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6 Ways to Boost Your Interception Total Now

If you play defensive back then you are definitely always looking for ways to get your hands on the football more and let’s be honest,  by getting your hands on we mean interceptions.  Some may think interceptions are about luck but since I don’t believe in luck,  I am going to give you six deliberate things you can do to grab more interceptions this upcoming season.

1 – Study the opposing team’s offense

Before the game, watch film to understand the tendencies of the opposing team’s offense. This can help you anticipate routes and better position yourself to make a play on the ball. Study things like the wide receiver splits and releases. Things like that mean something. Receivers don’t just go and line up wherever they want. There are specific places where they are going to line up to run specific routes on certain plays. It is in your best interest to know that. Also make a habit of studying the quarterback. Quarterbacks are constantly seeking comfort. This means they are going to have some tendencies and habits that are hard to break. Find those habits and use them to give you clues on what may be coming.

2 – Improve your footwork

Good footwork is essential for a defensive back to keep up with the receiver and make plays on the ball. Focus on improving your agility and quickness. I have an article on this blog in titled speed is something, but it’s not everything. Efficient movement as a defensive back is a premium skill. While it’s good to have straight line speed, if it does not come along with the ability to change direction, then it’s really not that much of an asset. Don’t rely solely on speed. Definitely put in the time and effort to develop your foot work,  change of direction and efficiency in the most used defensive back moves. Check out this article here for more information on what the major defensive back moves are.

3 – Develop good instincts

Anticipate where the ball is going and be ready to make a play on it. React quickly to the quarterback’s movements and the receiver’s route to make a play on the ball. The development of good instincts comes from film study and practice/training. This means you’re going to have to put some time in but just know that the time put in pays off when you are in the games and know what’s coming before it happens. It is a tremendous feeling as a defensive back to know that something’s coming and actually have it happen. When it does happen, don’t doubt it. See it, believe it, and go!

4 – Work on your timing

Timing is crucial for making interceptions. Learn to jump at the right time to get to the ball and disrupt the receiver’s catch. Practice with a teammate or coach to get a feel for the timing required. This is also a skill that is developed through time and practice. However, it is one that you should not ignore as you are training. Being able to break at the precise time, shoot your hands on a jam at the right time or throw a hand in-between a receiver’s hand to break up passes is a very valuable skill. Check out this video that I made on breaking up passes.

5 – Stay focused

Pay attention to the game and stay focused on your assignment. Don’t get distracted by the crowd or the other players on the field. It is very easy to get mesmerized by top players that you are facing. Don’t ever put a wide receiver or a quarterback on a pedestal. If you’ve put in the work then your opponent has to earn whatever they get against you. They won’t just get their yards and touchdowns simply because of who they are. So have no fear of an opponent when you lineup.  Also, when you are playing defensive back, what people in the stands who don’t have the ability to do what you do think should have no bearing on how you play. Don’t spend one second worrying about what they are going to think about anything that you do out on the field. Your sole focus should be on your performance and getting your job done. What anyone in the stands or viewing the game thinks about it should have nothing to do with you. You are the one trained to do the work that you’re doing and you are the one who has put in all of the time,  not them.

6 – Communicate with your teammates

Let your teammates know what you see and hear on the field. This can help you work together to make a play on the ball. This is a very underrated part of the game. The biggest difference between professionals, and those in the categories below them is communication when they are out on the field. If you’ve ever had the chance to attend an NFL practice, one thing that will stand out is the communication that occurs on the defensive side of the ball. Most notably, that communication is happening in the backend amongst the defense of backs. Safeties must talk to corners and corners must talk to safeties. The better the communication, the better the success. Understand your role in each coverage, but also understand the role of those who are around you. I go more in depth about communication in the secondary in this article.

So now you have six solid ways for you to increase your play making ability when your next season comes. Follow the steps and work on developing them both during your off-season and in season. There is no way that you won’t improve your ability to be around the football and thus get more interceptions if you do. 

Basic Tackling Techniques for Defensive Backs

When playing defensive back,  the first thing that comes to mind is covering the pass and not allowing wide receivers to catch the football.  However,  that is only one of the responsibilities that defensive backs are faced with as they play the game.

Defensive backs in football are often tasked with making open-field tackles against fast and elusive offensive players. Proper tackling technique is essential to ensure the safety of the defender and effectively bring the ball carrier down. Here are some of the best tackling techniques for defensive backs:

1 – Breakdown

The defensive back should approach the ball carrier with a balanced stance, and then break down by lowering his center of gravity, getting his feet shoulder-width apart, and slightly bending his knees. This technique enables the defender to maintain balance and react quickly to the ball carrier’s movements.

