07-08-2020, 03:30 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-10-2020, 12:13 PM by Fordhammer.)
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]X2 MEDIA BONUS, READY FOR GRADING[/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]DSFL GAME OF THE WEEK
Week 2 Edition:
Kansas City Coyotes @ Norfolk Seawolves [/div]
Welcome to the second volume of my “Game of the Week” series, where we take a deeper look into one DSFL game each week. We just don’t analyze the box score, we evaluate lineups, formations, big drives, and big plays that lead to said big drives that ultimately proved to be the pivots, the inflection points, for one team to ascend to victorious highs and the other to sink to defeated woes. For those unfamiliar (most probably are) with how games are selected, here is the criteria:
1. Margin of Victory
2. Regulation versus Overtime
3. Total Points Scored
4. Lead Changes
5. Combined Win Percentage
6. Playoff Implications
7. Statistical Standouts
For Week 2, most of the matchups did not play tight at all. The one score games were tainted by “window dressing” --- when a late score or run turns a blowout game into a game that seemed close to a person that did not watch. Therefore, I elected to go with the pre-season favorite against the team with the #1 pick in the draft coming off a dominating upset victory in week 1. Now, I had some personal issues to deal with which slowed me down, but hopefully I can get back on track. Moreover, I’ve decided to enlist some help for my pieces for various sections throughout because I do not need all this fake money, I already have enough to buy full equipment for the next 3 seasons(and that’s after I already bought equipment in the offseason). I am giving my teammates priority but if you would like to help and be compensated, contact me on the forums or discord. Otherwise, let us proceed with the regularly scheduled program.
I almost forgot, I finally have the sim on my computer so now I can go more in depth with team strategies and one of my helpers THOR, will supply the win percentages for me. Now for this week, I initially chose a different game to review until I learned of a slight oversight that inflated numbers in that game, so Thor, I am still paying you for that game.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"] Kansas City [/div]
Kansas City entered week 2 with a commanding 19-6 win over the league pushovers, London, in which they outgained the Royals 415-129, held them to 1/12 on 3rd down, 7/27 passing, and a paltry 16:21 time of possession. Fakon finished with 35 att. 126 yds., Cooper had a nice start to the season with 4 rec. 54 yds., and his partner on the other side, Campbell, collected 3 rec. 71 yds. As a team, the Coyotes dismantled the Royals with seven pass deflections and six sacks, reminding the Royals of the days when the division ran through Kansas City. Perhaps this is the year for the Coyotes to take charge in a wide open division, but in order to do so, they need consistent performances from their front 7, led by #1 pick Asher Montain and fellow rookie Brach Thomslacher; in addition to veteran leadership on offense from quarterback Reginald Covington III as he guides his young receivers with bullet passes on the run out the pocket and deceiving play action set up from the explosion of veteran running back Kevin Fakon.
Kansas City enters with a power-heavy playbook, leaning on Fakon and not overextending their shallow WR depth. However, you will see higher run/pass ratios out of these formations with trust in Covington to thread bullets to his young but blossoming WR duo. In order to limit mistakes and keep their starters fresh, the Coyotes run a very slow tempo. On defense, the Coyotes run predominantly 34 defense on 5/6 of the formations and 335 on the other 1/6 ---- taking advantage of the 50% blitz rate. In the 34, Morrisey takes the RE spot while Montain slides up to a standing ROLB spot, a la Von Miller or Ryan Kerrigan. In the 335, Morrisey is not in the lineup and Bois and Griddle serve as the extra CB’s to mask the Coyotes shallow cornerback depth outside of “Pro-Bowler” Jason Young. We will touch on the 34 in a bit right after we scope Norfolk.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"] Norfolk [/div]
The Seawolves enter week 2 with 24-6 trouncing over Minnesota, led by the expected contributors en route to a possible title season. Ramza finished with 3 passing TD’s, Rogers and Skrills squashed what remained of the vaunted Grey Duck defense with 197 combined rushing yards. Speaking of vaunted defenses, potential LBoTY candidate Marshall led the way with 11 tackles for a unit set to lead the league in multiple categories this season. The Seawolves’ experience and discipline, accompanied with a balanced attack, will force many foes to play near perfect to defeat them. Norfolk finished with no sacks allowed and no turnovers, all while outgaining the Grey Ducks 414-273.
