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6 Things DBs Need to Know to Master Pass Coverage

On the surface, when you are just starting out playing defensive back in the secondary, covering wide receivers and making plays can seem difficult. However, as with all seemingly difficult tasks, breaking them down into smaller pieces can help you complete the mission.

When it comes to playing in the secondary, both individually and collectively as a unit, there are some basic yet very important things for you to remember. Keeping these things foremost in your mind can help you move with confidence and make plays versus the offense.

Divide the Field

Defensive backs often divide the field into sections or zones, assigning each defender to cover a specific area. This helps prevent receivers from exploiting gaps in coverage and ensures that every offensive player is accounted for. There are some 15 or more passing zones when you line up on defense. Being aware of these zones will allow you to have proper communication with your fellow defenders and understand the coverages that your coach calls. Terminology is a big part of football, and knowing it is in your best interest.

Divide by Alignment

DBs may use the alignment of the offensive players to determine their coverage assignments. For example, if there are multiple receivers lined up on one side of the field, each defensive back may be responsible for covering a receiver based on their alignment (e.g., inside or outside leverage). Also, understand that your alignment against a receiver may change within a coverage based on where the receiver lines up. Smart defenses use divider rules to have their defensive backs align in a way that gives them the best help from either other players or boundaries of the field (i.e., sidelines).

Learn Route Combinations

Defensive backs can anticipate route combinations based on the alignment and tendencies of the offense. By recognizing common route combinations (such as pick plays or crossing routes), DBs can adjust their coverage to effectively defend against them. The more route combinations you know, the quicker you can react on the field. In route combinations, one receiver’s route relates to another receiver’s route. Knowing the combinations can allow you to get clues from a receiver you are not covering on the route of a receiver you may be covering. Anticipation is a superpower when covering so knowing how combos fit will give you that power. I discuss route combinations in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.

Know the Receiver’s Skill Set

Defensive backs may tailor their coverage techniques based on the skill set of the receiver they’re covering. For instance, if a receiver is known for his speed, the DB may use press coverage to disrupt his release at the line of scrimmage and prevent him from getting downfield. In the article ‘Play to Your Strengths,’ I discuss this concept. A defensive back should know his strengths and weaknesses as well as those of the people he is covering. Match your strengths against your opponent’s weaknesses as much as you can on each play. Consistently being able to do this will give you more victories in coverage.

Have Situational Awareness

DBs must also be aware of situational factors such as down and distance, game clock, and field position. This awareness can influence their coverage techniques and help them anticipate the offense’s intentions. If you have any hopes of being a good defensive back, then this is a must. This is the most basic knowledge you should have on each play. You can’t run around playing the game without information. Every snap can’t be a surprise. Having situational awareness allows you to limit the possibilities of what may be coming your way. Fewer possibilities equal better anticipation. Better anticipation leads to quicker movement and more interceptions.

Provide Effective Communication

Effective communication among defensive backs is crucial in man coverage. DBs must communicate pre-snap to ensure everyone knows their coverage assignments, and they must continue to communicate during the play to switch assignments if necessary or to alert teammates of potential threats. The more you talk, the more information that is given. More information means better decisions not only by you but by your teammates. Football is the ultimate team game, and if you are going to win on defense, then communicating is a must. Engage in this practice as much as you can. The best secondaries study together and communicate well when the action starts to flow.

By making these six things together: divide the field, divide by alignment, learning route combinations, knowledge of receiver skill set, having situational awareness, and effective communication, you will have no choice but to be a solid player for your team. Furthermore, your entire unit will become a force to reckon with when offenses try to attack and find the end zone.

Building Trust with Your DB Coach: Key Steps to Earn Playing Time and Starting Position

As players in the secondary, our first pursuit is playing time and the starting position. To do this, we must earn favor with our coaches. By favor, I don’t mean becoming his pet, but that might be what happens if you follow the steps I will lay out for you in this article.

As with any meaningful relationship in your life, trust is at the top. You wouldn’t trust your girlfriend if she never answered your calls when she went out with her friends. You will not trust your dog if every time you let him outside, he ran down the street. With this in mind, for you to get playing time or a starting position, your coach will need to trust you. Here are four ways you can build trust with your DB coach.

Pay attention in meetings

This one seems simple but can be very hard to do. We all know that meetings can get boring and can seem to repeat the same things over and over. However, this does not relieve you from the responsibility of paying attention in those meetings. A lot of times, those things being repeated over and over have been ignored by you over and over. When your coach has repeated things many times, and you repeatedly get them wrong on the field, he has little reason to play you in the game to see if you will get it right then.

You should enter every meeting with a goal in mind. That goal should focus on learning something new. Or, at the very least, gaining a new understanding of something you may have thought you knew. This requires intentional action and it would be best to write it down. So if you keep a notebook, and you should, write at the top of the page where you take your notes what the goal should be. So for instance, if you are a cornerback and the meeting is discussing quarters coverage, you could put in the goal for the meeting that you want to know what the linebacker’s responsibility is in quarters coverage. Doing this will keep you attentive in meetings and trust me, your coach will notice. Add to that, when you ask questions in the meeting, it adds to the fact that you are indeed paying attention.

