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Washington Redskins 3rd Down Efficiency Against New York Giants

2013-06-20T00:21:57Z

Over the past few days, I went back and watched every Redskins third down against the Giants last season, both home and away games. I wanted to get a look at both the Redskins offensive and Giants defensive tendencies on the most important down in the NFL, third. Having played two games against each other, it gave me a good opportunity to collect a bigger sample size and see how tendencies might have changed from the first game to the second.

I kept tally of a number of different categories, including: down and distance, quarter, personnel group, quarterback positioning, formation alignment, motions, defensive look pre-snap, run or pass, coverage scheme, play notes and the result of the play. I put them all together in this table, keeping the two games separate.

(Click to enlarge)

That's obviously a lot of information being thrown at you all at once, so here are some of the more interesting things I took out of it.

Conversion Rate

The Redskins only converted 6/13 (46%) third down attempts in the first game in New York, but managed 4/8 (50%) back home in Washington. That's a combined 10/21 (48%) converted third down attempts. For some comparison, the Patriots lead the NFL in 2012 for third down conversion rate, with 49% of their attempts being converted for first downs. The Redskins, for the season, averaged a 36% conversion rate, ranking 20th in the NFL.

Personnel Groups

The Redskins used just three personnel groups on third down; U, Tiger and Zebra. Zebra was the most frequently used (12 times), but that's probably because seven of the 21 third down attempts came from 10 or more yards, making the third receiver most useful than a second tight end or running back. Zebra saw all the snaps of third and six or more. That personnel group only managed to convert four of the 12 attempts they had, but the Redskins did manage to convert a couple of fourth downs after getting in range on third down.

The U group saw six third downs, mostly on short yard situations where the Redskins ran the ball, making use of the extra fullback and tight end as blockers. They converted four of six attempts, three of which came on the exact same play.

It's a rare power run, involving the tight end heavy side of the line, in this case, the left, to all crash down inside. That allows the right guard, Chris Chester to pull around from his spot and act as a lead blocker for Alfred Morris.

Fullback Darrel Young will take on the defensive end and kick him outside. Chester comes around on his pull and meets an incoming linebacker.

Chester is able to maintain the block long enough for Morris to get through the hole and pick up the first down.

The Redskins used that play three times over the course of the two games, and were successful converting on all three attempts.

Interestingly, the Redskins most successful conversion group, Tiger, only saw the field three times, all in the first game at the Giants. They were successful in converting two of three attempts, but never saw the field on third downs in the second game.

But clearly, the Redskins liked to have two tight ends on the field on third down when possible, be it with U or Tiger personnel groups. That should mean plenty of snaps for Fred Davis, Logan Paulsen, Niles Paul and rookie Jordan Reed.

Pre-Snap Looks

This was one of the most interesting parts of this study. They Giants showed a single-high-safety look on 8/13 third down plays in the first meeting, but only 3/8 third downs in the second game. Single-high-safety looks will generally mean the defense is running one deep safety with man coverage underneath, or Cover 3.

Whereas, New York showed two deep safety looks 5/13 snaps in the first game, and 5/8 snaps in the return game. Two deep safety looks can mean a couple of different things, like Cover 2, two-deep man under, quarters coverage or Tampa 2 among others.

This may have been a deliberate move by the Giants, having seen the Redskins burn the Cowboys safeties the week before. They might have wanted to be conservative and make sure that they had two safeties deep on third downs to stop them getting burnt. After all, they have great pass-rushers all along that four-man defensive line and hardly need a fifth rusher. But this could have also been a matter of the game situation, with four of the Redskins third down attempts in the second game being from 10 or more yards away.

Post-Snap Coverage

The Giants didn't try too hard to disguise their looks. They only had three of the 21 total third down attempts where they showed one look pre-snap and switched to a different coverage post snap. In New York, the Giants showed a two deep look but switched to single-high, man coverage after the snap. They twice showed a two deep safety look but rotated their safeties and ran Cover 3 after the snap, once in both games.

On those three disguised coverages, the Redskins failed to convert. However, when you watch those plays, one was a third and 10, one was a third and 17 (which the Redskins gained 15 yards and converted on fourth and two), and the final one was a third and four which Pierre Garcon dropped a pass on this play. So make of that what you will.