Like Kansas City, Norfolk runs mainly out of power formations but only increase their pass ratios in long distance situations. Even with two very experienced quarterbacks, Norfolk will rely on a reliable rushing attack and not make the risky passes. Limiting mistakes is a key to Norfolk as they run a slow tempo and run RBBC (running back by committee). Another issue for Norfolk is their lack of overall speed; Norfolk is one of the beefiest teams in the league and they lack skill position players. Norfolk starts TE Reggie Haughland out wide, either out of necessity or to make Jimmy Graham jealous, to take full advantage of the three TE’s on the roster (backup TE Hopkins also serves as the main fullback). On the defensive side, despite running all Nickel sets, star LB de Pengu lines up as the slot corner role versus utilizing a 43 set for a team with 3 reliable LB’s. On the backend, a common trend throughout the DSFL is to slot your better safeties at corner when you have one (or zero) active (and reliable because being a corner sucks, right?) corner(s) and Norfolk does that with big time SS Benoit Blanco.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Tactical Breakdown of the Week[/div]
This week, we see a break in the Thomas Jefferson (Nickel) fan club as the Coyotes elect to run predominantly a base 34 defense. At the time of the AFL-NFL merger, the standard defense league wide was the 43(4 down linemen, 3 linebackers). This was the best formation to use to stop most basic run plays and still not give up deep passes. Some coaches even doubled-down on facing such run heavy opposition by employing 44 fronts or 52 fronts, choosing to control the line of scrimmage(first level) and load the box(second level) with extra linemen and linebackers, unfazed by any underdeveloped passing attacks.
But of course, as time progresses, the game evolves as well and the boon of the forward passing attacks in the mid-70’s saw many defenses caught flat-footed, slow-footed, and on the wrong side of highlight catches. Play Action and hot routes from pre-snap reads led many defenses vulnerable to offenses that had an accurate QB and a powerful RB. The 34 was instilled to counter the offensive versatility with their own defensive versatility. The 34 kept 7 defenders in the box to load up against the run, but it allowed the 4 LB’s to create “shells” underneath the safeties to prevent multiple strikes from a passing attack.
For the 34 to be effective, the front 7 must follow certain rules. The nose tackle is the most crucial piece to a 34, the nose tackle must be tall and big bodied with enough muscle to constantly play over the center(zero technique) and eat up both “A” gaps(gap eater, a la Ted Washington) in order to free the “lanes” for the MLB’s to make quicker, cleaner reads on the backfield. The MLB’s must still be strong enough to shed blockers that make it to the second level whereas the OLB’s must have the speed to beat outside blockers. In 34 defenses, to simplify responsibilities, the front seven often follow GAP RESPONSIBILITY, where each man is assigned a gap. NT – A Gaps, MLBs(Will and Mike) - C/B Gaps, DE’s - B/C gaps, OLB’s (Jack and Sam) - D/E gaps, allowing for the Will and Sam to flow to the action while the other 5 fill their gaps.
The 34 can be hurt by agile TE’s and 3 WR’s sets unless they have agile, smart LB’s that can as quickly drop in coverage as they can attack the line of scrimmage. The 3 linemen holding the point of attack is crucial to keep the offense guessing on where the extra rusher is coming from. Dick LeBeau took the 34 to the next level with the zone blitz scheme which would often confuse the QB’s pre-snap read, being unable to tell where the extra pressure would be coming from and leading to exotic blitz packages that allowed his defensive ends and corners to cover the flats and short zones without getting burned deep or the safeties leaving the deep middle open. With these innovations, and more emphasis on speed rushers versus more technical 5 technique edge rushers, the 34 has established itself as much of a primary defense as the 43 front.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]First Quarter[/div]
Kansas City receives the ball first and starts in Pro-Set and Norfolk lines up in Nickel, as they will all game.
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]QB Covington III[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Simpson (DT) DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]RB Fakon[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Namen DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]FB Davis (TE)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sternestaub DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]TE Raccoon[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sinclair DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]X Cooper[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Marshall SLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Z Afton[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Scott WLB[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]De Pengu (LB) SCB[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Vaughne CB1[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Blanco (SS) CB2[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Button FS[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Cross (GM) SS[/div]
We notice that Campbell and Washington are not in this formation --- not sure if that is by design to preserve stamina or an oversight. With the second TE also at FB, KC seems determined to run the ball regardless. On the flip, Norfolk is definitely susceptible with their secondary --- playing a LB against a WR in a run stopping role and not a coverage role, starting a GM bot at safety, and having a low TPE player opposite of Blanco leaves plenty of holes to exploit if the offense can manage to work into shorter down and distance situations and manage to have a dependable receiving threat with a modest secondary option that can take advantage of all the possible mismatches. Grinding it out against Norfolk will not be easy as they are one of the strongest teams as evidenced by the first play from scrimmage where Marshall forces a fumble on Fakon and recovers at the KC 39. Norfolk were one of the league leading teams in forcing fumbles last year and they will not buck that trend this season.
