Falcons foundation is essentially a cover 3 but Quinn has been forced to mix in man. Base nickel
Spacing has been and is an issue w/ them. Esp on deep/inter crossers.
In Cover 3 your backers are going to be tested. Doesn’t matter if its backer like Jones (who has looked like a younger Shaz at times this year) or Neal (my top rated S just edging out Joseph. Neal is a wonderful interchangeable player w/ great instincts esp underneath in the box and will lay you out)
Both backers and S's have been caught looking in the backfield and underneath routes.
Move them back and theres a ton of space underneath to work w/ Lewis/White/11
Even still when in trips the Pats will get a backer or S on the inside man, closest to the QB. That could be Hogan, Jules who ever they want. Any of those guys have a +++ advantage in that match up running that clear out, crosser etc
I'm picking on Alford in coverage first who has def held his own at times but also is very handsy. I want 11 on him as much as possible.
After him Im looking at Collins. Again I want him matched up w/ Hogan or Edelman. He can't stay w/ them and if Floyd plays will be at a huge disadvantage their physically.
Up front the biggest focus is on Beasley w/out a doubt. This kid is really putting it all together but still has a long way to go.
Right now you want to get hands on him and smother him as much as possible. After that it's a wrap for the most part.
Right now they line him up out wide, think wide-9 and let him work. Its basically his speed rush that you're worrying about w/ his bend. Which has got better throughout his short career.
When he's lined up inside hes almost trying to execute some sort of exotic twist/stunt.
He has a long way to go but has more than a few high quality sacks even tho he feasted on Denvers poor T.
Grady Jarrett is a fire hydrant that def deserves some attention. Not the biggest DT but a bull w/ quickness and knows how to get skinny. Great motor. Im sure the draft guys were all over him.
Hagerman has always had trouble playing with leverage and functional strength but played one of, if not his best game last game.
This defense is playing better as a result of playing together, communication and some great speed.
However they can be run on by us imo. This Pats offense is no joke and when locked in, deadly. This whole group is smart, tough and physical.
Their spacing and diagnosing of routes/plays shows how young they are in the secondary.