Play of the Week Vote: Pre-Season Week 3 vs the Baltimore Ravens
by UkRedskin on Aug 27, 2011 8:08 PM EDT
Email
PrintThis week, we have 3 plays. The Hightower 37 yard TD run, the Grossman to Moss 24 yard TD pass, and John Beck's pass to Austin for a 13 yard TD.
Lets start first with Tim Hightower's 37 yard TD run. It's the famous stretch play that we've seen time and again from Mike Shanahan, and we'll see it all season long if we keep having this sort of success. Mike Sellers is the TE in motion, Logan Paulsen is in at TE as well. Moss and Austin at WR, and obviously Hightower in the backfield.
This play is blocked to absolute perfection. The key block is the one I've put in blue. Kory Lichtensteiger makes a brilliant cut block on the Dlineman. This not only takes that defender out of the play, but it allows Paulsen to block his man into Kory, so it cuts him as well. It also makes the Linebacker lined up over Paulsen's shoulder completely irrelevant because there's no way he can get past the pile of players caught up by the cut block. Will Montgomery shows fantastic jump off the snap to get off the ball and help Chris Chester to block the other Dlineman and push him towards the numbers. Mike Sellers plays a big role as well, chipping the DE/OLB, pushing him outside before getting to the second level. By getting the chip, Jammal Brown is then able to take over and push him wider. This combined with the double team block from Montgomery and Chester makes a huge hole between them and the place of the cut block for Hightower to run into.
You can see in the red circles that the cut block has taken out the back side, and the double team block that is just destroying the Dlineman and creating a huge hole. The one name I didn't mention in the last paragraph was Trent WIlliams. That's because this is his paragraph. I've circled his block in black as it was the key block at this point. Normally the Ravens would not allow a hole this large in their defence. On any normal play, Ray Lewis would have been there to fill the void and make the play. But Trent Williams does an amazing job getting out and just blowing him up. If you are at all skeptical of Williams, check out the highlight video of this play and just watch the block on Ray Lewis, and you'll see why we picked him.
Hightower see's the free defender from the right, so he makes his cut back to the left. Logan Paulsen, free after blocking his first man over the pile on the floor, shows great awareness and comes back to make a great block on the Linebacker. Trent continues to dominate Lewis.
Terrance Austin then comes in, and shows yet another string to his bow. He makes a key block to allow Hightower to get one-on-one with the outside defender (which you'll see in the next frame). Trent still dominating Lewis. He's blocked him to the ground at this point.
What I really like about this picture is we see the mean streak in Trent Williams. He finishes his block, making sure that Lewis is not getting back up to make a play. Austin does his part with that block, but from this point its all about Hightower. He does an excellent job of making that defender miss, and then he turns the burners on and streaks for the end zone. Fantastic play but everyone involved.
Our second play this week is the Grossman TD pass to Moss for 24 yards. What I like about this play is that we take advantage of a defensive breakdown, which we have failed to do a lot in the past. I also like the design of the play to occupy defenders and give our primary targets the best chance to get open. Lets have a look:
We are lined up in a bunch formation, Hightwer in the backfield and Fred Davis at TE on the far side of the picture. This is a pretty simple play as we only have 3 routes, and 7 blockers including Hightower. Moss is going to run straight to the back pylon, being the primary target, and in a 3rd and long situation, the only real target. Gaffney runs a quick out as a check-down or second option. Armstrong runs a 5 yard come-back route as the 3rd option, but the main design of that route is to occupy zones and/or defenders to allow the first two guys more chance of getting open.
The Ravens probably surprise us a bit by only sending a 4 man rush on 3rd and long. As you can see here, the Oline have no problem picking this up. Only Davis struggles with his block, but Hightower is on his way over to help out. Grossman has as clean a pocket as you could ask for.
Look at how clean Grossman's pocket is, he has the time to take aim and throw. Again, I know its only a 4 man rush, but we've rarely given the QB a clean pocket to throw from for the past few years. Also notice that Armstrong occupies multiple defenders, a very nice design of the play.