As Norfolk takes the field, the also start in Pro Set and square off against KC’s 34 front.
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]QB Ramza[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Simwell (DT) DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]RB Skrills[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Wheezer DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]FB Hopkins (TE)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Morrisey DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]TE Krashwagen[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Thomslacher OLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]X Matthews[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Airlines SLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Z Haugland (TE)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Glassley WLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]OL Pennington[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Montain (DE) OLB[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Young CB1[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Reynolds (SS) CB2[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Bois FS[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Griddle SS[/div]
The one big revelation that is noticeable is KC’s backup QB converting to LB. Not only does this give them an extra defensive body to help their defense, but it allows Covington free reign to engineer every offensive drive for the Coyotes. On the first drive, with a short field, KC’s new look defense pays off already. Despite Norfolk lining up in all power formation looks, Wheezer and Montain make back to back stops for 1 yard on 2nd and 3rd down. Norfolk tries to take full advantage of the early turnover and lines up in I-Formation on 4th and 2. They run I-Form Backs out against KC’s 335 look. KC sends the house with Dogs Fire and disrupts the timing as the pass to Skrills falls incomplete. On KC’s second drive, they look to get some positive plays but on second down, out of Two TE, they run WR Skinny Post against OffBase Nickel Swatches --- leading to 3 defenders covering two receivers in the same area and allowing Button to crash in for the sack and leading to a 3 and out. To further accentuate their woes, KC shanks a 33-yard punt. KC attacks Norfolk’s Two TE look with the Mike Down blitz but Matthews gets behind the defense for a 17-yard completion, pushing Norfolk to field goal range after one play. Kansas City throws off Norfolk with Cover 4 looks on 1st and 3rd down, forcing Norfolk to send out Guava-Fresca for a booming 52-yard field goal. [0-3] NOR.
KC, still struggling to get started, go 3 and out again, this time with three straight passes. Even though Fakon fumbled, there needs to be more emphasis on the run game before the game is blown open. Another woeful 30-yard punt puts Norfolk at the KC 37 to start their next drive. On 3rd and 1, Norfolk breaks out the Two TE set and gets a 6-yard run by Rogers while KC got caught running a spy package. On the following 3rd and 7, the KC 335 runs a Soft Man Hooks zone that pits 6 defenders on 4 receiving options and forces Norfolk to send Guava Fresca out to hit a 34-yard field goal. [0-6] NOR
With 5:21 remaining in the first, KC has done a wonderful job to hold Norfolk to only 6 points, but Norfolk will not continue to let mistakes go unpunished. Kansas City, searching for answers, tries some creative looks on their next drive. On 2nd and 8, KC runs Shotgun RB Screen but De Pengu sniffs it out and stops it for a 1-yard gain, forcing KC into another 3rd and long, where Norfolk sends a safety blitz and forces another 3 and out. If the offense is still stuck in neutral, then the Kansas City defense must kick it in gear and jumpstart the team, and Thomslacher is the catalyst needed. On the next drive, Thomslacher delivers a sack on first down and blows up a designed sweep out of spread on 3rd down to force a Seawolves’ 3 and out. Following a 57-yard punt, the Kansas City offense seemed reinvigorated and ready to bring life to the offense. Despite Button collecting another sack on first down, KC utilizes their own Spread formation on 3rd and 12 and find Raccoon for a 16 yard catch off a read route. Directly after, Kansas City reverts back to Pro-Set but they leak Fakon out the backfield after running a TE Out, and he manages to beat De Pengu for 11 yards.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Second Quarter[/div]
On the 9th play of the drive, on 3rd and 3, Kansas City again find success leaking the RB out the backfield as their I-Form RB Post play leaves Cooper in single coverage on the outside for a 7 yard catch. The Coyotes seemed poised to march into the endzone but two crucial drops set up a 3rd and 10 where De Pengu, being singled out again, stops Afton 1 yard short of the chains and forcing KC to settle for a 28 yard field goal to end a 13 play (9 pass / 3 run), 58 yard, 6:03 drive. [3-6] KC
