02-24-2017, 10:20 AM
(02-23-2017, 05:31 PM)Bengal Dude Wrote: I think it's crazy when people complain about Coyle when the CBs are lined up 7 yards off a WR when it's 3rd and 2. He's not the one calling the defensive plays.
This is true the play dictates how they line up, but the distance off the line is more indicative of the coverage than it is the situation. If it is cover 3 for example the CB has to be a bit further off the line because he has the deep third responsibility, but even if the offense checks to a smoke route he can break on it and stop them. Even if they line up in a cover shell 2 look the CBs are going to cheat back because of that responsibility. If you want to put someone on the line in that situation your probably looking man or cover 2. Man on 3rd and short is dangerous because it is classic slant territory and very hard to stop against big bodied WRs. You could run a cover two but based on WR alignment that is going to leave a huge gape behind the corner on a smash/flood concept.
Basically, football (especially defense) isn't nearly as simple as people watching at home like to think it is. Simply saying because it is 3rd and short they should crowd the line is an over simplification of a very complex and cerebral game.
