Vernon Davis is 6'3", 250 pounds and runs a 4.38 40 yard dash. Vernon Davis is a second faster than Victor Cruz. The Giants defensive backs have some decent speed: Corey Webster: 4.5, Aaron Ross: 4.41, Antrel Rolle: 4.48, Prince Amukamara ran a 4.43 at the combine, but squeaked out a 4.38 on his proday. Matching up with Davis's speed is going to be an issue, bumping Davis in the first 5 yards will be crucial. The Giants have been great at defending Tight Ends the last 4 weeks, Chase Blackburn has been a key factor in the middle, but don't expect Blackburn (4.69) to run with Davis.
Against the Saints Davis benefited from some inside out technique by 2 DB's, Davis's speed means he can run by 2 DB's playing inside out. Downfield, bracketing Davis with 2 players is vital in making sure DAvis gets tackled after he makes his catch.
On shorter timing routes Davis may see a variety of double teams. The Giants covered these routes well in the Green Bay game and Perry Fewells schemes have done well in defending the middle the last 4 games.
Look to see Blackburn bump Davis and cover a crossing route in an underneath zone, with help from from a safety, as Davis runs thru the zone, Blackburn might hand off Davis to the next player in the zone. The Giants have been doing this well since Blackburns return, they've also down it with man and zone in the back end. Then to mix things up rookie safety Tyler Sash will play on run downs, he's a good box type safety who has a nose for the ball, 13 picks and 13 pass defenses in college.
The Giants defense is going to have to play lights out to slow down Vernon Davis, I can see Fewell mixing things up to keep Davis under control and it means QB Alex Smith will have to avoid the rush while deciphering the varying defensive schemes.
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Showing posts with label New York Giants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York Giants. Show all posts
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Week 4: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona drafted Dan Williams in 2010 as their nose tackle in the 3-4, Williams backed up 13 year vet Bryan Robinson. Neither had a sack in 2010. Now as the starter at Nose tackle, Williams and rookie David Carter have no sacks. So far Arizona has been rushing 3 down linemen and blitzing, and they seem to use everyone to get to the quarterback, linebackers and DB's. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton likes to pressure and blitz opposing quarterbacks and has not yet installed all of his defense, early in his first season.
Rookie Corner Patrick Peterson has 14 tackles and a pick 6 and will likely cover Hakeem Nicks, though last week budding star Victor Cruz saw time on both the left and right side.
Offensively Tight End Jeff King has gotten off to a good start for the Cardinals, catching 4 balls for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns while starting TE Todd Heap is injured. King might be a worry because of his ability to work deeper into the Giants secondary, so our linebackers will have to execute well in coverage to hopefully not let King loose in what is an already weakened secondary.
Vegas had this game at 3 pts, I think its down to 1.5, so Vegas is thinking a trap game for the Giants. If the Giants are to continue to show weekly improvement, they need to focus against a somewhat improved Cardinal team they should beat by 14 to 17 points.
Look fors:
Look for TE Jake Ballard to see continued time as a run blocker, Eli will probably throw to Ballard at least twice, as he's been a reliable target so far this year with 4 catches for 87 yards. If Gilbride has anything extra in store for Ballard, that there's something he thinks the TE can take advantage of, then that increases the odds of the big man (275 lbs.) rumbling thru the Arizona secondary. If Ballard continues to catch the ball he's on track to gain about 450 yards for the season.
Look for Victor Cruz to not be the star, 75 yards and one touchdown.
Look for Osi, Tuck and JPP to crush Kevin Kolb, as long as they're healthy. Good pressure on the QB can lead to an interception, but it wont be Aaron Ross.
Look for Aaron Ross to try and show he can be consistent, no picks but a defended ball on 3rd down to end a drive.
Look for Mario Manningham to try and make Giants fans forget about the Salsa dancing of Victor Cruz, he'll lead all Giants receivers with a big day. But Cruz will laydown a downfield block for MM.
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Rookie Corner Patrick Peterson has 14 tackles and a pick 6 and will likely cover Hakeem Nicks, though last week budding star Victor Cruz saw time on both the left and right side.
Offensively Tight End Jeff King has gotten off to a good start for the Cardinals, catching 4 balls for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns while starting TE Todd Heap is injured. King might be a worry because of his ability to work deeper into the Giants secondary, so our linebackers will have to execute well in coverage to hopefully not let King loose in what is an already weakened secondary.
Vegas had this game at 3 pts, I think its down to 1.5, so Vegas is thinking a trap game for the Giants. If the Giants are to continue to show weekly improvement, they need to focus against a somewhat improved Cardinal team they should beat by 14 to 17 points.
Look fors:
Look for TE Jake Ballard to see continued time as a run blocker, Eli will probably throw to Ballard at least twice, as he's been a reliable target so far this year with 4 catches for 87 yards. If Gilbride has anything extra in store for Ballard, that there's something he thinks the TE can take advantage of, then that increases the odds of the big man (275 lbs.) rumbling thru the Arizona secondary. If Ballard continues to catch the ball he's on track to gain about 450 yards for the season.
Look for Victor Cruz to not be the star, 75 yards and one touchdown.
Look for Osi, Tuck and JPP to crush Kevin Kolb, as long as they're healthy. Good pressure on the QB can lead to an interception, but it wont be Aaron Ross.
Look for Aaron Ross to try and show he can be consistent, no picks but a defended ball on 3rd down to end a drive.
Look for Mario Manningham to try and make Giants fans forget about the Salsa dancing of Victor Cruz, he'll lead all Giants receivers with a big day. But Cruz will laydown a downfield block for MM.
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