Review: Awuzie (Miami at Cowboys)

[G2]

He saved a potential TD. He got beat a couple times but was like a blanket. CBs are going to struggle at times against the taller and stronger WR's.

 

[xwalker]

Dear Lord, you really do have an elevated opinion of yourself.

I'm the observer in that scenario, not the Doctors...

 

[Ken]

Good write up!

I am not worried about Awuzie per se...but I am worried about the secondary's ability to intercept the ball. It is AMAZING how allergic we are to interceptions. It is almost like a mental thing now.

Jones is the ringleader of the non int team. Meanwhile i didn't see Wilson on the field at all and Lewis is relegated to 4th cb...the two guys who are ball hawks.

 

[xwalker]

The defense as a whole. I don't know if we're just holding back something just doesn't look right. Forget the points were holding them back forget how much yardage the other teams aren't getting running the ball. I just don't see teamwork out there. Demarcus Lawrence finally got an attitude after Quinn got his first sac maybe that's what I'm not seeing a leader.

The only player on defense that I have an issue with in the games this season is DLaw.

I guess a slow start is to be expected because he didn't have a training camp or any preseason game snaps and he is probably playing conservatively with his surgically repaired shoulder, but for the money he better show up for this upcoming game against the Saints.

 

[Whirlwin]

Dear Lord, you really do have an elevated opinion of yourself.

The guy does have a knack putting things in perspective

 

[xwalker]

Good write up!

I am not worried about Awuzie per se...but I am worried about the secondary's ability to intercept the ball. It is AMAZING how allergic we are to interceptions. It is almost like a mental thing now.

Jones is the ringleader of the non int team. Meanwhile i didn't see Wilson on the field at all and Lewis is relegated to 4th cb...the two guys who are ball hawks.

Donovan Wilson
Good point, I don't think I've seen anybody mention Wilson. I had not thought about him until you mentioned it.

Wilson played 10 snaps on special teams and zero on defense.

I'm not sure if he is 100% healthy yet.

INTs:
The bigger issue with a lack of INTs is that offenses take more chances when they are less worried about CBs that don't get INTs.

I think INTs by themselves might be slightly over-rated because there are over 1000 snaps in a season for a starting DB but a great season is 7 INTs.

To me, it's the threat of the INT that limits QBs and that has more value than 7 INTs in a season.

Lewis
When both Brown and Lewis each played about 800 snaps in 2017, Brown had 2 INTs and Lewis had 1. They both had 1 last season but Lewis obviously did it while playing less snaps.

 

[xwalker]

"Awuzie did give up 3 big plays which looks bad on the stats.

Despite these 3 plays, Awuzie was OK for the overall game."

Give up 3 big plays a game and you are not going to last long in this league.

If you actually read my entire post you would notice where I said that if they were worried about Awuzie, they would not play that coverage.

 

[xwalker]

Seems like Awuzi needs to work on turning his head. I know it's difficult to do that while you're trying to cover a guy. That's why there's only about 100 people in the world who can do it. But still, he needs to do learn how to do it.

He turned his head to look back at the ball and then turned his head all the way back around to the other side on the play where I think the penalty was bogus.

It's become a random crap-shoot on when those types of plays get penalized and based the pre-season they're not going to overturn pass interference if the challenge flag is thrown unless it's extremely obvious that the call was wrong.

 

[Corso]

He turned his head to look back at the ball and then turned his head all the way back around to the other side on the play where I think the penalty was bogus.

It's become a random crap-shoot on when those types of plays get penalized and based the pre-season they're not going to overturn pass interference if the challenge flag is thrown unless it's extremely obvious that the call was wrong.

That was such a judgement call in the moment... a very hard judgement call.
I remember thinking/wishing he didn't do that full turn, but I understood him wanting to get in better position and thinking he might still have time to play the ball.
I can agree and disagree at the same time on that one.

Great write-up my friend. Keep 'em coming.

 

[G2]

The only player on defense that I have an issue with in the games this season is DLaw.

I guess a slow start is to be expected because he didn't have a training camp or any preseason game snaps and he is probably playing conservatively with his surgically repaired shoulder, but for the money he better show up for this upcoming game against the Saints.

I think the timing of his surgery is what I would have an issue with.

 

[CapnB]

Awuzie did give up 3 big plays which looks bad on the stats.

Despite these 3 plays, Awuzie was OK for the overall game.

Sometimes when reviewing game footage, I feel like I've been allowed in to one of those operating rooms in medical schools that are setup such that a small audience can observe. Then in the middle of the operation a high school drop out that has managed to get into the audience starts chanting "This Sucks" because he was expecting popcorn and candy.

Background on the Coverage
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last year Kris Richard did not go all-in implementing the Legion of Boom Hybrid Cover-3 defense.

The Miami game looked like practice as they start to use more of the Legion of Boom coverage.
- They only played this coverage part of the time last year.
- This is the coverage that made Richard Sherman famous but it's difficult to learn.
- This coverage also made Earl Thomas famous.
- It is a "Free Safety Friendly" coverage but difficult for CBs to learn.

In this coverage the outside CBs play press.
- If the WR releases outside, then the CB plays man.
- If the WR releases inside, then the CB plays zone.
- The LBs and Safeties play zone.

The basic requirements of the CB in this coverage:
- Don't give the WR a free run to the endzone even if no help arrives.
- Contest the pass making a near perfect pass required.
- Force the WR to commit inside/outside early.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to the review of Awuzie
They played the true Legion of Boom coverage on all three plays.

