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 appeared like a Vic Fangio protection. There have been a number of gamers who impressed right here. Let’s get into it! (Beforehand: offense version.)

Protection

Hear, Jordan Davis hardly performed, so I’m not hitting the panic button. I feel it is value declaring, however there was plenty of give attention to his weight reduction within the low season, and whereas that is good from a conditioning standpoint, it makes you are worried a bit about his potential to anchor this season. Though he’s doubled right here, he can be routinely doubled and desires 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 effectively 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 loads towards 3×1 units. Fangio’s calls all the time begin with the passing power, so this implies there are two ‘quarter’ safeties over the passing power and a half security to the opposite aspect. It was actually good to see Quinyon Mitchell within the slot and perceive his position on this protection, and the one disappointing factor is he didn’t end the play by intercepting the soccer.

I watched plenty of Fangio’s protection in Miami, and he blitzed plenty of 2nd degree defenders. Fangio has a status 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 cross. We noticed plenty of 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 plenty of 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 effectively, although, and I hope they use the preseason to iron out what is occurring towards soiled bunch seems (2 receivers near the LOS and the again is the third receiving choice) as a result of they didn’t play this effectively.

Right here’s one other instance of a 2nd degree defender speeding the quarterback. This time it’s Quinyon Mitchell from the slot! It is a nice creeper strain, and it really works very well, though the quarterback does a very good job escaping. Everybody will get aggravated when the Eagles drop EDGE defenders into protection, however it can all the time occur. You possibly can’t run these items with out dropping defenders into protection. If you may get an unblocked rusher and solely ship 4, that could be a enormous win for a protection. Nevertheless, this play additionally exhibits the difficulty with dropping EDGEs into protection. Typically they aren’t excellent in area!

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 price. The surface cornerbacks reverse the passing power can typically be remoted one-on-one with receivers. Ringo struggled with in-breaking routes final yr, so I used to be blissful to see him win right here. I additionally suppose the remainder of the protection in protection to the passing power aspect performed this extraordinarily effectively. That is actually good communication, and it’s a very good signal that they perceive what Fangio desires them to do.

Right here’s one other unbelievable rep from Ringo. This one is healthier than the sooner one (clip 3) as a result of he does an awesome job getting his head round and knocking the ball away. That is one other instance of Fangio asking his exterior cornerbacks to play man protection with little or no assist. It is a nice rep, and it was a promising recreation for Ringo. If you’re 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 one more simulated strain! Nakobe Dean flashed his potential to hurry the passer on this rep. He moved effectively, however I must see him do extra in protection earlier than I turn out to be satisfied that he’s prepared to begin. I don’t have the precise quantity, however I’d guess the Eagles dropped an EDGE defender at the least 10 occasions on this one.

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

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 take 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 decent finish? Possibly I’m old-fashioned however this scares me. Nevertheless, 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 seems like an enigma.

I didn’t suppose Nolan Smith rushed the passer effectively. I’m determined to see a counter transfer from him this season. Nevertheless, he did find yourself with a sack the place he showcased his burst and acceleration. Though that is most likely all the way down to the defensive name moderately than Nolan Smith’s pass-rushing transfer, he nonetheless deserves credit score for ending the play. You possibly can see the athleticism is there.

I’ve already talked about Trotter, however I’ve to throw Ben VanSumeren’s identify on the market, too. He appeared good! I assumed he did effectively when he needed to play final yr, and I do suppose there’s legit upside with him. He’s an excellent athlete who performs exhausting. 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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