2 -Track the Hips

The defensive back should focus on the ball carrier’s hips and not get distracted by their head or shoulders. This technique allows the defender to react quickly to changes in direction and avoid being juked or faked out.

3 -Shoulder Tackle

The defensive back should aim to make contact with the ball carrier using his shoulder and drive through the tackle with his legs. This technique allows the defender to generate more force and momentum to bring down the ball carrier.

4 – Wrap-Up

After making contact with the ball carrier, the defensive back should wrap his arms around the ball carrier’s waist and squeeze tightly. This technique prevents the ball carrier from breaking free and allows the defender to bring him down safely.

5 -Head Up

The defensive back should keep his head up during the tackle to avoid any potential head or neck injuries. This technique also allows the defender to see the ball carrier’s movements and react quickly.

6 -Finish the Tackle

Once the ball carrier is wrapped up, the defensive back should drive his legs and finish the tackle by driving the ball carrier backward and to the ground. This technique ensures that the ball carrier is fully contained and cannot break free.

By practicing and mastering these tackling techniques, defensive backs can become more effective at bringing down ball carriers and preventing big plays on defense.

I go more in-depth on tackling in this member’s area post discussing tackling techniques used by NFL teams – DB Technique: Tackling Drills with the Seattle Seahawks

3 Big Mistakes You Are Making in Press Coverage

It’s that time of year again known as camp season. Time to line up and take 1-on-1 rep after 1-on-1 rep. There’s nothing like winning in those situations and if you want to do it consistently,  you’re going to have to avoid these three big mistakes .

Shifty eyes

We all know that we have to have focused eyes in man-to-man coverage. Or at least, I think everyone knows that. If you didn’t know that, you do now. If you are going to win your press man reps at camp or live on actual game days you’re going to need have a pair of focused eyes. There is some small debate about what you should be watching at the line of scrimmage but there’s no debate for me.  Your eyes should be focused on the hips of the wide receiver. What I often see happen though is a player will line up at the line of scrimmage with his eyes on the hips and then the moment the receiver moves, the DB’s eyes rise to the face or chest of the receiver. This starts the process of the defensive back biting on all the hard head and shoulder fakes of the receiver and throws him off course. This is, without a doubt,  the biggest mistake that I see being made in press coverage.  It is important to train your eyes to stay down on the receiver’s hips throughout the duration of the action at the line of scrimmage. It is also important to carry on this discipline up to a certain point during the route.. Whatever the case may be, moving those eyes up at the snap of the ball is a recipe for disaster. Start working on drills that keep your eyes down as you begin to move. I have several in the All Eyes Db Camp Member’s Area.

Opening the Gate

The receivers are looking for room at the line of scrimmage and I see many defensive backs in press coverage being rather generous. Whether it is a lack of coaching, training or trust in their speed, opening the gate is another recipe for disaster. Opening the gate is basically turning your body sideways at the line of scrimmage the moment the receiver moves on the snap of the ball.  Receivers would love to run their routes exactly the way they look in the route tree in the playbook. When you line up in press man coverage, the whole goal is to disrupt that tree.  When you open the gate, you forfeit your chance to be able to do that. Now you have turned it into a track meet that has several possible detours. Wherever those detours may be, you will be the second person out of two to know about it. When you give the wide receiver all the room he wants to make his moves, you can expect him to win more times than not.  Understand that you are in press coverage to disrupt the path of the route.  You do this by moving your feet and using your hands to get the wide receiver off his course.  When you open your shoulders immediately at the line of scrimmage and allow the receiver to accelerate straight off the line, you are setting yourself up for failure. Start working on your discipline with your feet. This will allow you to move your body in front of the receiver and get him off of the straight line he wants to work on. When this happens, he has two choices. He can either continue to try to run away from you which pushes him further off of his course or he has to get close to you in which case you can now use your hands to further disrupt his path. When you open up at the line of scrimmage, you make neither one of those things possible.  Developing a good kick slide will work wonders for you and press man coverage.

Looking at QB Out of the Break

This mistake is especially painful because it can cause a defensive back to lose a rep even when he was in good position for most of it.  While I know most defensive backs in press coverage are in fear of the fade, the truth of the matter is that many routes versus press break off. What I see many defensive backs, both experienced and inexperienced, do is take a peek at the quarterback the moment the receiver makes his break. This hurts for two reasons. First, it slows your acceleration toward the receiver that is getting separation on you.  Most of the time,  that receiver is going to make his break first and then you react.  When you fail to keep your eyes on him and look back at the quarterback, you lose a step or two that you could gain by focusing on him. The second problem that this causes is that it may make you unaware of the fact that the receiver has changed course after the break. The reason why double moves work is because the defensive back on the play sent his eyes to the quarterback too soon. We know that not all routes are in a straight line even after the break. It is in your best interest to focus on the receiver out of the break for at least a step or two before you check to see if the ball is coming. The only time you may be OK and not doing this is if you are in really close contact with the receiver and can have a hand on him to know where he is. Otherwise,  it’s best for you, in your training, to focus on keeping your eyes on the receiver when he makes his breaks. Do this and I can promise that you will be able to get your hand on more balls thrown to your man in press coverage.

