for the Eagles. He's lined up over the RT here.
Babin and the other DE get good jumps off the line and generate quick pressure, forcing Smith to step up in the pocket.
This is the point where Smith has to make a decision, throw the ball or tuck it and run. This is a big point for Rex aswell. Rex has to get rid of the ball early, he wont have too much time against this Dline. He'll need to keep calm, be willing to step up, and not be afraid to throw it away if everyone is covered. If he hesistates, like Smith does here...
He'll get sacked.
Michael Vick is obviously a huge threat. We know his legs are a threat, and we know after last year his arm has become just as big of one. Their Oline hasn't done the best job of protecting him, and one thing I've noticed they like to do is to "roll" the pocket, and let Vick get to the edges of the pocket to make throws without having pressure on him. We'll need Kerrigan and Orakpo to get good jumps off the line to stop Vick from rolling to one side, and we'll need the front 3 to hold the pocket in place, to give him as little room as possible to tuck and run. But there's only so much you can do to combat the threat of his legs. The main point I'll make on Vick, is if you get a chance to sack or tackle him, wrap him up and stop his legs moving. Don't get carried away with the opportunity to take his head off like some people might. Here's the Eagles first TD against the 49ers as a perfect example:
The 49ers Dlineman has a great opportunity to get the sack here, Vick is just coming out of a turn to avoid pressure up the middle, and the Dlineman should make the play.
But he takes too high and angle and allows Vick to get underneath him.
Vick gets under him and keeps his feet moving and the play alive, and then does what nobody else in the league can replicate.
He escapes out of the pocket, keeps his eyes down-field and spots an open receiver in the end zone.
Clay Harbor makes the easy catch and puts up points on the board. I put the last picture up to make another point. Notice how Harbor has no 49er anywhere near him. DB's absolutely cannot stop covering until they hear the whistle. With Vick's ability to do what he showed there, he can extend plays for so much longer than DB's expect them to. It's vital they don't switch off and keep covering until the whistle blows.
The final point I'll make, is without any pictures as this is probably dragging on a bit, but I feel its an important point. We cannot afford to over-stack on the run too often. If we bring Landry up on the run, and leave just Atogwe deep, with Jackson and Maclin 1-on-1 outside against Hall and Wilson, it's going to be a long day. Jackson and Maclin are so fast and such big deep threats, we'll need over the top help whenever possible, otherwise we'll see Jackson or Maclin running past Hall or Wilson and making huge plays.
So, what do you guys think? What do you think are Eagles weak points and how would you best attack them? What should we be most careful of? And what did you think of the whiteboard X's and O's drawings? Let me know if you like them or if you think I have no idea what I'm talking about in the comments below or on Twitter @UkRedskin1
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I think if we can keep Vick in the pocket then we should see him hesitate.
However the guy is fast and quickly escapes the pocket. That I think is dangerous for us. Containing Vick is extremely important. Kerrigan and Orakpo will probably have a long day ahead of them. IMO
Last year towards the end of the season
I remember a few teams were able to stop vick the Vikings did a good job, I kept hearing how that was the blue print for stopping him. what did they do does anyone remember?
by BmoreRedskin on Oct 13, 2011 5:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They would blitz corners at his blind side
Vick is used to the big boys trying to tackle him and having an athletic advantage. When you blitz someone at his blindside that is just as athletic it tkaes his advantage away and actually puts him at a disadvantage because he has less time to react. I remeber the Vikings and Packers lining up in nickel sets and blitzing the slot corner at him.
Kerrigan would be coming from Vick's blind side. If Vick rolls to the right he needs to get set to pass. Most players
are oriented to right handed passers so it is on the strange side.
by Jefferson1935 on Oct 13, 2011 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking the same thing
After I read the other post about the tight ends we would really catch defenses off guard with Fred split out wide
by BmoreRedskin on Oct 13, 2011 5:01 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I was thinking the same thing
After I read the other post about the tight ends we would really catch defenses off guard with Fred split out wide
by BmoreRedskin on Oct 13, 2011 5:01 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
This sounds great
However considering the Redskins HAVE NEVER RAN THIS FORMATION. I would be shocked to see it . And if they did do it I’m sure it would be Cooley (Not saying that I agree with it) instead of Davis.
The Rod has spoken
Just an idea, that I think has been pretty popular among fans since the emergence of Davis.
Also, just because we’ve not done it before doesn’t mean we couldn’t do it now. Especially after a bye week where they’d had extra time to prepare and install it. Surely it would catch the Eagles off guard if they haven’t seen it on film from us before.
And out of curiosity, why do you think they would put Cooley there, Davis would appear the be the better fit as a hybrid TE/WR.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
I retract my statement after hearing that Cooley had his knee drained today. Although Davis is bigger, stronger, and faster. Cooley has better hands and more precise route running ability. I love Davis but I believe he has had less that 5 receptions over the last 2 games. He is still inconsistent.
