As Week 3 unfolded, the genuine contenders began to reveal themselves, while the pretenders started to expose their flaws. Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio revived an old game plan with a modern adaptation, successfully restricting the New Orleans Saints to just one touchdown. Despite missing several key offensive players, the Minnesota Vikings remain one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, largely due to coach Kevin O’Connell’s innovative strategies. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons made regrettable fourth-down decisions, and the Las Vegas Raiders found themselves frequently featured in the wrong context.
Vic Fangio Stifles Another High-Powered Offense
Fangio, known for developing the scheme that contained Sean McVay’s explosive Los Angeles Rams offense, effectively curtailed another formidable outside zone offense in New Orleans using a refreshed version of that initial strategy. Back in 2018, as the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, Fangio employed a 6-1 formation (featuring six defensive players on the line and one linebacker behind them) to neutralize the Rams. The New England Patriots adapted this game plan and implemented it almost exclusively on early downs, making headlines when they restricted the Rams to a mere 3 points in Super Bowl LII.
The 6-1 formation is particularly effective against outside zone offenses, as it adds an additional player on each edge and forces the offensive line to single block instead of opting for double teams. Offenses, however, can counter this strategy by running inside or switching to power runs. The Saints anticipated this alignment, with quarterback Derek Carr audible calling “6-1! 6-1!” at the line of scrimmage early on. However, Fangio cleverly masked the front by late-shifting into it and deploying less conventional players, making it challenging for the offense to adjust.
12:00 remaining in the second quarter, second-and-10
Heading into this matchup, the Saints boasted the league’s third-highest rate of runs on second-and-long (7 or more yards), and the Eagles were poised to counter the run in such situations rather than defending the pass, which has become more common in modern football.
In the illustrated play, the Eagles showcased a standard 4-2 front, deploying four defensive linemen at the line of scrimmage.
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Just before the snap, the team transitioned into their altered 6-1 formation. Inside linebacker Zack Baun crept towards the right edge, while nickel Avonte Maddox, positioned just out of view, covered the left edge. Nakobe Dean stood as the only off-ball linebacker.
Following the snap, the Saints managed only one double-team against the Eagles’ top run stuffer, Jordan Davis. This opened a path for Dean to proceed to the edge unopposed. Maddox took a hit, but the defensive line effectively funneled the run towards corner Quinyon Mitchell, who completed a solid tackle. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter capitalized on the resulting one-on-one matchups, showcasing his dominance in both run and pass defense, marking what could be the best performance of his career.
The Saints had generated explosive passing plays in their previous two games using deep-shot play actions combined with maximum protection and two-man pass concepts. However, with the 6-1 formation, Fangio implemented a soft zone coverage that adeptly countered the Saints’ primary route patterns.
13:17 remaining
Following the snap, the four-deep shell covered the two receivers downfield, while the two underneath defenders eliminated Carr’s passing options for checkdowns.
Fangio’s defensive strategy excels at neutralizing key elements of the Shanahan/Kubiak offense. In the first two weeks, the Saints ranked fourth in the league with a 14.4 percent rate of explosive plays. However, against the Eagles, that percentage plummeted to 5.5, positioning them near the bottom of the rankings. Fangio once again demonstrated his prowess as one of the league’s top defensive strategists.
Kevin O’Connell is Excelling
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is drawing attention, and rightly so, as that defense is executing remarkable strategies in an innovative manner. While I acknowledged this in last week’s discussion, it’s important to also credit coach Kevin O’Connell. Under his leadership, the Vikings offense is operating with impressive efficiency, led by the journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold. Currently, they stand sixth in explosive play rate at 16.1 percent and tenth in expected points added (EPA) per play. Notably, they are achieving this feat without their starting tight end T.J. Hockenson and No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison.
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While having Justin Jefferson on the roster is undoubtedly advantageous, it’s common for defenses to focus on neutralizing top receivers. O’Connell, however, skillfully prevents this from happening, and his offensive scheme significantly contributes to Jefferson’s ongoing success amid defensive pressure.