All 3 plays were with Awuzie covering the WR on the single WR side of the formation.
- The FS was in single-high and shaded to the side with 2 WRs.
- Awuzie was in press coverage with basically no deep help.

The results of the 3 plays for Awuzie:
1. Great 1 hand catch by WR.
2. Playground type play trying to cover a 6-5 WR for 6 seconds.
3. Questionable Penalty on a non-catch.

On all 3 the WR was not able to run after the catch even if late help didn't arrive.

Play 1:
First Quarter 3-4-MIA 31 (14:36) (Shotgun)
J.Rosen pass deep right to D.Parker to DAL 29 for 40 yards (C.Awuzie).
Penalty on DAL-C.Awuzie, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.

• Awuzie in press coverage with no deep help.
• Awuzie does use his forearm to restrict Parker's arm.
• It appears the that Parker tried to push off.
• Parker's arm would not be in position for Awuzie to restrict it otherwise.
• The replays start after the point that Parker attempted to push off.
• I'll review again when the All-22 is ready.
• Parker never really tried to pull his arm back.
• It's seemed that Parker was playing to get penalty call.
• Awuzie touched the ball first.
• Awuzie touching it actually slowed the ball down.
• Parker was able to make a 1 hand catch after Awuzie touched it.
• Parker (6-3, 216) is a big veteran WR & the pass was perfect.

Play 2:
2nd Quarter (7:49) (Shotgun)
R.Fitzpatrick pass deep right to P.Williams to DAL 21 for 25 yards (C.Awuzie) [T.Hill].
DAL-C.Covington was injured during the play. His return is Questionable.

• Awuzie in press coverage with no deep help.
• The QB scrambles and the ball gets to the WR at about 6 seconds.
• The WR #18 Williams (6-5 rookie) goes up high to get it.
• WRs will get open with enough time against any CB.

Play 3:
2nd Quarter 3-5-DAL 49 53) (Shotgun)
J.Rosen pass incomplete deep right to D.Parker.
PENALTY on DAL-C.Awuzie, Defensive Pass Interference, 26 yards, enforced at DAL 49 - No Play.

• Awuzie in press coverage with no deep help.
• Lame penalty called on Awuzie, IMO.
• Awuzie did look back but then turned his head all the way back around to look at the WR.
• The WR actually slowed up too soon then accelerated through Awuzie to get to the ball.
• Awuzie was right on the WR's inside "hip pocket" the entire time.
• I've seen CBs on similar plays covering Dez many times and not get called for a penalty.

Summary: If Kris Richard was worried about Awuzie, he would have played a different coverage.

Dude excellent work. Thanks for your time and effort. you sir, are a national treasure and should be protected at all cost

 

[JohnBoy]

"Dear Lord, you really do have an elevated opinion of yourself."

No, I think he really has a low opinion of the obnoxious teenager screaming "this sucks".

(But that probably looks the same to the obnoxious teenager...)

 

[CapnB]

I think the timing of his surgery is what I would have an issue with.

Same, no reason he shouldnt have had that surgery immediately after the season.

 

[blueblood70]

he was bad, had bad day it happens move on no need to try and explain he wasn't so bad when he clearly was..

the defense needs tp clean this sloppy play up...they are about to have to actually pay for it..

 

[Whirlwin]

he was bad, had bad day it happens move on no need to try and explain he wasn't so bad when he clearly was..

the defense needs tp clean this sloppy play up...they are about to have to actually pay for it..

Did you see the look on Demarcus Lawrence his face after Quinn got his sack . If that wasn't motivation. I want to see who's going to step up and be a leader of this defense show me the Swagger I swear were playing as individuals and not as a team. I don't know how people need that explain to them but some do

 

[xwalker]

"Dear Lord, you really do have an elevated opinion of yourself."

No, I think he really has a low opinion of the obnoxious teenager screaming "this sucks".

(But that probably looks the same to the obnoxious teenager...)

 

[Teague31]

If I had a nickel for every time someone made the “it’s taking perfect passes to beat him” argument with Chido I could buy the cowboys and have money to spare

 

[Whirlwin]

If I had a nickel for every time someone made the “it’s taking perfect passes to beat him” argument with Chido I could buy the cowboys and have money to spare

I'm blaming the coaches. Not teaching him out and look for the ball turning his head and his shoulders. I want to see who's going to become the leader of this defense.

 

[blueblood70]

Did you see the look on Demarcus Lawrence his face after Quinn got his sack . If that wasn't motivation. I want to see who's going to step up and be a leader of this defense show me the Swagger I swear were playing as individuals and not as a team. I don't know how people need that explain to them but some do

I meant Awuzie..thats the topic isnt it..? yes the d on a whole not great at all 3 straight games,..

copettion is always motivator so yes Dlaw will be extra motivated now, i can see Zeke getting a fire lit watching pollard get some more of his snaps , even though he has nothing to prove, its natural he will want to stay a step ahead of the rookie for sure..

 

[Whirlwin]

I meant Awuzie..thats the topic isnt it..? yes the d on a whole not great at all 3 straight games,..

copettion is always motivator so yes Dlaw will be extra motivated now, i can see Zeke getting a fire lit watching pollard get some more of his snaps , even though he has nothing to prove, its natural he will want to stay a step ahead of the rookie for sure..

Yes it's the topic. But I wanted to talk real football. Not just reply to what's written