The Rod has spoken
by Rodskin on Oct 13, 2011 9:54 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Well, I did say at the start that either guy could do it.
But I think Davis would be better suited. The idea is to have Davis be able to run past LBs with his speed, but still have the strength to run over DBs. I don’t think Cooley would have that speed to out run LBs.
On top of that, the whole idea behind it was to get the nickel package on the field so we could run on them. Cooley is the better blocker of the two, so if he lines up at TE, he can get a better block on a LB than Davis would and Davis is more than good enough at blocking to hold a block on a CB.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
I disagree......
I have not made it through the whole post yet (I will when I have more time) but if you notice on white board #1, with Davis split to the right, there is another TE lined up on the line. This would be Cooley, who can just chip the LB and do what he does best over the middle of the field, just one more legitmate weapon for them to worry about. I was thinking just the other day we should split him out. It must have been when I was watching the Packers game.
"Please don't dominate the rap, Jack, if you got nothin' new to say."-Robert Hunter
Whoah! Whiteboard! We're big time now!
Good post as always UK
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Thanks man.
You like the whiteboard addition? lol
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
againg I haven't read the whole thing (it is a lot of information).
I was wondering, with some of your breakdowns, if you had ever considered linking a video of the described play. I know you put a lot of work into these and you do an excellent job.
I think it would be really neat to be able to watch the whole play unfold in motion after having the chance to study the stills and read the explanation. Also, I always find it impressive when you can visualize how much time they actually to make these decisions that decide the fate of games.
"Please don't dominate the rap, Jack, if you got nothin' new to say."-Robert Hunter
There are some sites with good graphics, but it would take more time than white board to prepare the graphics.
http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2009/3/31/815874/zone-blocking-tutorial-inside-zone.
The more extensive in the zone techniques –
http://www.hawgtuff.net/ZoneBlockingManual_BASH.pdf
by Jefferson1935 on Oct 13, 2011 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
have u tried this?
http://www.teamonthree.com/playbooks/examples/football-playbook-maker.aspx
may be clearer than a Whiteboard…
good job again…
oh…and I am playing a lot of two deep with a mix of up front packages if I am Haslett. Landry and Atogwe to a lesser extent are just too vulnerable to double moves to be left out on an island and this much speed…but that is just me…
I haven't tried that.
Thanks for the link, might look into that. The good thing about the Whiteboard tho is it allows me to be exact in what I want to show. But this might be very useful so thanks again.
I agree, I’d be using a lot of two deep safety to try and contain that speed.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
This is about the QB protecting the ball and...
offenses capitalizing on turnovers, because this is two elite pass rushing teams facing off against each other.
I thought one of the reasons that Vick was struggling at the end of last season
was that teams started blitzing & applying pressure from the left side. Since Vick is left-handed when he rolled out to his right it affected his accuracy.Sending Landry on a safety blitz & dropping Kerrigan into coverage on Celek or a LBer up the middle on certain passing downs would make for favorable match-ups but overall I hope that Haslett tones down the blitz packages, keeping Wilson, Hall & Atogwe in coverage.
Really like the whiteboard & as always awesome breakdowns & analysis CTTR
I think with Cooley's partial role as a FB
This adds to the trickery.
Say we have 2 WR and Fred Davis wide. Cooley near the line, with Hightower back.
Looks like Cooley could be chipping then rolling into the flat, with Hightower as the typical blocking RB.
However, Cooley could also serve as the lead blocker in this instance, punching through for Hightower.
spelling
In the U.S. we spell Offense & Defense with an S!!!
I started spelling it with an S.
I only got it ‘wrong’ once, and that was because half way through I had forgotten about it and was focusing on trying to get the main concepts down. I’m getting better at it, but its hard to spell something that you’ve grown up with differently, and its not exactly as if you don’t know what I meant by it.
I’m going to start using words like ‘Favourite’ and ‘Colour’ with the ‘u’ in it, just to see the reaction it gets lol.
Oh, and also, it’s the English language, so I think its you guys spelling it wrong lol.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
by UkRedskin on Oct 14, 2011 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Haha rec +1,
its quite frustrating having to change words to ‘americanisms’ all the time!
Dude, I'm an American, born and bred
I STILL grew up having to be “corrected” that grey is gray, colour is color, and favourite is favorite.
They STILL haven’t completely cured me of that at my age (and as I’ve said before, I remember watching Vince Lombardi on the sidelines for the Redskins on TV as a young lad… heck, my wife grew up being “forced” to play with one of the kids who came by a half dozen times a year for the parties her next door neighbor threw at the end of NASCAR races… she still talks occasionally about the time the kids father found them playing in the Superbird (and yeah, that might be the one she was playing in) and she and the kid got into a little trouble… but only a little, since his dad had already taught him to drive.
Darn, what was I talking about? My mind is wandering again. It’s rough getting old.