4:31 remaining in the first quarter, first-and-10
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The Vikings began with two tight ends and lined up Jefferson to the left side of the formation before shifting tight end Josh Oliver over to the right. Following this shift, the defense adjusted by moving their safeties to Oliver’s side.
Upon the snap, Oliver executed a flat route to draw the safety towards him, while a short crosser occupied the hook defender. Meanwhile, the cornerback and the free safety had to honor the deep route on the right side.
This left a significant gap in the secondary for Jefferson, who was also running a crossing route.
When Jefferson caught the pass, he was completely unmarked. The best receiver in the game should never find himself this open. Although Jefferson does a lot to create separation on his own, he can certainly credit O’Connell for this opportunity.
Now let’s take a look at the criticisms from Week 3:
Falcons’ fourth-and-1 play call
The Falcons had an opportunity to take the lead late against the Kansas City Chiefs, advancing into the red zone trailing by five points with under a minute left on the clock. On fourth-and-1, the Falcons set up in a heavy formation featuring two tight ends, two running backs, and one receiver in a split-back formation. They opted for an outside zone play, but it was stopped by an unblocked defender. The call faced backlash, as the Falcons attempted an outside run despite needing just one yard. Running back Bijan Robinson provided insight into the decision.
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“We were initially set to run downhill,” Robinson shared following the game. “It appeared we would need to pivot, so we altered the play. With the change, we needed to account for several defenders. No. 32 (Nick Bolton) came through the middle unchallenged, making it tough on us. When I received the ball, I had to make a quick decision. He came out and attempted to switch, which complicated my route, making it difficult. I definitely will work on breaking that tackle and executing that play no matter the circumstances.”
0:56 left in the fourth quarter, fourth-and-1
Had the original call been a downhill run, I would have expected either an iso play featuring a lead blocker advancing straight ahead or a direct dive into the defensive line. Although the angles were not ideal, it seemed plausible that all inside defenders could be accounted for. Yet, given the defensive alignment, I understand why Kirk Cousins opted for a change.
Cousins called out, “Can! Can! Can!” at the line of scrimmage, indicating that there were two potential play calls. The first was the downhill run Robinson referenced, while the second was the play directed to the outside that the Falcons executed.
The second play call seemed to be one of the Falcons’ staple run strategies, specifically an outside zone variant known as “Zorro.”
This illustration from Kyle Shanahan’s tenure as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator shows that the fullback’s role involves engaging the inside position of the edge defender, while the tight end (Y) covers the outside position. Robinson, who comes from the same system, is familiar with “Zorro,” a standard play in the playbook for any outside zone team. The Falcons executed it from a different formation than usual.
This clarifies why running back Tyler Allgeier, who was acting as the fullback during the play, moved directly to the outside to tackle the edge instead of checking for inside defenders. The presence of numerous defenders within the line left Bolton unaccounted for, resulting in him tackling Robinson in the backfield.
Chiefs get the stop on fourth down!!!!
📺: #KCvsATL on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/5aUfSM
“`html
dG6o
— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2024
Having a secondary play call was a wise decision, yet, given the strong defensive fronts anticipated, one might expect a more reliable play to be chosen. Running this play out of splitbacks can also pose challenges, as it delays Robinson’s ability to reach the edge. Typically, teams prefer to toss the ball to the running back for quicker access to the perimeter. While offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has adeptly managed the challenges posed by Cousins’ lack of mobility, this has been a learning period for him as a relatively inexperienced coordinator.
Nick Sirianni’s Fourth-Down Choices
Coaches often find themselves criticized for overly cautious fourth-down approaches, but Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has displayed inconsistency, opting to go for it inappropriately at times and hesitating when he should take the risk. According to ESPN’s Benjamin Solak, the Next Gen model heavily favored attempting a field goal on fourth-and-1 with just 15 seconds remaining in the first half. This was likely due to the limited time left on the clock, necessitating the use of their final timeout after a running play, making it difficult to score a touchdown.
