Why do NFL DC's love the prevent defense?

[LeonDixson]

It cost us two games this season and let KC tie us in regulation. The Colts played it today and only a missed FG kept the Texans from tying the game at the end. Carolina just gave up a FG at the end of the 1st half with it against the Saints who might just cream them in the 2nd half.

Why do they keep retreating into the soft zone coverage in these situations when a single score will beat or tie them? (I know Carolina was up by more than one score but you can't afford to give that Saints offense a break)

Obviously, these guys know more about football than we (at least I) do, but this just seems stupid to me. Yeah, they've forgotten more about football than I'll ever know. Trouble is I think they've forgotten too much of it!

 

[T-RO]

It's a very good question and one we fans ask a lot.

Maybe it's CYA...cover your own...you know.

A coach potentially faces more blame for being too aggressive or giving up a long play.

I like what Coach Ryan did with the Jets this year in a two-minute situ with the Patriots. They blitzed the heck out of them and Brady went 4 and out.

 

[thechosen1n2]

It cost us two games this season and let KC tie us in regulation. The Colts played it today and only a missed FG kept the Texans from tying the game at the end. Carolina just gave up a FG at the end of the 1st half with it against the Saints who might just cream them in the 2nd half.

Why do they keep retreating into the soft zone coverage in these situations when a single score will beat or tie them? (I know Carolina was up by more than one score but you can't afford to give that Saints offense a break)

Obviously, these guys know more about football than we (at least I) do, but this just seems stupid to me. Yeah, they've forgotten more about football than I'll ever know. Trouble is I think they've forgotten too much of it!

The stupidest defense in football. As a coach I would only use it If a team had to travel over 70yds to score and only had 2 plays left in a half. Other than that it is a sure fire way to lose. Ask the browns who went into the prevent against elway with 2 minutes left.:bang2::bang2:

 

[speedkilz88]

The thinking is that the offense will take too long to slowly move the ball down the field. The problem is that it usually puts the defense in the wrong mindset of playing soft which gives the other teams offense life.

 

[T-RO]

i gotta add one more thing.

At the end of the game I think the offense has an enormous advantage over the defense...whether it's pro or college ball.

You have four downs to work with, and the defenses are tired. I would love to see some stats but it seems like offenses score more than 50% of the time when forced to at the end of a game.

 

[LeonDixson]

The thinking is that the offense will take too long to slowly move the ball down the field. The problem is that it usually puts the defense in the wrong mindset of playing soft which gives the other teams offense life.

I agree that is the thinking behind it. But if fails so often (unless there is only a few seconds on the clock) that it seems like illogical thinking.

 

[craig71]

I think sometimes it's not so much the playcalling but the players mindset.Alot of the defensive calls in the two minute drill are the same defensive calls that were used during the game for third down defense.I think what happens is that the players are so afraid of busting an assignment they become tentative in their play.Another thing that sticks in a players mind is a defensive penalty that extends a drive because of aggressive play(officials can kill you).

Craig

 

[LeonDixson]

I think sometimes it's not so much the playcalling but the players mindset.Alot of the defensive calls in the two minute drill are the same defensive calls that were used during the game for third down defense.I think what happens is that the players are so afraid of busting an assignment they become tentative in their play.Another thing that sticks in a players mind is a defensive penalty that extends a drive because of aggressive play(officials can kill you).

Craig

According to Wade and other experts, every play in that situation is essentially a 3rd down play. Our 3rd down defense gives up a 1st down 1 out of every three plays, and other teams are probably pretty close to that same stat. Therefore, you might expect to stop one or two quick passes that use up 6 seconds or so each; but then you are going to give up an easy one. That's how most teams are able to march right on down the field against the prevent defense.

 

[jobberone]

You should dance with the girl you brought to the dance.

 

[Deep_South]

The prevent worked real good for the Giants today. Hope they continue to use it.

 

[coogrfan]

I think this is one of those perception vs reality situations.
Does the prevent really "prevent you from winning", or is it just a case of people only remembering the times it doesn't work?

 

[theogt]

Because it works.

 

[LeonDixson]

I think this is one of those perception vs reality situations.
Does the prevent really "prevent you from winning", or is it just a case of people only remembering the times it doesn't work?

It could be a perception thing. And it does have it's place in situations where you are up by more than one score or where the other team has to move the ball 80 yards in 20 seconds, etc.

I just don't like it when in a one score game with 2 minutes left.

 

[LeonDixson]

Because it works.

Thanks for clarifying that.

 

[Aikbach]

Worst thing Landry ever devised was the prevent. Cost him at least one ring in the 80s.

 

[coogrfan]

Because it works.

I think you're right. After all, if the prevent was as awful as people say it is, why would a last minute drive be considered a big deal?