Study film

If you have spent any amount of time on this blog reading articles, you know that I am big on this. Aside from the personal benefits you will receive as a player by watching film, doing this will build trust with your coach. Your coach knows that success for his players on the field starts with knowing what his opponent is trying to do to him. If you show interest in this very key element of your success, your coach will feel comfortable that you are a person who will have success. Your success means the whole unit’s success and in turn means the coach’s success. If your actions will bring the Coach success then he will have no choice but to trust you. Make it a point to study game film and as a side note, ask questions about things you’ve seen on film or even point them out to your coach. This will definitely let him know that you are studying the game.

Look at him when he is teaching.

In my book, 101 DB Tips, I speak a little more in-depth on this. Looking at your coach while he is giving instruction is highly underrated. The truth of the matter is that you listen with your eyes. I mean what I just said. It is very difficult to divide your senses. Attempting to look at one thing while listening intently to another is difficult. I am not saying that it’s impossible, but I am saying that it is more likely than not that you will miss important information.

I can assure you that no coach likes speaking to a player or a group of players and having them look elsewhere. It is an indication to the coach that what is being said to the player is not all that important to him. If what the coach is saying is not that important to the player then on game day the player’s playing time won’t be that important to the coach. The only time it benefits you to not look at the coach while he is talking is in a game when he is yelling something out to you from the sidelines as the ball is getting ready to be snapped. Every time outside of that, give your eyes to your coach when he is speaking to you. It will go a long way in him trusting that what he said to you was understood.

Be where you are supposed to be

This one is obvious but is not always achieved. The truth of the matter is that if you do the first three things that I mentioned in this article, you will most likely achieve this fourth one. However, do not take this one for granted.

Being where you are supposed to be does not just involve on the practice or game field. If you are supposed to be in the weight room at a certain time, then be in the weight room at that time. If you are supposed to be in class, be in class. If you are supposed to be in study hall, be in study hall.

If your girlfriend told you she was going to your grandmother‘s house and instead, she ended up at a concert, I am certain that your trust in her would diminish. Just like a safety is supposed to be in the post in cover three, so too should you be in the weight room, on the field, or in the classroom at the times you were instructed to be. Whether you know this or not, your coach is nervous on game day. It takes a lot for him to believe in what another person is going to do out on the field. You can make him believe by following the steps and doing the things I have outlined in this article. As I always say, consistency breeds results. It turns out that it also builds trust.

5 Things NFL Scouts Look For in Safeties

As the heartbeat of a defense, safeties play a pivotal role in the game of football. Their ability to read plays, cover ground, and deliver bone-crushing hits can turn the tide of a game in an instant. But what exactly are NFL scouts searching for when evaluating college safeties? Let’s dive into the playbook and uncover the key attributes and skills that catch the eyes of NFL talent evaluators.

1. Coverage Skills

In today’s pass-heavy NFL, safeties must excel in coverage. Scouts closely scrutinize a safety’s ability to blanket receivers, tight ends, and running backs in both man-to-man and zone coverage schemes. They look for safeties with fluid hips, quick change-of-direction ability, and exceptional instincts to diagnose plays and break on the ball. Whether it’s tracking deep routes, covering slot receivers, or matching up against speedy tight ends, a safety’s coverage skills are paramount.

2. Ball Skills and Playmaking Ability

The best safeties possess a nose for the football and a knack for creating turnovers. NFL scouts value safeties who can highpoint passes, make acrobatic interceptions, and jar the ball loose with bone-jarring hits. Playmaking safeties not only disrupt passing lanes but also capitalize on opportunities to swing the momentum in their team’s favor. Whether it’s intercepting a pass in the end zone or forcing a crucial fumble, safeties who make game-changing plays are highly coveted by NFL teams.

3. Tackling and Run Support

In addition to their coverage responsibilities, safeties must be willing and able tacklers in the run game. NFL scouts assess a safety’s tackling technique, form, and physicality when diagnosing running plays and attacking ball carriers. Safeties who can fill alleys with aggression, shed blocks, and wrap up securely are valued for their ability to limit gains and set the tone for their defense. Versatility is key, as safeties must be able to seamlessly transition from coverage to run support based on the flow of the game.

4. Football IQ and Communication Skills

Safeties serve as the quarterbacks of the defense, responsible for aligning teammates, making pre-snap adjustments, and communicating coverage responsibilities. NFL scouts seek safeties with high football IQs, who demonstrate a deep understanding of offensive concepts, route combinations, and situational football. Leadership qualities, on-field awareness, and the ability to command the secondary are essential intangibles that elevate a safety’s draft stock.

