Colts defensive backs, coverage discussion

[omahacolt]

Originally Posted by FatDT

I'm not the best with diagnosing defensive back play in real-time. Hoping some of you here are and can answer some questions.

My impression is that under Eberflus our corners appear to play a mix of zone and man, though I don't know yet what general percentages there are of each, what situations call for which type, etc. I'd say generally it seems like more press man than in the Manning years, but less than under Pagano, especially '14 and '15. So far I would not call this a Tampa 2 or primarily Cover 2 defense, am I right?

How are we using our safeties? I am a little disappointed in Hooker's lack of production. I know, it's only 2 games. Are both safeties playing pretty deep? Is Geathers playing up closer to midfield? Are these guys in position to succeed? What are their jobs in this defense?

I am seeing a lot of slapping and clawing at the ball, but not as many defended passes. True? With the DL and Leonard getting pressure and making plays up front and in the middle of the field it seems like there should be opportunities for the DBs to make some plays on the ball this year.

you are correct.

I went back through the 1st game with game pass and i would not call this a tampa 2 team. we played a lot of cover 3 and also some cover 2. didn't appear the mlber was dropping deep enough that i would classify it as a tampa 2 but i didn't look all that hard at the mlber. there weren't really any passes up the middle when they were in a cover 2 for me to really care. this was on a quick watch through the all 22. i was curious what it would look like so i did a quick watch of the game and took mental notes on what the coverages were. i didn't track that on paper.

i do plan on going through and tracking the coverage and the down and distances for the games this year. or at least to start i want to do that to get a better idea of what eberflous is trying to do and i will be posting them here.

geathers, at least for the bengals, was dropping down and playing zone for the cover 3 with hooker as the deep middle safety. a lot of times hooker would cheat way over beyond the hash of the 2 wr side. geathers is a way better run and hit safety. he seems to diagnose a lot quicker than hooker imo. hooker will never be an earl thomas. and actually i dont think hooker offers much value other than being a rangy deep guy. which is alright i guess but it is also pretty early in his career. so we will see. they also did cover 2 obviously and some quarters it looked like.

i plan on watching both games this week/weekend and post something about coverages. i meant to do the bengals game but i did some hurricane family time, binge watched most of ozarks season 2 and spent time getting banned from stamped blue lol.

if there is something specifically you are looking for let me know.