NeonDeion21
Well-Known Member
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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
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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.
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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.
Play 2:
- 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.
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.
Play 3:
- 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.
2nd Quarter 3-5-DAL 4953) (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.
Good write up. I also thought he was good in the run game, but that almost always goes unnoticed.
