Film Review: Preseason First Team - Why Wilks Man Coverage Defense Is So Effective

[Saca312]

A really good breakdown of our preseason first team defense and why it was so effective. The author both explains the concepts of zone and man defense, and breaks down how effective man coverage was against the Texans. 

Read it here.

Here's a sneak peak:

Quote

Man coverage is simple man on man coverage. This allows defenders to match up against each receiver and have a better opportunity at the ball. The Chiefs played man coverage most frequently last season. It should come as no surprise that Kansas City lead the league in forcing turnovers too.

Despite only being on the field for two drives, the Panthers faced four drop backs by Tom Savage. They were in man coverage on three of those drop backs. 

The Texans are in 11 personnel (3 WRs, 1RB, 1TE) on the first play of the game. The Panthers are in base defense. Shaq Thompson is lined up against the slot receiver. Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly are sugaring the A gap. Kurt Coleman transitions to cover the deep middle and Mike Adams is responsible for the tight end.

This an example of the effectiveness of man coverage. The Texans call a mirrored curl flat concept to both sides. Savage, initially, has time to find an open receiver, but the coverage holds up. The pressure eventually gets to him, which forces an inaccurate throw.

What this shows is how man coverage was effective with our secondary. As already said, Tom Savage dropped back on 4 snaps out of 6 the first team defense was in. 3 out of 4 of those snaps were man coverage, and the only reason we even employed zone was on a 3rd and long (3rd and 13), which was the best call for the situation.

Lots of good knowledge and analysis in here. Recommend everyone read.

[manu4t]

Good read.  Thanks for sharing.

[Mojo]

This is type of stuff we looked forward to since Wilks was named DC.  I'm excited for our first year with him at the defensive helm.

[Saca312]

1 hour ago, Mojo said:

This is type of stuff we looked forward to since Wilks was named DC.  I'm excited for our first year with him at the defensive helm.

Same here. With the pieces we have and the brilliance Wilks brings, I see us going far.

[XOBlackxJokerOX]

I like the fact that even though he is responsible for the entire defense now, he still takes the time to mentor the DBs. Good read.

[Hogmolliesmaht]

I like Wilks a lot but I just can't get that excited over 4 plays in the first pre season game.

[Hoenheim]

how are you not on the panthers staff with all this detailed coverage 

[outlaw4]

We'll get a real test when we have to face Brees and Brady back to back. 

[theDIRTYcode2]

That's bad offensive play design. But if that's what you got drawn up, the HB is the correct read here. You put him one on one with the best MLB in the game and see if he can win, cause if he does the entire secondary has their backs turned and it's a big play. On the other end is Luke Keuchly....not favorable by any stretch of the imagination. 

[pantherclaw]

These Man behind zone concepts are nothing new to the Panthers, and a Rivera led team. 

Take note, that having the talent, allows us to play these schemes, and be more aggressive.

[Peppers90 NC]

I am excited for sure, but lets see what happens in regular season when we start seeing the rubs and picks from the stains and falcons

[brandon_87]

Always look forward to reading Saca's threads, good poo 

[Jimmy]

I love the second video...that pocket was pushed back 5-7 yards and starting collapsing in 2 seconds...this D-line is a beast

[Davidson Deac II]

Sounds interesting, but I am going to wait and see how we perform in games that actually mean something before I get really enthused.