One intriguing move the Giants definitely made deliberately was to run Tampa 2 coverage in the second game. They didn't run it at all in the first game, but used it four times in the second.

But for the most part, the Giants ran the look they showed. The Redskins converted 2/5 passing plays against Cover 3; 1/2 passing plays against Cover 2, 1/3 passing plays against single-high man-under and 1/4 passing plays against Tampa 2.

What's interesting is to see how the Giants used their coverages in relation to yards needed for the first down. Here's a table to show just that.

Again, this plays into the idea the Giants defense played for the situation. In two-five yard situations, the Redskins could realistically run or pass the ball. So the Giants reacted with one deep safety, allowing that extra safety in the box to help support the run if need be. But the further away from the first down the Redskins were, the more the Giants would use two deep safeties.

Pass or Run

We'll end on something we all knew before you started reading this post. The Redskins were most effective when they were able to run the ball. They converted 5/7 third down attempts when they were able to run the ball. That means they were only able to convert 5/14 passing attempts for first downs. That's something the Redskins and Robert Griffin III will have to improve on going forward.

Getting To Know the 2013 Washington Redskins: Chris Thompson

2013-06-19T21:00:08Z

Chris Thompson, 5’7", 192 lb

Florida State, Running Back

Rookie

@ChrisThompson_4

Key Career Stats

1,735 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 45 receptions, 430 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown

2012 Stats: 687 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 21 receptions, 248 receiving yards

2012 Highlight/Lowlight: Chris Thompson was on pace for 1,000 rushing yards at Florida State before he was sidelined by a serious knee injury. During his senior season, she showed great burst, great cuts, and good ball handling. Below is his college highlight reel so you can get a sneak peak at this new Redskin.

What is coming in 2013: Thompson is the kind of running back that could be the perfect complement to Alfred Morris and the Redskins offense. He has great hands and could be an excellent change of pace back if he stays healthy this season. Thompson is recovering from an extensive ACL surgery and he has a history of injury issues. While Thompson has the advantage of competing with an injured Roy Helu and an unimpressive 2012 edition of Evan Royster, he will also have to compete with 7^th round pick Jawan Jamison. Jamison may be the guy to beat to get snaps as the third down back, but I think Thompson’s health is his biggest competition at this point.

RELATED:

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trUV0_4ZB0g

FSU RB Chris Thompson Senior Highlights (GET WELL CT!!!!) (via RayFoye Combo)

Poll

Do you think Chris Thompson will be the 3rd down back this season?

Getting To Know the 2013 Washington Redskins: Jarvis Jenkins

2013-06-19T17:00:10Z

Jarvis Jenkins, 6’4", 315 lb

Clemson, Defensive End

3^rd year in the league and with the Redskins

Twitter handle: @Jarvis99jenkins

Key Career Stats

Missed all of 2011 due to injury.

2012 Stats: 25 Tackles, 0 Sacks, 0 Forced Fumbles

2012 Highlight: Jarvis Jenkins had the tough job of filling in for Adam Carriker last season after he tore his right quadriceps in week 2 and missed the rest of the season. Jenkins was a good replacement overall. He was an effective run stopper last season, which was a strength for the Redskins defense that could not stop the pass.

2012 Lowlight: While Jenkins was an effective defensive end, the lack of pass rush early in the season was in part because of Jenkins’s ineffectiveness as a pass rusher. When Carriker and Orakpo were hurt week 2, the pass rush struggled with Jenkins taking over at defensive end and Rob Jackson/Lorenzo Alexander taking over at outside linebacker. The outside linebackers are important in the 3-4 scheme to create pressure on the opposing quarterbacks (and collect the sacks), but Jenkins lack of sacks shows he was not an effective pass rusher. Defensive Ends in a 3-4 scheme do not usually have a plethora of sacks, but 0 sacks is not good at all.

