One of my favorite analyst when it comes to breaking down the real X’s and Os of football is Matt Bowen. Recently he just posted an article called “What we can learn from Cruz’s Super Bowl TD“. The breakdown, he goes into great detail on why the play worked.
The following is an excerpt called “What we can learn from Cruz’s Super Bowl TD” that was posted by Matt Bowen on February 08, 2012, 05:30 AM EST
“Before we get into Victor Cruz’s TD in Super Bowl XLVI, here are the three routes you must play for inside of the 5-yard line that will test a defender’s initial leverage and technique:
1. Slant
2. Fade
3. Back-shoulder Fade
Today, let’s take a look at the slant, breakdown the Giants from their pre-snap alignment vs. the Patriots and discuss why Eli Manning was able to beat Cover 0 (blitz-man, no safety help).
Giants vs. Patriots
Route Concept: Double-Slant
Personnel: Posse (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB)
Coverage: Cover 0
Coaching points
Cover 0: The Patriots are sending six and playing five in coverage (a scheme I call “Saw 0”). A standard blitz that can turn into an eight-man pressure if the SS and ILB (highlighted in red) “green dog” (rush to coverage). With the TE and RB staying in on protection, both Patrick Chung (SS) and Jarod Mayo (ILB) become “rovers.” Read the QB and step into the throwing lane of any inside breaking route.”
To read the complete article, please click on the following link –What we can learn from Cruz’s Super Bowl TD