KC then forces a 3 and out, and after a 35 yard punt, starts their next drive at the Norfolk 35. On play 2, they run max protect out of I-Form and send the WR on Streaks and find Campbell for 11 yards. On the next play, they find more success using RB routes and Covington scrambles to find Cooper for the 22 yard catch and run, setting up Fakon for the 2 yard TD run to cap a 4 play, 35 yard, 2:28 drive. [10-6] KC
On the next possession, Morrisey delivers a huge tackle on first down that eventually forces a Norfolk 3 and out. KC opens up their next drive with two counter plays that lead to twenty yards, they gain another 6 on their third play, but a safety blitz forces an incomplete pass and De Pengu stops Kitchens 1 yard short on a 3rd down counter. Following another dismal shank, Blanco returns the punt 77 yards to the 2 yard line, and the punishing, unforgiving Norfolk finally arrives to the game. After two incomplete passes, Krashwagen hauls in the 2 yard TD pass on the TE Post. [10-13] NOR
Norfolk then forces another 3 and out, aided by a Blanco PD on 2nd down and another dropped pass on 3rd down to end the half with the Coyotes barely floating in the deep end.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Third Quarter[/div]
The Seawolves hit the proverbial Homefield Halftime Switch and come out ready to end the game on the first drive. On play 3, 3rd and 2, Hopkins delivers a 4 yard run against an OLB Spy; the ensuing play sees Skrills cutback on a counter for 14 yards; on play 7, Rodgers finds 9 yards on a counter call in 3rd and 3; a penalty and Thomslacher’s 3rd tackle forces another 3rd down but a TE pick play frees Matthews for a 16 yard reception; on play 13, Norfolk runs TE clutter against a 335 Cover 3 Blitz which sucks in the LB’s and leaves Matthews free for the 6 yard TD to finish a 13 play(8 run/4 pass) 4:46 drive. [10-20] NOR
On the Coyotes opening possession, they continue to make mistake after mistake as Covington misses a read on 2nd and 1, Simpson gets a sack on 3rd down, and Kansas City shanks another sub-40-yard punt. Norfolk sets back their next drive with a penalty causing 2nd and 20 but Haugland takes a Two TE WR Out pattern for 17 yards, but Wheezer blows up the counter on 3rd and 3. KC’s next drive features four runs and one pass, but the pass play resulted in a drop, stalling the drive. Thomslacher and Morrisey do their best to keep the Coyotes in the game, heading into the fourth, by stalling the Seawolves and forcing a big time 3 and out.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Fourth Quarter[/div]
The first possession of the 4th quarter is marred by penalties ---- 3 by Kansas City and 1 by Norfolk. On Norfolk’s first 4th quarter possession, Hagland works a TE In for 8 yards on the first play; on a Shotgun RB Under call, Hex find a hole and makes a 10 yard catch for his biggest play of the game; at this point Norfolk is on verge on breaking the game open as Matthews makes a 12 yard catch and Skrills turns a screen into a 14 yard reception, but another 335 blitz leads to a Griddle sack that forces a punt. However, Norfolk defense answers the call and forces another 3 and out.
Kansas City finally delivers a big 56 yard punt but it seems too little too late. On the second play of Norfolk’s drive, Rogers runs a counter out of Spread against the 35 and gains 12 yards; two plays later, Skrills churns for another 7 yards; on play 9,on 2nd and 15, Norfolk breaks out the rare Shotgun formation and the Skinny Posts play against the 335(note, KC has not blitzed once on these big plays) and Hex again maneuvers his way for an 18 yard catch; play 11 sees Norfolk resort back to the round where Skrills find daylight on a counter for 11 yards and two plays later, Hagland reels in an 8 yard TD Rec with 2:46 left to seal a 13 play(8 run/ 4 pass), 5:09, 73 yard that clinched another victory for the Seawolves, 10-27.
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Covington III 19/31 147 yds 72.9 QB rating[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Ramza+Skywalker 21/33 179 yds 3 TDs[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Thomslacher 13 TCK, 1 SCK, FF[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Guava-Fresca 3/3 XP, 2/2 FG(34,52 yd)[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Morrisey 6 TCK, 2 TFL[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Marshall 7 TCK, FF, FR, PD[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Montain 5 TCK, 1 TFL[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Button 4 TCK, 2 SCK, FF[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Team 2/13 3rd Down, 24 att 3.8 YPC[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Simpson 4 TCK, 2 TFL, SCK[/div]
[div align=\\\"right\\\"]Team 37 att 3.9 ypc[/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Looking Ahead[/div]
Kansas City saw much success on first down, with 5.4 yards per pass and 4.1 yards per rush and struggled mightily on 2nd and 3rd down. Only gaining 1.8 yards per pass on 2nd down and 1.0 yards per run on 3rd down. KC’s most successful plays came from TE routes.
Norfolk pretty much had control of the game but their most success came from matching Two TE sets against the 335(not good for any non-passing situation).
