High Mark Posted October 16, 2011 Posted October 16, 2011 I thought there was one main reason for our loss today. It was also the biggest reason we lost v Cincy too. Our CBs do not turn and look for the ball when the WRs do. Twice today Fitz threw two badly under thrown passes. Both ended in INTs. Eli had a couple of ugly under throws too, but they ended in pass interference penalties. those 4-5 plays affected the game more than anything else. When the defender isn't looking for the ball, and there is slight contact or the defender is 'blocking' the WR from the ball, they call PI every time. If the CB looks back for the ball, there is rarely a penalty called, and he has a chance at a pick. Florence could have had 2 picks today but instead had two huge PI penalties. McKelvin could have shut down AJ Green and had a pick or two v Cincy. With today's rules we need to get our CBs looking for the ball to avoid these killer penalties. This is a very simple technique that they teach 6th graders in Pop Warner, yet our NFL CBs cant seem to do it. This should be second nature to the CBs. Its evidence to me that our CB coach is overlooking very basic fundamentals.
Got_Wood Posted October 16, 2011 Posted October 16, 2011 I don't want to overreact because of a loss, but I have to agree with you a little on this. It seems like we've got a lot of talent in our defensive backfield, and these guys have regressed quite a bit in the last two seasons. McKelvin can blanket a WR all over the field, but when it comes to making a play on the ball he fails miserably. McGee has been like that his entire career. Great open field tackler and can cover with the best of them, but doesn't intercept the ball very often. Florence has had a decent year, but he is a penalty machine. And many of the penalties have to do with him not looking at the opposing QB when the ball is in the air. What gives? Catavolos has been a favorite around here, but he needs to start getting better results out of his guys.
Fixxxer Posted October 16, 2011 Posted October 16, 2011 Maybe they are being taught this technique but sometimes the player doesn't have the presence of mind to execute the play. Given Catavolos' longevitiy as a coach I would give him the benefit of the doubt.
spartacus Posted October 17, 2011 Posted October 17, 2011 I don't want to overreact because of a loss, but I have to agree with you a little on this. It seems like we've got a lot of talent in our defensive backfield, and these guys have regressed quite a bit in the last two seasons. McKelvin can blanket a WR all over the field, but when it comes to making a play on the ball he fails miserably. McGee has been like that his entire career. Great open field tackler and can cover with the best of them, but doesn't intercept the ball very often. Florence has had a decent year, but he is a penalty machine. And many of the penalties have to do with him not looking at the opposing QB when the ball is in the air. What gives? Catavolos has been a favorite around here, but he needs to start getting better results out of his guys. that's what happens when a player's IQ is the same as his shoe size
San Jose Bills Fan Posted October 17, 2011 Posted October 17, 2011 Totally agree, Thoner. Why can Corey Webster turn to face the pass at the right time and the Bills CBs seem to have so much difficulty with this? It seems through film study that a DB should be able to tell WHEN in the pattern it is appropriate to turn for the ball and not do so simply out of fear that they will turn their head at the wrong moment. Kinda frustrating and mystifying too.
NoSaint Posted October 17, 2011 Posted October 17, 2011 I don't want to overreact because of a loss, but I have to agree with you a little on this. It seems like we've got a lot of talent in our defensive backfield, and these guys have regressed quite a bit in the last two seasons. McKelvin can blanket a WR all over the field, but when it comes to making a play on the ball he fails miserably. McGee has been like that his entire career. Great open field tackler and can cover with the best of them, but doesn't intercept the ball very often. Florence has had a decent year, but he is a penalty machine. And many of the penalties have to do with him not looking at the opposing QB when the ball is in the air. What gives? Catavolos has been a favorite around here, but he needs to start getting better results out of his guys. I seem to see a long term pattern of good coverage, good tackling, poor/average ball skills. I like the first two, and don't want to ignore them in the conversation.
Bob in STL Posted October 17, 2011 Posted October 17, 2011 (edited) I thought there was one main reason for our loss today. It was also the biggest reason we lost v Cincy too. Our CBs do not turn and look for the ball when the WRs do. Twice today Fitz threw two badly under thrown passes. Both ended in INTs. Eli had a couple of ugly under throws too, but they ended in pass interference penalties. those 4-5 plays affected the game more than anything else. When the defender isn't looking for the ball, and there is slight contact or the defender is 'blocking' the WR from the ball, they call PI every time. If the CB looks back for the ball, there is rarely a penalty called, and he has a chance at a pick. Florence could have had 2 picks today but instead had two huge PI penalties. McKelvin could have shut down AJ Green and had a pick or two v Cincy. With today's rules we need to get our CBs looking for the ball to avoid these killer penalties. This is a very simple technique that they teach 6th graders in Pop Warner, yet our NFL CBs cant seem to do it. This should be second nature to the CBs. Its evidence to me that our CB coach is overlooking very basic fundamentals. Really, Pop Warner huh. I never knew that playing cornerback in the NFL was so easy. You mean following those super athletic WRs with world class sprinter speed is so easy that you can do it while not ever looking at them. Wow. Not to excuse Florence for a dreadful day but my bigger concern is the pass rush. There were plenty of plays that our Pop Warner corners must have had pretty good coverage and for a long time too because Manning had all day to throw. Compare the pressure that Fitz had on him and the pressure that Manning had and there is your ballgame. Edited October 17, 2011 by Bob in STL
NoSaint Posted October 17, 2011 Posted October 17, 2011 Really, Pop Warner huh. I never knew that playing cornerback in the NFL was so easy. You mean following those super athletic WRs with world class sprinter speed is so easy that you can do while not ever looking at them. Wow. Not to excuse Florence for a dreadful day but my bigger concern is the pass rush. There were plenty of plays that our Pop Warner corners must have had pretty good coverage and for a long time too because Manning had all day to throw. Compare the pressure that Fitz had on him and the pressure that Manning had and there is your ballgame. In the end it was two teams that were totally average all over the field but one had a top notch passrush. I agree.
RyanC883 Posted October 17, 2011 Posted October 17, 2011 This drives me insane every time I watch NFL football. It's not just the Bills, but these guys make millions and make stupid penalties that would get a middle school football player benched. Lets see, when the WR puts his hands up, or gets big eyes that say the ball is coming, turn your freaking head so you don't get called for pass interference. Not that complicated. We need not only a new CB coach perhaps, but also a new DC. We get little pressure on the QB's in enough time, and that is making the CB's job much more difficult. (not that that is an excuse for the crappy technique) Really, Pop Warner huh. I never knew that playing cornerback in the NFL was so easy. You mean following those super athletic WRs with world class sprinter speed is so easy that you can do it while not ever looking at them. Wow. Not to excuse Florence for a dreadful day but my bigger concern is the pass rush. There were plenty of plays that our Pop Warner corners must have had pretty good coverage and for a long time too because Manning had all day to throw. Compare the pressure that Fitz had on him and the pressure that Manning had and there is your ballgame. One does not excuse the other. The poor pass rush is a resut of the JV schemes drawn up by Edwards, the worst DC in football. And I agree, our CB's had their WR's blanketed for the most part. BUT, like the OP said, they have terrible ball skills. This is why we have a bad defense. (1) no pass rush. (2) poor ball skills for the CB's; (3) we still cant stop the run.
The Senator Posted October 17, 2011 Posted October 17, 2011 Not the first time Florence stunk up the field, probably won't be the last time either. That said, I think we need to go defense heavy again come draft time.
Recommended Posts