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However, the Eagles opted to go for it and instead of executing their signature quarterback sneak, they attempted to fake that and instead ran a sweep with running back Saquon Barkley. Sirianni clarified that it was he, not offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who called the play. I didn’t find the decision egregious; they needed a significant play if they were to take that risk, and a sweep could have worked with better blocking on the edge. My concern lies more with overstepping and overriding the primary play caller. Moore was brought in to rejuvenate a stagnant offense, while Sirianni takes on the role of a CEO-type coach.
Allow your assistants to perform their roles. Do not disrupt their rhythm. You’re compensating them to make effective decisions in critical situations!
Raiders’ Efforts to Solidify the Run Game
A multitude of factors contributed to the Raiders’ unexpected 36-22 defeat against the previously winless Carolina Panthers. Prior to this week, the Panthers hadn’t held a lead entering the fourth quarter since January 2023, as noted by The Athletic’s <a href="https://x.com/josephperson
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While preparing for the game, Coach Antonio Pierce emphasized the importance of establishing the run. I can understand their attempt against a weak run defense; however, after it became apparent that they were unsuccessful, they continued to stubbornly pursue that strategy. Last week, in their matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the offense gained momentum by employing 11 personnel (one back, one tight end, three receivers) and shifting to a pass-heavy approach after falling behind. They successfully involved receiver Davante Adams and tight end Brock Bowers, ultimately completing a comeback in the fourth quarter.
In contrast, they opted against this approach versus the Panthers. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy implemented a sequence of runs on first and second downs four times throughout the game. In one series, they attempted three consecutive runs, gaining only 7 yards, and failed to convert on a fourth-and-3 pass attempt. After a first half marked by ineffective rushing and trailing by 14 points, they opened the second half with two straight runs yielding just 4 yards and again couldn’t convert on third-and-6.
This lack of aggressiveness made it seem as though they were treating this game like a preseason matchup. For the Raiders, running the ball appears to be an ineffective play, continually placing them in unfavorable second- and third-and-long situations. Their best weapons are the pass catchers, and they must improve their ability to target them frequently and effectively.
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(Top photo of Kevin O’Connell: Brace Hemmelgarn / Getty Images)
Week 3 in the NFL: Defensive Mastery and Offensive Innovation Amidst Controversial Calls
Defensive Dominance: A Breakdown
Week 3 of the NFL season showcased some of the most impressive defensive performances we’ve seen in recent years. With teams emphasizing defensive strategies, fans witnessed a significant shift in game dynamics. Here’s a closer look at some standout defenses and their key strategies that helped them achieve success on the field.
Key Defensive Performances
- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers continued to assert their defensive prowess with a commanding performance against their rivals. Their defensive line, led by Nick Bosa and Armstead, consistently pressured the quarterback, resulting in multiple sacks and hurried throws.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers’ defense demonstrated tenacity and resilience, forcing turnovers and displaying excellent coverage skills. Minkah Fitzpatrick’s interception and T.J. Watt’s relentless pursuit were pivotal in securing the win.
- Buffalo Bills: Buffalo’s defense effectively shut down the opposition, limiting their scoring opportunities. The secondary, led by Tre’Davious White, excelled in coverage, allowing the front seven to focus on disrupting the run game.
Defensive Strategies: A Closer Look
The successful defenses employed a combination of strategies to dominate Week 3:
- Pressure on the Quarterback: Consistent pressure through blitz packages and strong defensive line play forced opposing quarterbacks into making hurried decisions.
- Turnovers: Capitalizing on mistakes was crucial. Teams focused on creating turnovers, which shifted momentum and changed the outcome of games.
- Zone Coverage Schemes: Effective zone coverage limited passing options and forced quarterbacks to hold the ball longer, increasing the chances for sacks and interceptions.
Offensive Innovation: Creating Opportunities
As defenses tighten their grips, offenses have risen to the occasion, showcasing innovative strategies that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Here are some examples of offensive ingenuity from Week 3.