No Danny, Nooooooo - Tom Landry, 1982., and Washington Redskins fans, 1999-
I am an American. Born, bred, and proud as hell of it
And I say spell it the way YOU’RE supposed to spell it.
Where do they teach you to talk like this? In some Panama City "Sailor wanna hump-hump" bar, or is it getaway day and your last shot at his whiskey? Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here.
Recurring theme
This has been brought up numerous times. Who cares. The guy spends a ton of time putting these things together, does an amazing job, and people bug him about spelling things the way he was taught how? C’mon, just have some perspective, and appreciate the time and effort he’s put in.
Where do they teach you to talk like this? In some Panama City "Sailor wanna hump-hump" bar, or is it getaway day and your last shot at his whiskey? Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here.
by CJHutch on Oct 16, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed on all points. It's not like he is using "133t speak" or something like that.
He always post these epic breakdowns, spending a lot of time preparing them and yet he still finds time to “correct” change local spellings to fit most of his audience. Please cut him some slack. He does an awesome job.
"Pretty sad
I think rocky is their worst lb.and yet he would easily be our best.
They’re in first place with good lb’s we’re on last place with rat shit lb’s
I think there is a correlation there…" courtesy of BGN with special thanks to Saidrick
of course
if his posts read like washingtontowin…
"Pretty sad
I think rocky is their worst lb.and yet he would easily be our best.
They’re in first place with good lb’s we’re on last place with rat shit lb’s
I think there is a correlation there…" courtesy of BGN with special thanks to Saidrick
Great work UK...looking fwd to seeing how it all unfolds.
"It's a dog eat dog world, and I'm wearing Milkbone underwear." - Norm Peterson
Thanks dude.
Chances are all I said there is absolute nonsense, but it made sense to me at the time lol.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
I couldn't help but notice that on the screen pass the 49ers threw on 2nd/13
That two of their linemen who are out front of the screen are well out front – from two to four yards past the line of scrimmage and the ball has just left the QB’s hand. I’m surprised they didn’t get flagged for having ineligible men downfield.
It seems the refs are a bit lenient on them when they know its a screen pass.
I haven’t seen ref’s call that in quite a few year’s…used to called more often (at least it seems like it used to be).
HTTR!
Good post
My opinion on the white board is somewhat mixed. I love football theory and i’ve been drawing up my own plays since I was 8, but not sure these posts are the best place for it. On one hand, it lends context to the theory and gives you a springboard for idea’s. On the other hand, I just like seeing the actual plays better and find it more relevant. Just one mans opinion.
All in all you know I love these posts and look forward to them. Keepem coming!
1. Screens, we need more of them. I don’t care if its helu, or fred davis. MORE SCREENS. I cried for this last year as well, and eventually they got around to calling them a few times a game. I don’t know if this offense just doesn’t usually run them or what.
2. Vick. The point about sacking him is so spot on. If you are 1vs1 in the backfield with vick, chances are he’s not going to get sacked. But if you can slow vick down by going for a good solid tackle instead of a highlight(and stupid fine) then your teammates can come clean him up. I notice vick almost always puts on the same juke, half step one way, and he’s gone the other direction. So don’t mess around, square up and follow his hips. Easier said than done though.
3. I hope fed ex is rockin and wonder which team will have an edge in sloppy weather if this rain continues forever. I would say the redskins but then I remember a football life. Dude said they were going to pass in the slop all day because the oline wouldn’t get any push on a sloppy field. who knows
The Beat Box aka skins secondary.
I see what you mean
I don’t think I would make just a whiteboard theory post. I think I would always include actual pictures. But using the whiteboard allows me to demonstrate ideas that we haven’t seen in games, or like I did in this post, look at potential ideas against teams we haven’t played yet. Whereas the film breakdown just shows what’s already happened in previous games.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
TRADE CRIS COOLEY FOR CARSON PALMER"NOW"!
TRADE CRIS COOLEY FOR CARSON PALMER…“NOW”! BROWN JUST MIGHT GET PAST HIS PRIDE AND DO IT.IT WOULD BE THE “VERY BEST DEAL WE COULD GET FOR COOLEY NOW”.PALMER WOULD FIT US FOR 2…3…MAYBE EVEN 4 YEAR’S GIVING US ENOUGH TIME TO BUILD…AND MIND YOU…WE COULD MOST LIKELY GET SOME NICE DECENT TRADE FOR GROSSMAN…IT’S A NO BRAINER…DO IT NOW!
Are you serious
The Bungles will not trade him. Even if they would trade him, he does not know the Redskins system and we are about to be 5 games into the season. Who would give us anything for Grossman ?
by redskins-texas-fan on Oct 16, 2011 10:15 AM EDT reply actions
He is trolling. He is spamming this on multiple threads.
and i believe he has been getting deleted
"Pretty sad
I think rocky is their worst lb.and yet he would easily be our best.
They’re in first place with good lb’s we’re on last place with rat shit lb’s
I think there is a correlation there…" courtesy of BGN with special thanks to Saidrick
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