Sack Series - QB Hit Becomes INT
In order to understand who was responsible for each of the 7 sacks that were produced against Miami, I am going to break down all 7 of the sacks (and the 1 QB hit). I will look at all aspects of the play, and give credit where credit is due. Check back all week for more...
The Dolphins faced a 3rd and 9 on their first drive (and it resulted in a Francis sack). Here, on the second Miami drive, Tannehill faced another 3rd and 9. This play results in a Steve Gregory INT caused by a Rob Ninkovich QB hit. Let's first look at the coverage:
As you can see, Miami sends out 4 receivers while Reggie Bush stays in to block Dont'a Hightower. The coverage is good, with one exception: #32 Devin McCourty gets caught up on the wrong guy when Hartline and Fasano run crossing routes. His angle of pursuit is ugly, and Hartline gets wide open. Fortunately, #24 Arrington has great coverage on the vertical route, which allows #28 Steve Gregory to key in on Hartline. Still, Tannehill has Hartline open, he just can't connect with him because of the hit from Ninkovich. The ball ends up sailing too high for Hartline, into the waiting arms of Gregory.
Now lets examine the action up front that produced the pressure. As you can see, this is a 6-man pressure that features an edge blitz from #54 Hightower, and a B-gap blitz from #51 Mayo. Hightower's edge rush keeps contain, which allows #50 Ninkovich to run a Tackle-End cross with #94 Francis. Likewise, Mayo's B-gap pressure forces the Guard to help outside (and thus open a lane for Ninkovich). Also, #95 Chandler Jones keeps contain on the backside.
Overall, this play is made by Justin Francis. In the replay, you can clearly see Francis grab the Center's wrist. He literally holds the Center to force him to engage. Also, Francis holds the Center's left hand down so that he cannot even graze Ninkovich as he passes. This is a clever design, but also great execution by Francis, and a fantastic finish by Ninkovich and Gregory. Let's also acknowledge the fact that the pass rush totally bailed out coverage on this one. Complimentary football makes us a very dangerous defense. Even if the stats are not great, we can be an elite defense when we are clicking on all cylinders (as we are on this play).
The Dolphins faced a 3rd and 9 on their first drive (and it resulted in a Francis sack). Here, on the second Miami drive, Tannehill faced another 3rd and 9. This play results in a Steve Gregory INT caused by a Rob Ninkovich QB hit. Let's first look at the coverage:
Overall, this play is made by Justin Francis. In the replay, you can clearly see Francis grab the Center's wrist. He literally holds the Center to force him to engage. Also, Francis holds the Center's left hand down so that he cannot even graze Ninkovich as he passes. This is a clever design, but also great execution by Francis, and a fantastic finish by Ninkovich and Gregory. Let's also acknowledge the fact that the pass rush totally bailed out coverage on this one. Complimentary football makes us a very dangerous defense. Even if the stats are not great, we can be an elite defense when we are clicking on all cylinders (as we are on this play).
Comments
Post a Comment