Top Offensive Innovations
- Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins’ offensive scheme, led by head coach Mike McDaniel, is a perfect blend of speed and creativity, using motion to create mismatches. Tua Tagovailoa’s quick release and accuracy were on full display.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes continues to redefine quarterback play with his improvisation skills. The Chiefs utilized play-action effectively, drawing linebackers in and opening up deep passing lanes.
- Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles’ RPO (run-pass option) plays have been a game-changer, allowing Jalen Hurts to exploit defenses by making split-second decisions on whether to hand the ball off or throw.
Offensive Strategies: What Worked
Key offensive strategies that proved successful included:
- Strategic Use of Motion: Offenses that utilized pre-snap motion had a greater success rate in creating mismatches and confusing the defense.
- Diverse Playcalling: A mix of run and pass plays kept defenses guessing, allowing for sustained drives and scoring opportunities.
- Utilizing Tight Ends: Tight ends played a crucial role in offensive schemes, acting as both blockers and targets in the passing game. This dual threat added an extra layer to offensive strategies.
Controversial Calls: Impacting the Game
No NFL week is complete without its share of controversial calls that spark debate among fans and analysts alike. Week 3 was no exception, with several decisions that left spectators questioning officiating consistency.
Highlighted Controversial Calls
| Game | Controversial Call | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Packers vs. Saints | Pass Interference Review | Led to a crucial touchdown, altering the game’s momentum. |
| Cowboys vs. Giants | Roughing the Passer | Extended the Cowboys’ drive, resulting in points scored. |
| Ravens vs. Bengals | Challenge on a Fumble | Resulted in a turnover that shifted the game’s tides. |
Reactions and Discussions
These calls sparked firestorm debates on social media and sports talk shows. Analysts and fans discussed:
- The need for clearer guidelines on pass interference and roughing the passer calls.
- How these calls can change the flow and outcome of games, raising questions about officiating quality.
- The potential for technology to play a larger role in reviewing calls, ensuring fairness and accuracy.
Benefits of Defensive Mastery and Offensive Innovation
The balance between defensive mastery and offensive innovation greatly enhances the overall quality of the game. Here are some benefits of these trends:
- Increased Competition: With teams focusing on strong defensive and offensive tactics, the competition level rises, making each game exciting.
- Fan Engagement: Innovative offenses and masterful defenses provide fans with thrilling moments, increasing viewership and engagement.
- Player Development: Young players are encouraged to study both defensive and offensive strategies, leading to a more well-rounded skill set.
Case Studies: Teams to Watch
As the NFL season progresses, certain teams exhibit promising potential through their strategic approaches. Here are a few teams to keep an eye on:
| Team | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | Defensive line pressure, balanced offense | Injury concerns in the secondary |
| Miami Dolphins | Speedy playmakers, versatile schemes | Defensive inconsistency at times |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Innovative playcalling, Mahomes’ leadership | Defensive vulnerabilities against the run |
First-Hand Experience: Fan Perspectives
Fans play a vital role in the NFL experience. Here’s a look at what some fans had to say about Week 3:
“The defensive plays were insane! I loved watching the 49ers shut down their opponents. They’re the real deal!” – Jane D.
“Seeing the Dolphins’ offense move with such fluidity was incredible. They’re going to be a team to beat!” – Mike R.
“The officiating was a nightmare this week. It feels like they need to get a better grasp on the rules.” – Sarah K.
Practical Tips for Teams and Fans
As teams adapt to the evolving landscape of the NFL, here are a few practical tips for both teams and fans:
For Teams:
- Focus on player conditioning to withstand the demands of high-pressure defenses.
- Employ a diverse playbook that keeps opponents guessing, utilizing both traditional and innovative strategies.
- Prioritize communication among players to ensure everyone is on the same page, particularly on defense.
For Fans:
- Stay informed about rule changes and officiating guidelines to better understand game dynamics.
- Participate in discussions on social media, engaging with fellow fans to share insights and opinions.
- Attend games to experience the excitement firsthand, cheering on your favorite team and witnessing the action live.