5. Athleticism and Versatility

In today’s NFL, safeties are asked to wear many hats, from covering slot receivers to blitzing off the edge to lining up as a pseudo-linebacker in sub-packages. Scouts value safeties with elite athleticism, versatility, and positional flexibility to thrive in various roles within the defense. Whether it’s matching up against speedsters in coverage or flying downhill to stuff the run, safeties who can impact the game in multiple ways are highly coveted by NFL teams.

Conclusion: Blueprint for Success

In conclusion, NFL scouts seek college safeties who possess a rare combination of coverage skills, ball-hawking ability, tackling prowess, football IQ, and athleticism. Safeties who excel in coverage, make game-changing plays, provide stout run support, communicate effectively, and showcase versatility are the blueprint for success at the next level. As college safeties aspire to make their mark in the NFL, honing these key attributes and skills will undoubtedly catch the eyes of talent evaluators and pave the way for a successful transition to the highest level of the game.

5 Reasons Why Darrelle Revis Was a Shutdown Cornerback

Taking a look at the elements that made Revis one of the games’ best

In the world of shut down cornerbacks, one of the top names that stands out is Darrelle Revis. Known for his legendary lockdown defense, he earned the nickname “Revis Island” because he left opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers stranded without hope. But what was it about Darrelle Revis that made him so incredible as a man-to-man cornerback? Let’s dive into the secrets behind his success, in terms that young cornerbacks can understand.

Elite Technique and Footwork

At the core of Revis’s mastery was his impeccable technique and footwork. His ability to mirror the movements of receivers with fluidity and precision was unparalleled. Whether backpedaling, shuffling, or breaking on the ball, Revis displayed textbook form, rarely allowing separation. His footwork was the foundation upon which his entire game rested, enabling him to stick to receivers like glue and disrupt passing lanes with ease.

At the core of his technique was an ease at which he moved.  In studying Revis you will recognize that he never panicked.  Whether it was a sudden move off of the line of scrimmage by a wide receiver or even being a couple of steps behind them on a deep ball,  Revis kept his composure.  This type of mindset typically comes from knowing what to do in every situation.  Think about your life.  Do you panic in situations that you know how to handle?  Revis seemingly always knew what to do.

Physicality and Press Coverage Prowess

Revis was a physical specimen, blessed with the strength and athleticism to excel in press coverage. His jam at the line of scrimmage was a thing of beauty, disrupting the timing of routes and frustrating opposing receivers from the outset. Few dared to challenge him in one-on-one matchups, as he possessed the rare combination of size, speed, and aggression necessary to dominate at the line and throughout the route.

His solid frame and underrated strength would surprise opponents when they first went up against him.  Over time, it would cause receivers to move out of character.  His ability to control routes when he got his hands on made receivers go all out to avoid contact.  This works in favor of the defensive back and Revis took full advantage.  This is an indication to you cornerbacks that you should not avoid the weight room.  A strong jam changes a receiver’s character.

Instincts and Football IQ

Beyond his physical gifts, Revis possessed a keen football IQ and instincts that bordered on clairvoyant. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate routes, jump passing lanes, and break up plays before they even had a chance to develop. His film study and understanding of opposing offenses allowed him to outsmart quarterbacks and receivers alike, positioning himself perfectly to make game-changing plays.

Revis was known to keep a book on his opponents. You can not be elite at anything if you don’t take the time to truly study it. A defensive back that can anticipate is one that can beat his opponent to the spot.  In a game that moves as fast as football does,  anticipation and getting their first holds great importance.  Revis made this a habit through his studying.

Recovery Speed and Closing Burst

Even when receivers managed to gain a step on him, Revis possessed the recovery speed and closing burst to erase any separation in the blink of an eye. His explosive acceleration enabled him to close gaps and contest passes with remarkable timing, often turning potential receptions into incompletions or interceptions. His recovery speed served as a safety net, instilling fear in quarterbacks who dared to test him deep.

While Revis was not looked upon as one of the fastest DBs in the games’ history or of his time,  it should be noted that he ran a 4.3 forty at his pro day in college.  His sneaky speed allow him to make up for mistakes in the rare times when they occurred. Athleticism is a gift for defensive backs when they put to use all of the other tools that make them great.  Revis was a standout basketball player in high school.  Multi-sport athletes tend to fare well in the NFL.

Mental Toughness and Competitive Fire

Perhaps most importantly, Revis embodied the epitome of mental toughness and competitive fire. He approached every snap with a relentless determination to dominate his opponent, refusing to back down from any challenge. His unwavering confidence and swagger exuded a palpable aura of dominance, inspiring fear in those who lined up across from him and commanding respect from teammates and opponents alike.

When all is said and done,  your mindset is what carries you.  Revis had the mindset of domination.  From putting in the physical work to applying the mental principles,  Revis would not back down when the competition began.  During his time in the NFL he took on some of the finest that played the game including Hall of Famers Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson.  Despite being 5 inches shorter than these opponents,  Revis gave them all they can handle.  This only comes from being a big time competitor.