Moss does a really nice job of locating the ball and making the adjustment to catch it. Slightly worrying that when Moss runs through blown coverage that Grossman can't hit him in stride, but a nice job by Moss on the catch to show he still has it.
Our final contender this week comes from Terrance Austin on a screen pass from John Beck. It shows off the athleticism of our Olineman, and shows very good execution of a play we should see a fair amount of this year.
Austin motions across, and then pulls back to receive the pass. The WR (I'm guessing Donte Stallworth by his hair) does a real nice job to get up-field and get a good block on the DB. Artis Hicks does a fantastic job to get to the second level to lead a way for Austin, and the RT (I think its Sean Locklear) gets out and makes the initial block for Austin.
I have a feeling Austin would have beaten the immediate defender, but Locklear does a nice job making sure of it. Stallworth's block is good enough to give Austin the clear path to run into. Notice Hicks has gotten up-field nicely to be the lead-blocker.
The safer play here would have been to follow Hicks and let him get a block on the last defender. But Austin is full of confidence, especially after this drive on which he already had two catches. He streaks for the end zone.
The defender does actually catch up to Austin, but that doesn't bother him. Austin hits him with a really nice stiff-arm to the helmet, which you can see in the red circle, before getting into the end zone for a TD.
So, what will it be? Hightower's run, Grossman to Moss, or Austin's screen pass? I know there was no defensive plays again this week, but I just felt these were more noteworthy (other than the Hall INT, which I already covered in my last post). Hopefully we'll get to see some big defensive plays in the not too distant future worth breaking down.
74 comments
|
5 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Not a big deal but
Slightly worrying that when Moss runs through blown coverage that Beck can’t hit him in stride, but a nice job by Moss on the catch to show he still has it.
Might wanna change Beck to Grossman. Or are they the same person at this point? haha.
Also, really good post. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite columns on any blog.
Follow me on Twitter: @adamvolo
It was a great play
I think it was a bad on my part, it’s probably easy to see which was my favourite play from the language I used, and the amount I’ve written on each play. Looking back at it, it wasn’t my best piece of work.
But yes, I agree the Hightower run was the best, if you couldn’t already tell lol.
I'm just glad Austin is showing such huge strides
we’re going to need young receivers when Moss retires and Gaffney’s contract is up.
I'll go more in depth later on in the week,
but I think our hole Oline had a fairly decent game. I need to re-watch it again to confirm this, but that was what I had stuck in my mind after the game. Trent certainly had his best game of pre-season and as you said, he had an absolute monster of a block there.
About the cut blocks
It is a penalty to cut someone engaged by another blocker. Is it a penalty to push your man over a teammate already on the ground?
Formerly KS and CS
by ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown on Aug 27, 2011 9:17 PM EDT reply actions
I definitely think
The Bubba run was the best play. But I think that first pass by Beck deserve some consideration. Now, I’m not AT ALL trying to overstate Beck’s skills, but anyone who’s watched this team over the past 4-5 years knows that deep sideline pass has been missing from our repertoire. Well, if Beck does become our starter, it’s evident that that play will be back in our wheelhouse. That was a he’ll of a pass.
Also, maybe its not POD worthy, but NOBODY can convince me they weren’t going nuts when Hall intercepted it. Even his haters had to be ecstatic to see a pick 6 from OUR team AGAINST Baltimore.
Is Hall
The Rex Grossman of corners?
Formerly KS and CS
by ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown on Aug 27, 2011 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Ha ha
Pretty interesting. On the surface, I would say that Hall is still a better corner than Grossman is a QB. But, I suppose it is probably closer to your scenario than I’d like to admit. Personally, I
Iike Hall. Not that I don’t realize his deficiencies, I just like his playmaking ability on defense, which is something we haven’t had here since ST21. I also like his willingness to say whatever the eff is on his mind. Its not Clinton Portis egocentric jibber-jabber, it’s Hall running his mouth because he cares about the team.