Next Games: KC vs MB and NOR @ LDN
Credit:
50% to @The_Kidd / 15% to @Thor for sim help / 35% to @abh89 for pics and format help
WC: 3704
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]DSFL GAME OF THE WEEK
Week 2 Edition:
Kansas City Coyotes @ Norfolk Seawolves [/div]
Welcome to the second volume of my “Game of the Week” series, where we take a deeper look into one DSFL game each week. We just don’t analyze the box score, we evaluate lineups, formations, big drives, and big plays that lead to said big drives that ultimately proved to be the pivots, the inflection points, for one team to ascend to victorious highs and the other to sink to defeated woes. For those unfamiliar (most probably are) with how games are selected, here is the criteria:
1. Margin of Victory
2. Regulation versus Overtime
3. Total Points Scored
4. Lead Changes
5. Combined Win Percentage
6. Playoff Implications
7. Statistical Standouts
For Week 2, most of the matchups did not play tight at all. The one score games were tainted by “window dressing” --- when a late score or run turns a blowout game into a game that seemed close to a person that did not watch. Therefore, I elected to go with the pre-season favorite against the team with the #1 pick in the draft coming off a dominating upset victory in week 1. Now, I had some personal issues to deal with which slowed me down, but hopefully I can get back on track. Moreover, I’ve decided to enlist some help for my pieces for various sections throughout because I do not need all this fake money, I already have enough to buy full equipment for the next 3 seasons(and that’s after I already bought equipment in the offseason). I am giving my teammates priority but if you would like to help and be compensated, contact me on the forums or discord. Otherwise, let us proceed with the regularly scheduled program.
I almost forgot, I finally have the sim on my computer so now I can go more in depth with team strategies and one of my helpers THOR, will supply the win percentages for me. Now for this week, I initially chose a different game to review until I learned of a slight oversight that inflated numbers in that game, so Thor, I am still paying you for that game.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"] Kansas City [/div]
Kansas City entered week 2 with a commanding 19-6 win over the league pushovers, London, in which they outgained the Royals 415-129, held them to 1/12 on 3rd down, 7/27 passing, and a paltry 16:21 time of possession. Fakon finished with 35 att. 126 yds., Cooper had a nice start to the season with 4 rec. 54 yds., and his partner on the other side, Campbell, collected 3 rec. 71 yds. As a team, the Coyotes dismantled the Royals with seven pass deflections and six sacks, reminding the Royals of the days when the division ran through Kansas City. Perhaps this is the year for the Coyotes to take charge in a wide open division, but in order to do so, they need consistent performances from their front 7, led by #1 pick Asher Montain and fellow rookie Brach Thomslacher; in addition to veteran leadership on offense from quarterback Reginald Covington III as he guides his young receivers with bullet passes on the run out the pocket and deceiving play action set up from the explosion of veteran running back Kevin Fakon.
Kansas City enters with a power-heavy playbook, leaning on Fakon and not overextending their shallow WR depth. However, you will see higher run/pass ratios out of these formations with trust in Covington to thread bullets to his young but blossoming WR duo. In order to limit mistakes and keep their starters fresh, the Coyotes run a very slow tempo. On defense, the Coyotes run predominantly 34 defense on 5/6 of the formations and 335 on the other 1/6 ---- taking advantage of the 50% blitz rate. In the 34, Morrisey takes the RE spot while Montain slides up to a standing ROLB spot, a la Von Miller or Ryan Kerrigan. In the 335, Morrisey is not in the lineup and Bois and Griddle serve as the extra CB’s to mask the Coyotes shallow cornerback depth outside of “Pro-Bowler” Jason Young. We will touch on the 34 in a bit right after we scope Norfolk.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"] Norfolk [/div]
The Seawolves enter week 2 with 24-6 trouncing over Minnesota, led by the expected contributors en route to a possible title season. Ramza finished with 3 passing TD’s, Rogers and Skrills squashed what remained of the vaunted Grey Duck defense with 197 combined rushing yards. Speaking of vaunted defenses, potential LBoTY candidate Marshall led the way with 11 tackles for a unit set to lead the league in multiple categories this season. The Seawolves’ experience and discipline, accompanied with a balanced attack, will force many foes to play near perfect to defeat them. Norfolk finished with no sacks allowed and no turnovers, all while outgaining the Grey Ducks 414-273.