In conclusion. Darrelle Revis’s greatness as a man-to-man cornerback stemmed from a combination of elite technique, physicality, instincts, and mental toughness. His dominance on “Revis Island” remains a testament to his unparalleled skill set and relentless work ethic. As football fans, we were privileged to witness the brilliance of a true master of his craft, leaving an enduring legacy that will be revered for generations to come.

As a DB, Ground Contact is Your Friend

This Key Element Will Unlock Your DB Potential

By: Chad Wilson – All Eyes DB Camp

Imagine playing a position on the football field where every move feels unnatural, where agility and speed are not just assets but essential skills. That’s the world of a defensive back. The demands of covering elusive receivers while backpedaling or shuffling sideways make it one of the most challenging positions in football. In this article, we’ll explore a key element of footwork that can make the life of a defensive back a little easier.

Consider any sport you’ve watched. How many positions require you to move swiftly backward or turn sideways while maintaining top speed? For defensive backs, this is the norm, and mastering these movements is crucial for success.

Whether it’s a rookie or someone transitioning from another position, one of the most common challenges faced by defensive backs is footwork speed. Reacting quickly to sudden moves by receivers while backpedaling or running sideways demands both speed and proper technique.

When we talk about speed, we have to talk about ground contact. Just like in track sprinting, minimizing ground contact time is essential. Backpedaling as a defensive back requires quick, light steps to maintain agility and responsiveness.

New defensive backs often make the mistake of overusing their arms and lifting their heels too high off the ground, increasing ground contact time and delaying their reactions. Shortening the steps and keeping a foot closer to the ground allows for quicker reactions to receiver movements.

The same principle applies to shuffling and kick sliding. Long, dragging steps only slow down reaction time. Remember the saying, “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” This mentality is crucial for defensive backs, especially when it comes to footwork.

Whether you’re backpedaling, flipping your hips, shuffling, or kick sliding, shorter steps are key to staying responsive. A foot close to the ground is a foot ready to react, while a foot high off the ground is a foot that will lag behind.

So, as you head out to train your defensive back footwork, keep this in mind: shorter, quicker steps lead to better responsiveness. And while it’s important to sprint with full speed when tracking receivers downfield, mastering these defensive back movements requires a focus on maintaining ground contact.

For more invaluable defensive back tips, consider picking up a copy of “101 DB Tips.” This comprehensive guide is packed with insights that will undoubtedly elevate your game in no time.  Click here to Get 101 DB Tips

Top 10 Fastest Defensive Backs in NFL History

With the recent passing of the NFL Combine and all of the hoopla surrounding the 40-yard dash, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on some of the fastest defensive backs that have suited up to play in the NFL.

While any top 10 list can be debated and there are certainly several factors that go into gauging speed, I have compiled this list to display players according to their 40-yard dash times. The data used for this list is based on the article on Gridironstuds.com, one of the most widely read articles on the internet pertaining to this topic.

With that in mind, here are the top 10 fastest defensive backs in NFL history:

#10 James Williams (Buffalo Bills) – 4.29

James Williams was a first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1990 after a standout career as a Fresno State Bulldog in college. Williams was known for his aggressive bump-and-run coverage both in college and as a professional. He was also known for having great speed. Upon coming out for the 1990 NFL Draft, Williams blazed a 4.29 40, impressing scouts and no doubt catapulting him up the draft ranks. In his four seasons as a Bill, Williams and Nate Odom combined to be a formidable cornerback duo that played a solid part in the Bills getting to four straight Super Bowls.

#9 DeMarcus Van Dyke (Oakland Raiders) – 4.28

DeMarcus Van Dyke spent seven years in the NFL playing for various teams. He was a third-round selection by the Oakland Raiders after a solid college career at the University of Miami. Over the years, the Miami Hurricanes have produced many speed demons, and Van Dyke may be at the top of them. While at the University of Miami, Van Dyke posted top times of 6.81 seconds in the 60m and 10.61 in the 100 meters. At the 2011 NFL Combine, Van Dyke wowed all in attendance with his 4.28 time in the 40-yard dash. Van Dyke’s blistering time caught the attention of the Raiders, as they have historically been known to acquire speed on their rosters. He would go on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons before retiring in 2016.

#8 Champ Bailey (Washington Redskins) – 4.28

Champ Bailey is another defensive back with a long list of accolades, including the highest honor of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His play on the NFL gridiron is legendary. In his career, he grabbed 52 interceptions and defended 203 passes. There’s no doubt that his physical skills played a big part in his on-field success. He competed in track while in college at the University of Georgia. He recorded a best time of 6.85 seconds in the 60m dash. He was also a standout long jumper. All of this led to his outstanding performance at the 1999 NFL Combine at which he ran a 4.28 40-yard dash. Speed and production as a Georgia Bulldog led to Bailey being the seventh overall pick by the Washington Redskins in the 1995 NFL Draft.

#7 Rod Woodson (Pittsburgh Steelers) – 4.28

Rod Woodson’s NFL career as a defensive back stands as one of the best ever. His accolade list is long, and we won’t go into it in this article. Just know that he is near the top of the all-time NFL career interception list with 71 and he is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, in terms of speed, it should be noted that Woodson was a standout track performer at Purdue University, where he attended college. Woodson posted top times of 7.61 in the 60m hurdles, 6.70 in the 60m, 10.26 in the 100m, and 13.29 in the 110m hurdles. Woodson also qualified for the Olympic trials in 1984 for the 110m hurdles. He also held the NCAA 60m hurdles record for 10 years. However, it was Woodson’s 4.28 40-yard dash that dazzled scouts and turned him into the overall selection in the 1987 NFL draft. Woodson would also go on to compete several times in the NFL’s fastest man competition.

#6 D.J. Turner (Cincinnati Bengals) – 4.26

DJ Turner was a second-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2023 NFL Draft. Turner represents a new era of athletes who have mastered running the 40-yard dash. His seemingly effortless 4.26 time at the 2023 NFL Combine opened up eyes and lifted him up the draft boards. His athletic talents and speed are highly coveted in today’s game as offenses provide new challenges in the passing game for defenses. Turner enjoyed a solid rookie season in 2023 with 50 tackles, seven pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.

#5 Tariq Woolen (Seattle Seahawks) – 4.26

Tariq Woolen’s size and speed combo are unlike anything that has been seen in the NFL before. He is not the first NFL defensive back to run a sub-4.3 forty-yard dash. However, he is the first to do so while standing at 6‘4“ tall. Woolen began his college football career as a wide receiver before moving to defense in his redshirt sophomore year. He enjoyed a humble five-year career at UTSA. When Woolen checked in at the NFL Combine at 6‘4“ tall weighing 205 pounds, he grabbed the attention of many when he proceeded to run the 40-yard dash in 4.26 seconds; all eyes were on him. Perhaps thought of as a potential undrafted free agent going into the combine, Woolen upped his profile and ended up becoming a fifth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks. He would parlay that into an outstanding rookie season with six interceptions, including a pick-six, and 16 passes defensed.

#4 Sam Shields (Green Bay Packers) – 4.25

Shields is the second former Miami Hurricane to appear on this list. He enjoyed a nine-year NFL career despite going undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft. Shields was an athletic player with many talents while in college, but he was also a player without a position. While at the University of Miami, he spent time on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and cornerback. Well known for his speed, Shields had a personal best time of 10.47 in the 100m dash. Upon declaring for the NFL Draft, Shields had scouts rechecking their watches when he came through the line in a time of 4.25 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Shields would parlay his athletic skill into 19 career interceptions as a pro and a Super Bowl ring with the Green Bay Packers.

#3 Ike Taylor (Pittsburgh Steelers) – 4.25

Perhaps you would not have expected to see this name this high up on the list. Taylor is not a well-known defensive back for youngsters who make up the NFL fan base. However, Taylor is one of the fastest players to have played in the league. Taylor was a fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2003 NFL draft. He did not have an illustrious college career. He started off as a running back and was eventually moved to cornerback in his senior season at Louisiana Lafayette. Though he

did not record an interception in that season, Taylor did not allow an opponent to catch a pass while in man coverage. He was not highly thought of coming out, but when he ran a 4.25 40-yard dash, the Steelers paid attention. Despite heavy criticism for selecting Taylor, an inexperienced player at the position, the Steelers enjoyed 12 years of Taylor’s service at cornerback. He would be a solid part of some of the best defenses in the era and captured a pair of Super Bowl victories during his career.

#2 Deion Sanders (Atlanta Falcons) – 4.21

I’m not sure what’s more legendary, Prime Time’s play on the field or the tales of his speed. There was the time at Florida State that Sanders played in a baseball game, headed over to the track, and ran the relay in baseball pants before heading back over to the diamond for a second game of a doubleheader. Sanders, who has been quoted as saying he can run a 4.3 for breakfast, ran one of the most legendary 40-yard dashes in combine history. It was well known that Sanders could run. He had a personal best of 10.21 in the 100 meters while at Florida State. At the combine, he would blaze through the line at 4.21 and continue out of the building telling all in attendance he would see them on draft day. During his Hall of Fame NFL career, Sanders would put his speed on display countless times. It was high-stepping with pick-sixes for seemingly half the field or running down 4.3 speedsters like Don Beebe on special teams. Prime Time’s speed was always in your face. He is considered one of the best athletes to have ever played professional sports.

#1 Darrell Green (Washington Redskins) – 4.15

There is football speed, and then there is what Darrell Green had. Green was perhaps the fastest player to ever play in the NFL. His run-downs were legendary. Hall of Fame running backs Tony Dorsett and Eric Dickerson, both speedsters in their own right, were victims. Green posted a top time of 10.08 in the 100m while in college at Texas A&M – Kingsville. He also posted times of 20.50 in the 200m and 45.90 in the 400m. He also once defeated track and field Hall of Famer Carl Lewis in a 100m dash. Green’s 20-year Pro Football Hall of Fame career was spent entirely in Washington, playing for the Redskins. He was a big part of the Redskins’ success in the 80s and 90s. During this time, he was a two-time Super Bowl champion. Green also entered into the NFL’s fastest man competition four times during his career. He never lost in that competition. Coming out of college, Green ran a 4.15 forty-yard dash and solidified himself as a first-round pick. He was taken 28th overall by the Redskins in 1983. In the year 2000, as a 40-year-old NFL vet, Green came to camp and ran a 4.3 forty-yard dash for the coaching staff. It will be a long time before we find another Darrell Green when it comes to speed.

I hope you guys enjoyed this list. I am sure some of it is debatable, but when it comes to numbers one and two on this list, there is no real debate. For reference on some of the top 40-yard dash times that have ever been run by any player from any position, check out the article on Gridironstuds.com by clicking here.

Off Season Film Study 101

When the season is over and you begin preparation for the next one, you can’t ignore film study as a part of the process. In this article, I will discuss a few factors that need to be explored when you are entering into your off-season film study.

Studying Yourself

I put this one first because it is the most important. Often times, defensive backs, when getting into off-season film study, immediately go to looking at potential opponents. However, your road to improvement over last season starts by studying yourself.

Go back and rewatch a minimum of four or five of your games from last season. Carefully study yourself on film. As you watch your movements, ask yourself what things you can improve on. There’s no way that you won’t have a list of things ready.

A big part of your off-season training, both in the weight room and on the field, should involve a lot of what you observed of yourself on film. Also, examine how well you played within the defense. Were you solid on all the coverages your team ran? Chances are you weren’t. Improving upon this means you are going to have to gain a better understanding of how the defense works. This doesn’t just solely mean your responsibilities. This means how well do you know what everyone else around you is supposed to do as you are playing. Football is the ultimate team game, and true playmakers understand everything that’s going on around them.

Studying Opponents

After you have done your due diligence on studying yourself and seeing where you need to improve, it’s now time to study your opponents. At every level in football, there are standard opponents that you will face every year. These are teams that are in your league or division. These teams are the ones that you need to understand the most since games against them are of the utmost importance.

Take note of what are their bread-and-butter plays. If the quarterback is returning for the next season, it’s time to get a good read on what his tendencies are. Spend an entire off-season developing a deep understanding of what he does out there. Sometimes the studies uncover some things that you can take to the bank. One season, while I was coaching, I discovered that a quarterback that we were going to face could only throw to his right. Needless to say, that paid huge dividends when we faced him the next season.

When studying your potential opponents for next season, it is important that you take notes. Don’t trust your memory while you are watching film. You will forget things and could potentially waste your time. Pull out a pen, pad, or iPad and jot down notes during each film session. Spend some time going over those notes, and you will imprint them into your brain. When the game versus those opponents comes up the following season, your film study will become that much easier.

Watching Games

Spend some time watching games that were played on TV last season. I am talking about college football and NFL games. This goes for players at all levels, NFL included. Chances are when you watched the game originally, you did so as a fan. Now you will watch the game as a player/coach.

Spend some time analyzing the offenses. Start asking yourself questions about how and why they do the things they do. The formations, splits by the wide receivers, and the downs plus distance. What did those things mean to the plays that were run? You’d be surprised how much you can pick up about how offenses work just by doing this in the off-season.

Top Players at Your Position

In this unprecedented time of access to things like YouTube, there’s no reason why you can’t spend time studying people who are where you want to be.

During this off-season, check out 3 to 5 of the top players at your position. Figure out why they are so good at what they do. Perhaps they have exceptional physical skills. However, players at the top of their game are not there simply because of their physical assets. Most top players in any sport have either exceptional technique or IQ or both. Make it a point to try and duplicate the elements of their success during your off-season training.

Conclusion

Your off-season training is not going to only be about physical improvement. 80% of this game is mental. If you don’t spend a good portion of your time in the off-season improving mentally as a defensive back, then you will most likely fall short of your goals in the new season that is to come. Film study is not only an exercise for the in-sseason. Those who engage in it in the off-season benefit greatly.

3 Common Mistakes in Press Man and How to Fix Them

By: Chad Wilson
All Eyes DB Camp

Press man coverage has become an essential skill for defensive backs looking to excel in the secondary. It involves a certain array of physical skills, but more so it requires consistent technique to be good at it.

In this article, we will examine three common mistakes that defensive backs make in press coverage and how to correct them.

Eyes in the Wrong Place

As defensive backs, we win with our eyes whether we are playing zone or man coverage. Having your eyes in the wrong place while playing press is basically a recipe for failure. From the start, a defensive back should be focused on having his eyes on the hips of the wide receiver.

Many defensive backs will not hone in on this detail and align with their eyes looking at either the chest or the face of the receiver they are covering. Doing this will cause you to overreact to the moves the receiver makes coming off the ball. A defensive back with his eyes high in press man is a defensive back that will get fooled.

Make it a point to lock your eyes onto the receiver’s hips when you align. Furthermore, you need to keep your eyes there once the ball is snapped and the receiver moves. If you are struggling with keeping your eyes on the hips after the ball is snapped, try looking at the receiver’s feet from the beginning. For some defensive backs, this is necessary as they have a normal reaction to pick their head up once the ball is snapped. If this is you, it may help you to start with your eyes on his feet, and then your normal reaction of picking your head up will bring your eyes to his hips where they need to be. Yes, this may seem awkward to some, but amazingly it works for many.

Splitting Feet at the Line

Watch defensive backs playing press man coverage and you have undoubtedly noticed defensive backs jumping at the snap of the ball and splitting their feet open. This is a common error made in press man coverage.

Typically, this comes from two things. First, the defensive back’s eyes are in the wrong place, focusing on the receiver’s shoulders or face. Second, the defensive back is aligned too close to the receiver. When either or both of these things are happening, there will be an overreaction to any move by the wide receiver. For many, that overreaction is moving both feet simultaneously in an effort to defend both an inside or outside move by the receiver. What ends up happening is a defensive back with his feet outside of his base, with no balance or force to move with the receiver as he exits the line of scrimmage. This could lead to him stumbling at the line or ending up in a trail position immediately. Needless to say, neither one of those things is in the defensive back’s favor.

To correct this common error, make it a focus to have your eyes in the right place as you align. Second, align far enough off the wide receiver to have a normal reaction to his first move while also being close enough to either strike him or move him off the straight line he wants to run on. I recommend starting with aligning a yard and a half off the receiver. From there, you can make your adjustments. Be consistent in where you align so you can have consistent results.

Opening the Gate

This is perhaps the most common press coverage mistake made by defensive backs, especially young ones. This mistake is born out of fear. The defensive back either fears the speed of the receiver he is covering, or he fears that his technique is not adequate enough to cover the man.

So instead of making an effort to cut the receiver off or jam him at the line, the defensive back will open up right away, in an effort to prepare himself to run deep with the receiver. The problem with this is that not only does this not work when the route is short or intermediate, it’s also ineffective versus deep routes. When you open the gate, you turn the route into a track meet. So if the receiver is faster than you, you are playing into his hands, and he will likely win on the deep route. Furthermore, you are leaving more space for him to track and catch the ball in bounds on a route. The truth of the matter is that the job of the wide receiver is to get your hips opened and your shoulders turned. The sooner you do that, the better for him.

Fixing this problem is going to require some work from you. You will need to spend some time working on proper pressman techniques. This ranges from training your eyes to learning a proper kick slide to learning proper motor and mirror techniques if that’s what you want to use. Either way, developing the proper technique will prevent you from being an “open the gate” guy. Open the gate guys are very inconsistent in press, so there is no long-term future in making this your main technique.

In Conclusion

There are other mistakes that are made when in press coverage. It is one of the more difficult things that a defensive back must do. However, these are the most common of those mistakes. Eliminating them from your game puts you on the path to being a solid pressman corner and one that can be relied upon by his coaches and teammates.

For more information on press coverage and being consistent as a defender, check out my book “101 DB Tips”. It has over 100 of the best DB tips you’ll find anywhere and will undoubtedly improve your technique in all areas of playing defensive back. Click here to order your copy.

3 Things You Can’t Ignore When Playing Press Man Coverage

By: Chad Wilson
Owner: All Eyes DB Camp

Nowadays, playing press man coverage is a must for cornerbacks at virtually all levels. Being good at press involves some athletic attributes that are key, however, it is your mental approach that will bring you the most success.

In this article, I will break down for you three very important elements that all defensive backs should have foremost on their mind when they lineup in press coverage.

Aside from the basics that a player should know like down, distance and formation, here are the important things that a DB playing press should be aware of: 

Depth

One of the more common mistakes the defensive backs make is not paying attention to this detail. How far away you lineup from the receiver can be everything in the rep. Aligning too close can cause you to make a misstep off the first move. Often times,  defensive backs will panic if they are too close and the first move by the wide receiver is sudden or explosive. Find your comfortable depth off of a receiver so that your first steps can be smooth and under control. You can adjust this depth based on the technique you are going to use or the type of player you are facing. 

I often use baseball analogies when teaching defensive backs. In this particular case, I speak of a batter in the batter’s box. If you are facing a picture with a really good fastball, you would move to the back of the batter’s box. You would need to give yourself that extra amount of time to see the fastball and make contact with it. if you were facing a slower picture with a good breaking ball, you would most likely move yourself up in the batter’s box to try and make contact with the curveball before it fell over the plate. Similarly, you would need to know your depth and be consistent with it in press man. You cannot take this detail for granted.

Leverage

Simply put, leverage is your shaded alignment on the wide receiver. This could be head up, inside or outside. Different coverages call for different types of leverage. For instance, two man coverage requires a defense back to have inside leverage. Cover one requires outside leverage in most cases.

Being unaware of your required leverage is a sin. Leverages are designed to allow you to get the most from your help on a particular play. Your help can come in the form of another player on your team, the sideline, the end line or an all out blitz. Knowing the coverage and the required leverage to take advantage of the help you have is of the utmost importance.

Aligning without the proper leverage is suicide and could land you on the bench. So along with knowing how far you should align off of a receiver, understanding your position from left to right on a receiver when you align is equally as important.

Eyes

After aligning at the proper depth and making sure you have the proper shade (leverage) against the receiver, now it’s time to place the eyes in the proper place.

Having your eyes where they are supposed to be will take a conscious effort, especially if you are a younger player. The natural tendency will be to look into the face of the receiver you are covering.

The higher your eyes are when you align on the receiver, the more likely you will be fooled by him. A receiver can betray you with head and shoulder movements. It is more difficult for him to move his waist in an explosive manner that would fool you. For this reason, it is best and highly recommended that defensive backs focus their eyes on a small part of the receiver’s waist.

This limits your ability to be fooled by sudden moves at the snap of the ball.  This also puts you in better position to mirror a receiver’s moves or get hands on him as he tries to exit the line of scrimmage.

The placement of your eyes needs to be a consistent thing. Definitely add it to your pre-snap checklist.  If you need to say it to yourself in the beginning out loud, then do so because it is that important. You couldn’t play this position if you were blind. So, if that is the case, your eyes in the right spot should be of utmost importance to you.

You do not want to lineup in front of a wide receiver in a press man situation with too many things on your mind. Having these three things present in your mind: depth, leverage and eye placement will set you up for success. Take any of these things for granted and there’s a really good chance that you will meet failure. If you add too much to your pre-snap checklist will overwhelm you.  This too will lead to failure. Make these three things your focus and watch your press man reps improve dramatically.

For more info, drills and analysis on press man coverage, check out the All Eyes Db Camp members area.

Speed Up Your Breaks with this Top of the Route DB Drill

As defensive backs, we know that a big part of our game is changing direction. The elite ones are able to do this and do it quickly. In the drill that I’m introducing and analyzing for you today we are speeding up our feet and learning how to get out of our brakes with maximum efficiency.

The focus of this “top of the route drill” is to get your feet properly positioned on the break when a change of direction is required. What we are mimicking here can be two things. First, is a situation when you are playing off of a wide receiver, and he has broken your cushion causing you to open, but then breaks his route off requiring you to react to that. We are also simulating a situation where you may be running down the field with a wide receiver in press, and he breaks his route off. Either way,  you must get your feet down quickly and redirect your body into the direction of the wide receiver.

This top of the route drill gets the defensive backs hips opened and running at a decent rate of speed similar to what they would be doing in a game situation. Then on the queue of the coach/trainer, the defensive back must execute a break and change direction.  Of course, all of this is simulated as there is no actual Wide Reciever in the drill.

Here are the points of emphasis:

  • Upper body control with front shoulder down
  • Eyes locked in the right place. In this case on the imaginary wide receiver’s hip.
  • Planting our feet within our circle, (under our hips)
  • Driving our eyes to towards the receiver for at least two steps before looking for the ball

You will notice the use of a lacrosse ball in this drill. The lacrosse ball is used to have the players focus on a smaller item and improve their hand eye coordination. This does wonders to increase their focus and translates to when they are catching a real football.

Drill set up:

  • Five cones are used in the drill
  • Four cones form a box that is 5 yards on each side.
  • The fifth cone is put in the middle of the box
  • The player starts in a balanced stance at the lower corner of the box.
  • On the trainers queue, he opens his hips and runs at a 45° angle to the middle cone.
  • On the trainers verbal queue, he will flip his hips to the cone at the top of the box.
  • On the trainers final queue he will plant and drive downhill from the cone at the top of the box back down to the Cone where he originally started.
  • For two steps, he will drive his eyes to the cone at the original starting point.
  • After the two steps, he will look for the incoming lacrosse ball and execute the catch.

When you have a large group, you can increase the amount of reps by splitting the number of players in half. 1/2 is on the left side. The other half is on the right side. From there you run the drill on both sides. First a player from the left side goes then a player from the right side goes. This increases the amount of reps, as well as the learning.

Check out the video below as it shows multiple reps with the players executing the break at the top cone.

For more great drill videos like this one along with coverage breakdowns, explanations and more,  check out the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.

 

 

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