I was a big Hall fan in college
He didn’t seem to be as boom or bust back then. I still like him, but he’s turned his game into pick 6 or burned for 6. He has the physical skills to be an elite corner, and it drives me nuts that he isn’t that kind of player. He really should be on the Alphabet/Revis level.
I don't know if he's
That good. Especially not Revis.
Like I said, I realize Hall has deficiencies. And there are plenty of corners I’d take over him. But there are also PLENTY of corners I’d take Hall over. Including the last two, yes TWO, corners we drafted. Sure, Rogers can cover better, and Bailey is just plain better. But Hall has something neither of them had. The desire to be here, AND to return this team to greatness.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a rah rah homer rant for the local guy. But I am more interested in us having guys who WANT to be Redskins. Bailey didn’t,and Carlos didn’t. So, I guess what I’m saying, is that I’ll take D Hall, WITH his flaws, over the other guys I’ve been used to. Im also hoping that Wilson turns into that “True Redskin”’ only with the full skill set.
honestly
i like hall. like you said he wants to be here and i can honestly say as well that this is the first time in awhile that players on the team want to be here…like hall, cofield, moss, hightower, atogwe and all more. this team is clicking in a way that it hasnt been for years. granted im only 19 and the last time we won the superbowl was the year i was born, but this team has the idea.
Que?
Champ Bailey didn’t want to be here b/c he was ‘tired’ of the Dan Snyder nonsense on how he was managing the organization. DHall is not even in the same league as Champ, so therefore making that type of comparison (of Champ not wanting to be here in DC vs. DHall wanting to be here is out of place).
Doesn't matter
WHY Champ didn’t want to be here. The fact is, he didn’t. And it wasn’t just the last year, he wanted out for awhile.
Besides
I always thought Champ was over rated. I’m not saying he wasn’t abgreat CB, but he wasn’t close to being a “shut down corner”. David Boston used to drink his milkshake. So did Amani Toomer.
Great corners are over rated anyway. I don’t care how good your corners are, if you don’t have a pass rush, they’re basically useless. Look at how long Champ was here. We were good one year. And our defense had no drop off after he left. In fact, I actually liked Shawn Springs better, because he was more physical.
Anyway, I got off on a tangent. My point is, I’d rather have guys who want to be here, than some douchebag checking flights outta town.
With Bailey
It was money and the fact that Gibbs liked Portis. Bailey got the contract he wanted from Denver and Washington paid Springs the contract they offered Bailey.I don’t think wanted out of Washington.Washington wasn’t going to pay him to stay.
by hambonejackson on Aug 28, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Great corners are overrated?
That doesn’t add up? For some odd reason you’re trying to ‘downgrade’ Champ and what he brought to the table. I agree to ‘some’ extent about how physical shawn springs was, but he stayed injured and besides he was already on his last leg just before he rolled to NE.
So you’ve just named only 2 WR’s whom you believed dominated Champ? David Boston the roided up joker and Toomer whom wasn’t even the best receiver on the Giants team? Ok…..I you insist.
Again the Redskins have always had a very good defense the past several years (just before the 3-4 switch).
You just made my
Argument for me. Two sub par wideouts dominated Bailey. Sorry, “shut down corners” don’t get dominated by ANYONE on a regular basis, especially lower tier receivers.
And yes, great corners ARE over rated. I’ll take a very good pass rush over a great corner any day of the week. How long has Champ been in the league? He’s never won a damn thing. A great cornerback is only effective with a great pass rush. Look at the Ravens, Steelers, and Patriots. They let their top corners go all the time, because they know the pass rush is much more important. The Pats are the perfect example – they lose Assante Samuel, don’t miss a beat. But when they lost Seymour, they’re defense was noticeably worse.
Now look at Charles Woodson. How long has he been in the league? He has always been good. But he didn’t get to the elite level until he got to a Green Bay, where he had a legit pass rush. Before that, he wasn’t much different that Hall.
Again
you’re trying to de-value Champ and his presence on the field. Champ has far more discipline than DHall. DHall takes way too many risks and get toasted (since the days of the Falcons and Raiders).