Like Kansas City, Norfolk runs mainly out of power formations but only increase their pass ratios in long distance situations. Even with two very experienced quarterbacks, Norfolk will rely on a reliable rushing attack and not make the risky passes. Limiting mistakes is a key to Norfolk as they run a slow tempo and run RBBC (running back by committee). Another issue for Norfolk is their lack of overall speed; Norfolk is one of the beefiest teams in the league and they lack skill position players. Norfolk starts TE Reggie Haughland out wide, either out of necessity or to make Jimmy Graham jealous, to take full advantage of the three TE’s on the roster (backup TE Hopkins also serves as the main fullback). On the defensive side, despite running all Nickel sets, star LB de Pengu lines up as the slot corner role versus utilizing a 43 set for a team with 3 reliable LB’s. On the backend, a common trend throughout the DSFL is to slot your better safeties at corner when you have one (or zero) active (and reliable because being a corner sucks, right?) corner(s) and Norfolk does that with big time SS Benoit Blanco.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Tactical Breakdown of the Week[/div]
This week, we see a break in the Thomas Jefferson (Nickel) fan club as the Coyotes elect to run predominantly a base 34 defense. At the time of the AFL-NFL merger, the standard defense league wide was the 43(4 down linemen, 3 linebackers). This was the best formation to use to stop most basic run plays and still not give up deep passes. Some coaches even doubled-down on facing such run heavy opposition by employing 44 fronts or 52 fronts, choosing to control the line of scrimmage(first level) and load the box(second level) with extra linemen and linebackers, unfazed by any underdeveloped passing attacks.
But of course, as time progresses, the game evolves as well and the boon of the forward passing attacks in the mid-70’s saw many defenses caught flat-footed, slow-footed, and on the wrong side of highlight catches. Play Action and hot routes from pre-snap reads led many defenses vulnerable to offenses that had an accurate QB and a powerful RB. The 34 was instilled to counter the offensive versatility with their own defensive versatility. The 34 kept 7 defenders in the box to load up against the run, but it allowed the 4 LB’s to create “shells” underneath the safeties to prevent multiple strikes from a passing attack.
For the 34 to be effective, the front 7 must follow certain rules. The nose tackle is the most crucial piece to a 34, the nose tackle must be tall and big bodied with enough muscle to constantly play over the center(zero technique) and eat up both “A” gaps(gap eater, a la Ted Washington) in order to free the “lanes” for the MLB’s to make quicker, cleaner reads on the backfield. The MLB’s must still be strong enough to shed blockers that make it to the second level whereas the OLB’s must have the speed to beat outside blockers. In 34 defenses, to simplify responsibilities, the front seven often follow GAP RESPONSIBILITY, where each man is assigned a gap. NT – A Gaps, MLBs(Will and Mike) - C/B Gaps, DE’s - B/C gaps, OLB’s (Jack and Sam) - D/E gaps, allowing for the Will and Sam to flow to the action while the other 5 fill their gaps.
The 34 can be hurt by agile TE’s and 3 WR’s sets unless they have agile, smart LB’s that can as quickly drop in coverage as they can attack the line of scrimmage. The 3 linemen holding the point of attack is crucial to keep the offense guessing on where the extra rusher is coming from. Dick LeBeau took the 34 to the next level with the zone blitz scheme which would often confuse the QB’s pre-snap read, being unable to tell where the extra pressure would be coming from and leading to exotic blitz packages that allowed his defensive ends and corners to cover the flats and short zones without getting burned deep or the safeties leaving the deep middle open. With these innovations, and more emphasis on speed rushers versus more technical 5 technique edge rushers, the 34 has established itself as much of a primary defense as the 43 front.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]First Quarter[/div]
Kansas City receives the ball first and starts in Pro-Set and Norfolk lines up in Nickel, as they will all game.
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]QB Covington III[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Simpson (DT) DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]RB Fakon[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Namen DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]FB Davis (TE)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sternestaub DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]TE Raccoon[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Sinclair DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]X Cooper[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Marshall SLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Z Afton[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Scott WLB[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]De Pengu (LB) SCB[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Vaughne CB1[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Blanco (SS) CB2[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Button FS[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Cross (GM) SS[/div]
We notice that Campbell and Washington are not in this formation --- not sure if that is by design to preserve stamina or an oversight. With the second TE also at FB, KC seems determined to run the ball regardless. On the flip, Norfolk is definitely susceptible with their secondary --- playing a LB against a WR in a run stopping role and not a coverage role, starting a GM bot at safety, and having a low TPE player opposite of Blanco leaves plenty of holes to exploit if the offense can manage to work into shorter down and distance situations and manage to have a dependable receiving threat with a modest secondary option that can take advantage of all the possible mismatches. Grinding it out against Norfolk will not be easy as they are one of the strongest teams as evidenced by the first play from scrimmage where Marshall forces a fumble on Fakon and recovers at the KC 39. Norfolk were one of the league leading teams in forcing fumbles last year and they will not buck that trend this season.
As Norfolk takes the field, the also start in Pro Set and square off against KC’s 34 front.
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]QB Ramza[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Simwell (DT) DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]RB Skrills[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Wheezer DT[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]FB Hopkins (TE)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Morrisey DE[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]TE Krashwagen[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Thomslacher OLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]X Matthews[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Airlines SLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Z Haugland (TE)[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Glassley WLB[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]OL Pennington[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Montain (DE) OLB[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Young CB1[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Reynolds (SS) CB2[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Bois FS[/div]
OL [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Griddle SS[/div]
The one big revelation that is noticeable is KC’s backup QB converting to LB. Not only does this give them an extra defensive body to help their defense, but it allows Covington free reign to engineer every offensive drive for the Coyotes. On the first drive, with a short field, KC’s new look defense pays off already. Despite Norfolk lining up in all power formation looks, Wheezer and Montain make back to back stops for 1 yard on 2nd and 3rd down. Norfolk tries to take full advantage of the early turnover and lines up in I-Formation on 4th and 2. They run I-Form Backs out against KC’s 335 look. KC sends the house with Dogs Fire and disrupts the timing as the pass to Skrills falls incomplete. On KC’s second drive, they look to get some positive plays but on second down, out of Two TE, they run WR Skinny Post against OffBase Nickel Swatches --- leading to 3 defenders covering two receivers in the same area and allowing Button to crash in for the sack and leading to a 3 and out. To further accentuate their woes, KC shanks a 33-yard punt. KC attacks Norfolk’s Two TE look with the Mike Down blitz but Matthews gets behind the defense for a 17-yard completion, pushing Norfolk to field goal range after one play. Kansas City throws off Norfolk with Cover 4 looks on 1st and 3rd down, forcing Norfolk to send out Guava-Fresca for a booming 52-yard field goal. [0-3] NOR.
KC, still struggling to get started, go 3 and out again, this time with three straight passes. Even though Fakon fumbled, there needs to be more emphasis on the run game before the game is blown open. Another woeful 30-yard punt puts Norfolk at the KC 37 to start their next drive. On 3rd and 1, Norfolk breaks out the Two TE set and gets a 6-yard run by Rogers while KC got caught running a spy package. On the following 3rd and 7, the KC 335 runs a Soft Man Hooks zone that pits 6 defenders on 4 receiving options and forces Norfolk to send Guava Fresca out to hit a 34-yard field goal. [0-6] NOR
With 5:21 remaining in the first, KC has done a wonderful job to hold Norfolk to only 6 points, but Norfolk will not continue to let mistakes go unpunished. Kansas City, searching for answers, tries some creative looks on their next drive. On 2nd and 8, KC runs Shotgun RB Screen but De Pengu sniffs it out and stops it for a 1-yard gain, forcing KC into another 3rd and long, where Norfolk sends a safety blitz and forces another 3 and out. If the offense is still stuck in neutral, then the Kansas City defense must kick it in gear and jumpstart the team, and Thomslacher is the catalyst needed. On the next drive, Thomslacher delivers a sack on first down and blows up a designed sweep out of spread on 3rd down to force a Seawolves’ 3 and out. Following a 57-yard punt, the Kansas City offense seemed reinvigorated and ready to bring life to the offense. Despite Button collecting another sack on first down, KC utilizes their own Spread formation on 3rd and 12 and find Raccoon for a 16 yard catch off a read route. Directly after, Kansas City reverts back to Pro-Set but they leak Fakon out the backfield after running a TE Out, and he manages to beat De Pengu for 11 yards.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Second Quarter[/div]
On the 9th play of the drive, on 3rd and 3, Kansas City again find success leaking the RB out the backfield as their I-Form RB Post play leaves Cooper in single coverage on the outside for a 7 yard catch. The Coyotes seemed poised to march into the endzone but two crucial drops set up a 3rd and 10 where De Pengu, being singled out again, stops Afton 1 yard short of the chains and forcing KC to settle for a 28 yard field goal to end a 13 play (9 pass / 3 run), 58 yard, 6:03 drive. [3-6] KC
KC then forces a 3 and out, and after a 35 yard punt, starts their next drive at the Norfolk 35. On play 2, they run max protect out of I-Form and send the WR on Streaks and find Campbell for 11 yards. On the next play, they find more success using RB routes and Covington scrambles to find Cooper for the 22 yard catch and run, setting up Fakon for the 2 yard TD run to cap a 4 play, 35 yard, 2:28 drive. [10-6] KC
On the next possession, Morrisey delivers a huge tackle on first down that eventually forces a Norfolk 3 and out. KC opens up their next drive with two counter plays that lead to twenty yards, they gain another 6 on their third play, but a safety blitz forces an incomplete pass and De Pengu stops Kitchens 1 yard short on a 3rd down counter. Following another dismal shank, Blanco returns the punt 77 yards to the 2 yard line, and the punishing, unforgiving Norfolk finally arrives to the game. After two incomplete passes, Krashwagen hauls in the 2 yard TD pass on the TE Post. [10-13] NOR
Norfolk then forces another 3 and out, aided by a Blanco PD on 2nd down and another dropped pass on 3rd down to end the half with the Coyotes barely floating in the deep end.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Third Quarter[/div]
The Seawolves hit the proverbial Homefield Halftime Switch and come out ready to end the game on the first drive. On play 3, 3rd and 2, Hopkins delivers a 4 yard run against an OLB Spy; the ensuing play sees Skrills cutback on a counter for 14 yards; on play 7, Rodgers finds 9 yards on a counter call in 3rd and 3; a penalty and Thomslacher’s 3rd tackle forces another 3rd down but a TE pick play frees Matthews for a 16 yard reception; on play 13, Norfolk runs TE clutter against a 335 Cover 3 Blitz which sucks in the LB’s and leaves Matthews free for the 6 yard TD to finish a 13 play(8 run/4 pass) 4:46 drive. [10-20] NOR
On the Coyotes opening possession, they continue to make mistake after mistake as Covington misses a read on 2nd and 1, Simpson gets a sack on 3rd down, and Kansas City shanks another sub-40-yard punt. Norfolk sets back their next drive with a penalty causing 2nd and 20 but Haugland takes a Two TE WR Out pattern for 17 yards, but Wheezer blows up the counter on 3rd and 3. KC’s next drive features four runs and one pass, but the pass play resulted in a drop, stalling the drive. Thomslacher and Morrisey do their best to keep the Coyotes in the game, heading into the fourth, by stalling the Seawolves and forcing a big time 3 and out.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Fourth Quarter[/div]
The first possession of the 4th quarter is marred by penalties ---- 3 by Kansas City and 1 by Norfolk. On Norfolk’s first 4th quarter possession, Hagland works a TE In for 8 yards on the first play; on a Shotgun RB Under call, Hex find a hole and makes a 10 yard catch for his biggest play of the game; at this point Norfolk is on verge on breaking the game open as Matthews makes a 12 yard catch and Skrills turns a screen into a 14 yard reception, but another 335 blitz leads to a Griddle sack that forces a punt. However, Norfolk defense answers the call and forces another 3 and out.
Kansas City finally delivers a big 56 yard punt but it seems too little too late. On the second play of Norfolk’s drive, Rogers runs a counter out of Spread against the 35 and gains 12 yards; two plays later, Skrills churns for another 7 yards; on play 9,on 2nd and 15, Norfolk breaks out the rare Shotgun formation and the Skinny Posts play against the 335(note, KC has not blitzed once on these big plays) and Hex again maneuvers his way for an 18 yard catch; play 11 sees Norfolk resort back to the round where Skrills find daylight on a counter for 11 yards and two plays later, Hagland reels in an 8 yard TD Rec with 2:46 left to seal a 13 play(8 run/ 4 pass), 5:09, 73 yard that clinched another victory for the Seawolves, 10-27.
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Covington III 19/31 147 yds 72.9 QB rating[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Ramza+Skywalker 21/33 179 yds 3 TDs[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Thomslacher 13 TCK, 1 SCK, FF[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Guava-Fresca 3/3 XP, 2/2 FG(34,52 yd)[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Morrisey 6 TCK, 2 TFL[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Marshall 7 TCK, FF, FR, PD[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Montain 5 TCK, 1 TFL[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Button 4 TCK, 2 SCK, FF[/div]
[div align=\\\"left\\\"]Team 2/13 3rd Down, 24 att 3.8 YPC[/div] [div align=\\\"right\\\"]Simpson 4 TCK, 2 TFL, SCK[/div]
[div align=\\\"right\\\"]Team 37 att 3.9 ypc[/div]
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Looking Ahead[/div]
Kansas City saw much success on first down, with 5.4 yards per pass and 4.1 yards per rush and struggled mightily on 2nd and 3rd down. Only gaining 1.8 yards per pass on 2nd down and 1.0 yards per run on 3rd down. KC’s most successful plays came from TE routes.
Norfolk pretty much had control of the game but their most success came from matching Two TE sets against the 335(not good for any non-passing situation).
Next Games: KC vs MB and NOR @ LDN
Credit:
50% to @The_Kidd / 15% to @Thor for sim help / 35% to @abh89 for pics and format help
WC: 3704