Film session: Xavier Su'a-filo

Scotman

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Maybe I'm seeing something that isn't there. But when Xavier's assignment is to block to his right or pull to his right, he stance seems to have a pretty serious tell. He drops his right shoulder slightly and his elbow rest just on the inside of his leg. It looks like he's preparing as he takes his stance for his first step to the right.

Is he actually doing that or am I seeing things because I recognize he has poor feet?
 

SoupcanSam

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Interesting and good analysis.

Although I laughed at the one clip where he's busting Filo's footwork compared to Smith's and yet it's Smith who get destroyed for a sack and Filo walls off Brandon Graham.

Lol I noticed that too. But filo is probably one of the first olineman ive seen thrown off balance and then go solid strong stationary so quick.

Guy is strong!
 

Sydla

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Lol I noticed that too. But filo is probably one of the first olineman ive seen thrown off balance and then go solid strong stationary so quick.

Guy is strong!

The first play, the bad pass from Dak where he waited too long to throw it to Gallup............... Filo essentially hog tossed Fletcher Cox aside. Impressive.

There's no question Williams is lighter on his feet, possesses better footwork and is more athletic. But I wonder, for what we are trying to do now switching back to Columbo as OL coach, Filo doesn't work better (even with his flaws) than Williams.

I am in the small camp that long term, I think the better OL is with Williams at RT and Collins at LG anyway.
 

SoupcanSam

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Maybe I'm seeing something that isn't there. But when Xavier's assignment is to block to his right or pull to his right, he stance seems to have a pretty serious tell. He drops his right shoulder slightly and his elbow rest just on the inside of his leg. It looks like he's preparing as he takes his stance for his first step to the right.

Is he actually doing that or am I seeing things because I recognize he has poor feet?

I think there is some truth to that but it may be corrected in the film room, he and columbo.
 

SoupcanSam

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The first play, the bad pass from Dak where he waited too long to throw it to Gallup............... Filo essentially hog tossed Fletcher Cox aside. Impressive.

There's no question Williams is lighter on his feet, possesses better footwork and is more athletic. But I wonder, for what we are trying to do now switching back to Columbo as OL coach, Filo doesn't work better (even with his flaws) than Williams.

I am in the small camp that long term, I think the better OL is with Williams at RT and Collins at LG anyway.

I agree but williams has alot of building and adjusting to do.
 

SoupcanSam

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So basically:

Filo is hella strong enough to recover from lack of footwork or positioning and gets the job done.

Williams gets in position but still gets overpowered some and if out of position is not strong enough to recover.

Isnt he from Hawaii or somewhere? Those guys are always hella strong. I dont know what the hell they eat down there.

It's no surprise that su'a-filo is hard to move.
 

dfense

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Interesting and good analysis.

Although I laughed at the one clip where he's busting Filo's footwork compared to Smith's and yet it's Smith who get destroyed for a sack and Filo walls off Brandon Graham.
Yeah, I can't see a negative there at all. He never got beat one on one and that's Fletcher Cox he's holding off, coming in off the street.
 

TheHerd

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For all those asking what we want out of Dak, the play at 11:00 shows what Dak needs to study.

He backed right into the sack. If he steps up to his right, he's clean for another second to throw the ball. He does this way too often. He played well overall this week, but these little movements in the pocket are a great area for him to work on.
 

Sydla

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For all those asking what we want out of Dak, the play at 11:00 shows what Dak needs to study.

He backed right into the sack. If he steps up to his right, he's clean for another second to throw the ball. He does this way too often. He played well overall this week, but these little movements in the pocket are a great area for him to work on.

What's scary is that I am not sure "pocket awareness" is something one can teach. Most of the really good QBs just have that already wired into them.
 

Alexander

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Good bad and ugly for all who would like to know more on our replacement.


The play at the 2:07 mark was maddening. Prescott shuffling in the pocket, twice, then throws it late. If he does not start seeing things and anticipating better, he is going to be late with every throw and we could have the best WR group ever and he would still struggle.
 

NEODOG

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So basically:

Filo is hella strong enough to recover from lack of footwork or positioning and gets the job done.

Williams gets in position but still gets overpowered some and if out of position is not strong enough to recover.


Negative - Williams is OUT of position when he fails. If he gets his base set, he is as solid as they come. 3x this year he has floundering lead with his head & each time it resulted in a very bad play.
 

OmerV

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Thanks for posting this. From this people should be able to see there is good and bad with Su'a-filo. Seems some were getting a little too far on the bandwagon. He did great for a backup who hasn't been with the team long, but he's probably less of a player than some have given him credit for being.
 

rpntex

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Good bad and ugly for all who would like to know more on our replacement.



I think he did an outstanding job, all things considered. He’s the perfect fit when you’re going up against big and powerful DTs. On the other hand, I worry about the times Dallas with face more athletic defensive tackles. Xavier’s game is built around power and strength, and not so much athleticism. Hopefully I’m worried about nothing.
 
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