What is coming in 2013: After missing all of the 2011 regular season, Jenkins has a full season of football experience under his belt. While Jenkins was not effective when the defense was rushing the passer last season, he will likely improve during the 2013 campaign. Jenkins is an extremely talented 2^nd round pick from the 2011 draft and I think he will develop into a force of a defensive end. Hopefully it will start during his second full season in the NFL. While many expect Carriker to resume as the starting defensive end this season, his injuries and high salary cap number could cause him to be released by the Redskins. If that is the case, Jenkins will be the guy to start in his place. And if we are going to win the NFC east next year, Jenkins will need to step up his game in the pass rush.

Poll

How many sacks do you think Jarvis Jenkins will have this season?

Video: Jordan Reed Talks Playbook, RGIII, and Beyonce

2013-06-19T16:15:16Z

This video was shot in mid-May by SBN Studios, so a special thanks to them for getting Reed to give a shout-out to Hogs Haven to start the video.

On if he knew the Redskins would draft him:

Not at all. I had no idea. They didn't show any interest at all. I got a call a couple days before the draft and they asked for my phone number.

On the playbook:

They got a complex offense all the things RGIII can do. As far as using me, they want to use me as an athletic tight end, move me around a lot, and create mismatches.

Reed also realllly didn't want to answer Rubenstein's question on who his celebrity crush is and/or what celebrity he'd want to take to the Oscars given he has a girlfriend. Respect.

Getting To Know the 2013 Washington Redskins: Brandon Jenkins

2013-06-19T13:54:53Z

Brandon Jenkins, 6’2", 251 lb

Florida State, Outside Linebacker

Rookie

Twitter handle: @BJenkinsFSU

Key Career Stats

2nd Team All-ACC (2011)

2nd Team All-American (2010)

1st Team All-ACC (2010, 2011)

College Stats: 119 Tackles, 22.5 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, and 4 Passes defended

2012 Stats: 3 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Pass defended

2012 Highlight/Lowlight: Brandon Jenkins showed impressive ability as a pass rusher at FSU, but he suffered a Lisfranc injury in his left foot in the 2012 opening game. He did not have much time to show off his impressive rushing skills in 2012, but his college career is filled with highlights. Below is his college highlight reel so you can get a sneak peak at this new Redskin.

What is coming in 2013: Jenkins will have to compete with an already very talented group of outside linebackers for playing time this season. It’s tough to imagine him starting a game with Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan, and Rob Jackson ahead of him on the depth chart as long as they are healthy. Because of the devastating nature of his injury, Jenkins may not be healthy enough to play at the beginning of the 2013 season, although his health is improving. He could end up being red-shirted his rookie year and have to focus on getting healthy.

FSU DE Brandon Jenkins Career Highlights (via RayFoye Combo)

Poll

Do you think Jenkins will contribute to the defense this season?

Daily Slop: Improving Pass Rush A Focus For Next Season; No Incentive on Either Side for Orakpo Extension

2013-06-19T13:54:22Z

Need to Know: Reed's head will be swimming in camp - Rich Tandler's Real Redskins
When Jordan Reed was drafted, there was no mention that he was injured. But he ended up sidelined for all of OTAs and minicamp with an injury that was, well, complicated. We’ll let him explain it. “I had a [thigh] contusion in college and that caused my quad to shutdown and stop working, which caused my kneecap to start moving around and banging into my bone, and that caused a bone bruise,” Reed told our Tarik El-Bashir. “As long as I get that quad back firing right, my kneecap will stay in place and I’ll be normal again.”

Josh Morgan: ‘I Just Want To Thank D.C.’
The Washington, D.C. City Council proclaimed on Tuesday that Thursday, June 20, 2013 will be recognized as “Josh Morgan Day” in the district.

Thoughts on the Redskins' goals in Mike Shanahan's fourth year and their chances of repeating their NFC East division title - Washington Times
Expanding on my list of reasons the Redskins will--and won't--successfully defend their title.

Redskins Area to Improve: Penalties

A look at where the Redskins stood in comparison to other playoff teams when it came to penalties and what penalties gave the Redskins the most problems.

Nick Sundberg, Sav Rocca perfecting punts through technology

Depth chart review: Left tackle | Comcast SportsNet Washington

No incentive on either side for Orakpo extension | Comcast SportsNet Washington

Improving Pass Rush A Focus For Next Season | Redskins Journal
Jim Haslett doesn’t believe it will be difficult to get Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan and Rob Jackson all on the field at certain points this coming season.

