Eagles Film Analysis: All-22 defense takeaways from the Ravens preseason game

Soccer is again! Though I didn’t be taught an excessive amount of in regards to the Eagles’ offense schematically, this seemed like a Vic Fangio protection. There have been just a few gamers who impressed right here. Let’s get into it! (Beforehand: offense model.)

Protection

Pay attention, Jordan Davis hardly performed, so I’m not hitting the panic button. I feel it is value stating, however there was numerous deal with his weight reduction within the low season, and whereas that is good from a conditioning perspective, it makes you are concerned just a little about his means to anchor this season. Though he’s doubled right here, he will probably be routinely doubled and wishes to have the ability to do a greater job at anchoring towards two offensive linemen. in his protection, although, I do not suppose anybody performed this run significantly nicely on the Eagles’ protection.

It did not take lengthy for Fangio to play the hits. That is Cowl 6 (quarter-quarter-half) and it’s a name that Fangio makes use of so much towards 3×1 units. Fangio’s calls at all times begin with the passing power, so this implies there are two ‘quarter’ safeties over the passing power and a half security to the opposite facet. It was actually good to see Quinyon Mitchell within the slot and perceive his function on this protection, and the one disappointing factor is he didn’t end the play by intercepting the soccer.

I watched numerous Fangio’s protection in Miami, and he blitzed numerous 2nd stage defenders. Fangio has a fame for being conservative, however he’s much more aggressive in getting after the quarterback than many suppose. I feel his conservatism is extra about how his groups play towards the run, not towards the go. We noticed numerous creepers (sending 4 rushers, together with a second-level defender), however this was a correct blitz, during which Fangio despatched 5 after the quarterback. The Eagles have numerous linebackers who’re efficient blitzers, so I used to be glad to see Fangio give them an opportunity to hurry the quarterback. I didn’t suppose the three defenders on the high performed this very nicely, although, and I hope they use the preseason to iron out what is going on towards soiled bunch appears (2 receivers near the LOS and the again is the third receiving choice) as a result of they didn’t play this nicely.

Right here’s one other instance of a 2nd stage defender speeding the quarterback. This time it’s Quinyon Mitchell from the slot! This can be a nice creeper stress, and it really works very well, though the quarterback does a superb job escaping. Everybody will get aggravated when the Eagles drop EDGE defenders into protection, however it’s going to at all times occur. You’ll be able to’t run these things with out dropping defenders into protection. If you may get an unblocked rusher and solely ship 4, that could be a big win for a protection. Nonetheless, this play additionally reveals the problem with dropping EDGEs into protection. Generally they aren’t superb in house!

Man, I assumed Kelee Ringo was superior on this recreation. Fangio’s protection will routinely flood the passing power to stop route combos from destroying the protection, however that comes at a value. The skin cornerbacks reverse the passing power can usually be remoted one-on-one with receivers. Ringo struggled with in-breaking routes final 12 months, so I used to be completely happy to see him win right here. I additionally suppose the remainder of the protection in protection to the passing power facet performed this extraordinarily nicely. That is actually good communication, and it’s a superb signal that they perceive what Fangio desires them to do.

Right here’s one other incredible rep from Ringo. This one is best than the sooner one (clip 3) as a result of he does an incredible job getting his head round and knocking the ball away. That is one other instance of Fangio asking his outdoors cornerbacks to play man protection with little or no assist. This can be a nice rep, and it was a promising recreation for Ringo. In case you are questioning why this protection is named Cowl 8 and never Cowl 6, it’s as a result of the half security is over the passing power.

Right here’s yet another simulated stress! Nakobe Dean flashed his means to hurry the passer on this rep. He moved nicely, however I must see him do extra in protection earlier than I turn out to be satisfied that he’s prepared to start out. I don’t have the precise quantity, however I’d guess the Eagles dropped an EDGE defender at the very least 10 instances on this one.

I assumed Dean performed nicely, however Jeremiah Trotter stood out to me. I’m biased as a result of I preferred his faculty movie, however he simply appears like a stable linebacker! I do know he’s undersized and has points, however he appears like somebody who has the attention to make up for it. It’s just one recreation, nevertheless it was promising to see him enjoying nicely.

Ah, Nolan Smith. I nonetheless do not know what to consider him. The truth that he performed into the third quarter makes me suppose the coaches might really feel the identical means. Simply have a look at these 2 reps. Sure, he units the sting on each of them. He does his job on each. However would you like your beginning EDGE defender shoved to the ground by a good finish? Perhaps I’m old style however this scares me. Nonetheless, a few performs later he takes up the offensive sort out, units the EDGE and makes the sort out! The expertise is there, however he nonetheless appears like an enigma.

I didn’t suppose Nolan Smith rushed the passer nicely. I’m determined to see a counter transfer from him this season. Nonetheless, he did find yourself with a sack the place he showcased his burst and acceleration. Though that is in all probability right down to the defensive name reasonably than Nolan Smith’s pass-rushing transfer, he nonetheless deserves credit score for ending the play. You’ll be able to see the athleticism is there.

I’ve already talked about Trotter, however I’ve to throw Ben VanSumeren’s title on the market, too. He seemed good! I assumed he did nicely when he needed to play final 12 months, and I do suppose there’s reputable upside with him. He’s an excellent athlete who performs laborious. I’ve a sense that Trotter and VanSumeren will stand up the depth chart because the season goes on. Do the Eagles have some depth at linebacker?!

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