Now in regard to the Ravens and Steelers pass rush, I do agree that their pass rush is tremendous. However with the Pats it was more than just Seymour who made a difference, they had a lot of players who didn’t take risks and were more discipline in their tactics (unlike DHall at times). I’m not taking anything away from DHall he’s a decent DB, but his risks are not worth the headache.
Woodson has always been a good DB (he’s just been really effected by injuries) but his overall skill set is again better than DHall.
I think we're
Having two different discussions. I’m not even attempting to argue that Hall is nearly as good as Champ, or even Woodson. All I’m saying is that I LIKE D Hall for our team, as much for his Redskins fervor as his actual talent. It’s nice to have a local guy who CSN actually play, even if he’s not one of the top players at his position.
The second point I was making is, I don’t care HOW good your corners are, it doesn’t matter without a pass rush. Bailey is the perfect example of this, as is Assy. They have been regarded among the beat at their position, yet they have no discernible success in the league. Then you have lower tier corners in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New England, etc, who enjoy more success because of the dominance of their front 7.
So, again, (and I’m not JUST talking about Champ here) I will take a good pass rush over a great corner any day of the week.
Perhaps
we were, however the discussions have been beneficial.
Don’t get me wrong I want DHall to have a great career with the Skins and I hope he does well overall.
For the record DHall isn’t a ‘local’ guy, he’s from the Tidewater area (757) so that doesn’t count! (Sarcasm)
I was actually very close to putting that first Beck pass in
as I thought it was a very good throw and sparked the offence in to life a bit. But then thought it would only have been about 2 pictures and not much writing, so a boring review. Plus I think the only plays that had a chance to compete with the Hightower run in the vote would have been the other TD plays.
The play of the week was....
Undoubtedly the Jarvis jenkins injury. He Has really been playing well and could only get better with more pt. As far as impacting the team and its overall chemistry, Jenkins Injury was more impactful than any of the plays listed above simply for the fact of how much it influences thar side of the ball. I give the offense props, but losing Jenkins means more to the Overall team than one hIghlight play.
I think the overall team cohesion was infinitely more inportant
than losing an individual player. We have depth to replace him and he’ll be back next year.
by TheDeepBall on Aug 27, 2011 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd argue that...
Jenkins was initially planned to be the back up behind Bowen and Carriker. He had a fantastic training camp and pre-season and was pushing Carriker for the starting spot. But we can’t forget that Carriker was a our best Dlineman last year, and really came on towards the end of the year making a lot of plays in the backfield. There was a reason he was a first round pick remember.
Depth-wise, the Jenkins injury hurts us, no doubt. But I don’t think it’s as big a blow for the team as you as you make out there. Bowen, Cofield and Carriker is a massive upgrade over last year, and should be a very solid, if not more so, Dline.
Hightower Run
Just because TWilliams mauled the living shit out of Ray Lewis. I watched it on my Tivo at least 10 times. Never gets old.
When life gives you potatoes, make potato salad.
When life gives you shit, make shit salad.
by 64ShagginWagon on Aug 28, 2011 12:02 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Can I vote for Tyrod Taylors
Game winning touchdown run?
I like Turtles!
I call it like I see it, some fan bases can't handle that.
Sure, go ahead
Cuz if your 5 foot 8, preseason project, backup QB produced your favorite play of a damn good game well, that sucks for you.
by CJHutch on Aug 28, 2011 1:25 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Don't think he did
Not hit Moss in stride. Actually think he threw away from the defender and let Moss go get it. Great decision.
Maybe it wasn't as bad a throw as I thought
as it looks like he’s trying to make sure he keeps it in-bounds. But Moss had 5 yards on the nearest defender, he could have easily put a little more on it and hit him in stride, with no threat of the defender getting anywhere near it.
Though i voted for the Hightower run, I must say this
UkRedskin is Hog Havens MVP. Love your breakdowns.
I think Kevin posted a story from the summer (by some one whose name slips my mind) that had graphic breakdowns, and everyone loved it.
Then you appear from the Blog-o-sphere heavens to give us several similar breakdowns a week. I think I speak for everybody in saying you and your work here are greatly appreciated.