Shanahan-Allen Duo Working Well - Riggo's Rag - A Washington Redskins Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.
Rishi Pochiraju re-examines how the duo of Redskins GM Bruce Allen and HC Mike Shanahan have worked together since arriving in D.C.

NFC Quarterback Grades | Fanspeak.com

A current look at all 16 projected starting starting quarterbacks in the NFC and how they grade out.

Redskins Owner Sells Johnny Rockets Food Chain « CBS DC
Redskins' owner Daniel Snyder's private equity firm, Red Zone Capital Management Co., L.L.C., has sold restaurant chain Johnny Rockets for an undisclosed amount of money.

The Redskins Blog | 10 Best NFL Debuts Ever Features No. 10

Random notes around the NFC East: Bandwagon fan Chris Christie, Jordan Reed’s spreading injury, Miles “Hamstrings” Austin, and the Eagles from worst to first? – Blogging the bEast

Versatile Watt, powerful Ngata, Wilfork best of defensive linemen - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy
1. Barry Cofield, Washington (21.5): Coefield's production is very impressive for a man in a 3-4 front as a NT.

Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings | Fanspeak.com

The Stankonia Dome is happening: Atlanta Falcons approve new stadium concept - SBNation.com
The Falcons took another step toward building that stadium. Yes, THAT stadium.

Redskins Fantasy Outlook: Alfred Morris

2013-06-18T18:50:04Z

According to FantasyPros, Alfred Morris' average draft position is 10th overall, and ninth among running backs.

Why such a high average draft position for Morris? Why on earth not? He ran for more yards than any other running back not named Adrian Peterson in his rookie season, proved capable of being trusted with over 300 touches and also plays on a high-scoring, run-heavy offense. When defenses line up across from the Redskins offense and have to pick their poison—Morris or Griffin—Morris is the lesser of two evils. As a result, Morris has had the benefit of facing vulnerable defenses, but even when he didn't, he still thrived in the Redskins backfield.

He's a bruising back who never shies away from contact, again ranking below Adrian Peterson in yards after contact and just four yards behind Tampa Bay's Doug Martin, according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, Morris' average of 3.0 yards after contact ranked fifth in the NFL. Whichever way you slice it, Morris picked up yards on the ground, and motored his way to being a top-five running back in standard fantasy leagues in 2012.

So what about 2013? There's not much to suggest Morris can't have another great season anchoring the Washington backfield, but like everything in Washington, much will depend on the health of Robert Griffin III. If Griffin is his usual self, Morris numbers could be on par with what we saw in his record-setting season last year. If Griffin is to miss some time and defenses key more on Morris, then I'm still not overly concerned. Morris' yards per carry may take a hit from his gaudy 4.8 mark from a season ago, but because the Redskins are such a run-heavy team and because Morris is a proven bell-cow, his volume will compensate for a diminished average.

For fantasy purposes, Morris reminds me a lot of when Michael Turner first came to the Falcons, and even how Arian Foster stands now in the fantasy world. Even if they don't blow you away with highlight reel runs—and that's not to say Morris doesn't or can't—they are pretty much automatic for 20 to 25 carries and at least 90 yards each week. Morris' volume makes him a high-floor fantasy back as well as a high ceiling one, and because of this, he is absolutely worthy of his high average draft position, especially in standard scoring leagues. Expect another big year for Mr. Plow.

Rushing Projections: 315 carries, 1,420 yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 11 rushing touchdowns.

Receiving Projections: 10 receptions, 74 yards, 0 touchdowns.

Follow @PFF_Dan

Poll

Where would you draft Alfred Morris?

Video: Tyler Polumbus' Outreach Program Helps Special Needs Kids Have a Blast at Redskins Park

2013-06-18T17:35:04Z

Tyler Polumbus and his TKO (Tyler Kids' Outeach) program got together with the NFL Foundation and Redskins Charitable Foundation to provide a unique opportunity for disabled children from the DMV area to play with Redskins players on the Skins' practice field.

Fifteen Redskins players supported Polumbus including Ricky Elmore, Kirk Cousins, Xavier Nixon, Chris Chester, Jordan Bernstine, Josh Morgan, and Kedric Golston.

Link to video: