It's slow this time of year so to bridge the gap I've been watching some film. For those with questions about specifics around why our DBs got torched in 2016 and why I think it our defensive issues are on the position coaches and not Shoop, I noticed a significant flaw in our technique that I figured I would pass along. It's easier to explain this with visuals and verbal communication, but I'll do my best in print.
When in press man coverage footwork is everything. I don't care how strong or quick a DB is, if they have bad footwork they will get torched by a savvy WR. If you watch our DBs (Cam included) they made a grave sin on snap the majority of the year. It is critical that you "chop" with your feet as opposed to the natural tendency to flatten/widen out and wait for the WR to make his move. Think about what you would do if somebody were running at you. Your first instinct would be to widen out and take up as much space as possible. When playing DB you have to fight that natural inclincation and keep your feet tight do allow for a quick turn of the hips. Our DBs were TERRIBLE at this. I then watched UNC film and noticed their DBs chopped their feet upon snap when the technique/coverage called for it. It allows for quick adjustments to the WR and does not allow them to dictate which way your body will turn until they make their decisive move. As a WR if I show an inside break with your feet wide, your shoulders and hips will turn inside and I will eat you alive on the perimeter. It's literally as simple as one jab step and I'm breaking free to the outside. However, if a DB "chops" his feet it allows him to turn and run easily without committing to a direction.
I know this is a terrible description and we can all thank a couple of adult bevvy's for it, however, the main point I'm getting at is that from snap our DBs were not in a position to be successful this year. Shoop relies on DBs being able to be on an island. I firmly believe they will be successful on the island this year with sound coaching.
I'm not a sunshine pumper but I'm excited about our potential with the staff changes on defense.
When in press man coverage footwork is everything. I don't care how strong or quick a DB is, if they have bad footwork they will get torched by a savvy WR. If you watch our DBs (Cam included) they made a grave sin on snap the majority of the year. It is critical that you "chop" with your feet as opposed to the natural tendency to flatten/widen out and wait for the WR to make his move. Think about what you would do if somebody were running at you. Your first instinct would be to widen out and take up as much space as possible. When playing DB you have to fight that natural inclincation and keep your feet tight do allow for a quick turn of the hips. Our DBs were TERRIBLE at this. I then watched UNC film and noticed their DBs chopped their feet upon snap when the technique/coverage called for it. It allows for quick adjustments to the WR and does not allow them to dictate which way your body will turn until they make their decisive move. As a WR if I show an inside break with your feet wide, your shoulders and hips will turn inside and I will eat you alive on the perimeter. It's literally as simple as one jab step and I'm breaking free to the outside. However, if a DB "chops" his feet it allows him to turn and run easily without committing to a direction.
I know this is a terrible description and we can all thank a couple of adult bevvy's for it, however, the main point I'm getting at is that from snap our DBs were not in a position to be successful this year. Shoop relies on DBs being able to be on an island. I firmly believe they will be successful on the island this year with sound coaching.
I'm not a sunshine pumper but I'm excited about our potential with the staff changes on defense.