Thanks a bunch and Hail to thee
Paul
by PAinfUL on Aug 28, 2011 10:32 AM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Must say I agree 100%,
Love these breakdowns SO much!
by Toosy_13 on Aug 28, 2011 11:13 AM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Ageed
Keep ’em coming. Lovin it.
My give a damn broke.
by davesomethin on Aug 28, 2011 10:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
*agreed
Damn I can’t type.
My give a damn broke.
by davesomethin on Aug 28, 2011 10:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm one of the few that voted for John Beck to Austin
And the reason it’s the most important play of the game to me is this-
It’s the only one of the three plays where we scored a TD in the red zone. And that’s exactly what I want to see more of.
The world looks mighty different when you're peeking out your belly button
If you wish to grind a team into the dirt and make them fear to play you again…
Then you know there is something about 97 yard drives and end up scoring a touchdown from the opponents eight.
If you’d like to play like Indianapolis and score from 50 yards out making every team you play think that they were just a few bad plays from beating you, and not taking any time off the clock, then I guess you enjoy those long bombs and long runs.
I much prefer to watch the opponent get stomped into the ground like a brown stink bug who is never going to rise up again. Sorry for being that way, it just comes from a decade of watching it happen.
The world looks mighty different when you're peeking out your belly button
by Skins Fan '77 on Aug 28, 2011 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Redskins are avg.
400 yards of offense and they are leading their opponents in time of possessions. I don;t know if they will have 2 qbs who who a 90+ rating during the regular. The skins lead in sacks vs. opponents. How much of this translates in to the regular season remains to be seen. With all the backs they have i have to think that running is their focus. I don’t think their WRs are nearly as good as their backs are right now. So I think ball control and controlling the clock is something they have to do. I am not confident in their ability to stop the big pass play.
by hambonejackson on Aug 28, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Although I do love to watch an offensive line dominate a defense as in those other two plays
The world looks mighty different when you're peeking out your belly button
by Skins Fan '77 on Aug 28, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Its a good point
It has been a thing we’ve struggled with not just this pre-season, but in recent years aswell. I think Darrel Young will be a big threat in the red zone offence. He seems to have a good elusive ability for a FB, as well as obviously having the strength you’d expect any FB to have. Little check-down passes or quick outs to him will score us a lot of points. I also think play-action inside the 5 will be our biggest weapon. Getting a TE in open space is very easy on play-action, and should also be a big contributor.
However I do agree with TheDeepBall, if we score 4 TD’s a game, the red zone percentage isn’t exactly a main priority.
I really enjoy the evaluation that you do in this segments UKRedskin. Keep it up!
by willismagillacutty on Aug 28, 2011 4:28 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Im shocked, SHOCKED that you're not an author!!!
Get it done KenVin!
I have ended my status as a lurker to compliment your posts, UKRedskin — nothing beats chalk talk in my book. The guys at postgameheroes used to this regularly for the Steelers and the Skins, but they stopped (probably because of the tremendous work involved).
Thanks.
They are very time consuming
The John Beck one the other day took me 3 or 4 hours. Luckily, I have some free time on my hands right now. It’s a lot of fun to put together and see just how each player plays their part in each play.
The Hightower run was my choice.
Very nice work, thanks.
by brazilianbeast on Aug 28, 2011 10:19 PM EDT reply actions
First off...
Great job on the article!
It HAS to be Hightower activating beast mode, and The Silverback effectively raping on one of the best Linebackers to ever play the game
Is it just me, or does Hightower remind anyone of Steven Jackson in his prime (dreads and all)
Beck to the future!
Nice Article
I really like these graphical breakdowns of plays. Please keep this up throughout the season.
Great stuff
Thanks for the breakdowns. Very good and interesting. Getting more optimistic about this season every week.
by redskins-texas-fan on Aug 29, 2011 9:08 AM EDT reply actions
off subject but...when are the cuts coming?
seen a few teams making cuts over the weekend. when is the deadline?
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Hogs Haven
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