Make an effort to attack these three things the next time you are out training and you will see a noticeable difference on how your reps go when you are playing press man coverage. For more in-depth information on drills and techniques to improve your man coverage, check out the All Eyes DB camp Member’s Area.

How to Play Safety in Football

Playing Defensive Back: Tips and Strategies for Cornerbacks and Safeties

If you’re a football player or coach looking to improve your team’s defense, you need to focus on the defensive backfield. The defensive backs, or DBs, are the last line of defense and play a crucial role in preventing big plays and turnovers. In this post, we’ll go over some tips and strategies for playing  safety, one of the most important positions in the defensive backfield.

HOW TO PLAY SAFETY

Safeties, or S, are responsible for covering the deep part of the field and providing help to the cornerbacks. This is a versatile position that requires a mix of speed, strength, and intelligence. Here are some basic tips for playing safety:

Communicate with your Teammates

As a safety, you’re in a unique position to see the entire field. Use this to your advantage by communicating with your teammates and making sure everyone is on the same page. This can help prevent big plays and ensure that everyone knows their assignments.

Play the Ball

As a safety, your primary responsibility is to prevent big plays. This means you need to be able to read the quarterback’s eyes and make a play on the ball when it’s in the air. You should also be able to tackle well in case the receiver makes the catch.

Be Versatile

Safeties need to be versatile and able to play different roles depending on the situation. You may need to blitz, cover a tight end, or provide run support. Make sure you’re comfortable in all these roles and can adjust to the game situation.

Stay Disciplined

One of the biggest challenges for safeties is staying disciplined. It can be tempting to cheat up and try to make a play, but this can leave you vulnerable to deep passes. Make sure you stay back and don’t bite on play fakes.

Summary

Playing defensive back is a challenging but rewarding position. By following these tips and strategies, you can improve your skills and help your team win games. Remember to stay disciplined, communicate with your teammates, and always be ready to make a play on the ball. 

If you really want to reach your full potential as a defensive back then you should own a copy of my critically acclaimed E-book ‘101 DB Tips’.  It is categorized and organized to deliver you the tips you need in a manner that is easy to understand.  It’s a great reference guide to playing or coaching defensive back.  Get your copy here 101 DB Tips

Also,  I have over 200 videos on technique, drills, coverages, training and more in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.  If you looking to become elite,  I highly recommend that you join.

How to Play Cornerback in Football

Playing Defensive Back: Tips and Strategies for Cornerbacks 

If you’re a football player or coach looking to improve your team’s defense, you need to focus on the defensive backfield. The defensive backs, or DBs, are the last line of defense and play a crucial role in preventing big plays and turnovers. In this post, we’ll go over some tips and strategies for playing cornerback and safety, two of the most important positions in the defensive backfield.

HOW TO PLAY CORNERBACK

Cornerbacks, or CBs, are responsible for covering the opposing team’s wide receivers. This is a challenging position that requires speed, agility, and quick reflexes. Here are some tips for playing cornerback:

Stay Low

One of the most important things for a cornerback is to stay low. This will help you maintain your balance and change direction quickly. Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over your feet.

Read the Quarterback’s Eyes

The quarterback’s eyes can give away where he’s going to throw the ball. Watch his eyes and try to anticipate where the ball is going. This will give you a better chance of making a play on the ball.

Play Press Coverage

Press coverage involves getting up close and personal with the receiver and trying to disrupt his route. This can be an effective strategy, but it requires good technique and physicality. You need to be able to use your hands to jam the receiver at the line of scrimmage without getting called for a penalty.

Study Film

One of the best ways to improve as a cornerback is to watch film of yourself and your opponents. Look for patterns in the way receivers run their routes and try to anticipate their moves.
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If you really want to reach your full potential as a defensive back then you should own a copy of my critically acclaimed E-book ‘101 DB Tips’.  It is categorized and organized to deliver you the tips you need in a manner that is easy to understand.  It’s a great reference guide to playing or coaching defensive back.  Get your copy here 101 DB Tips

 

 

What Will Be the Best Cornerback Duo in the NFL in 2023?

As normal there has been a lot of movement in free agency this NFL off-season. One interesting thing that it has provided is the combination of some pretty good cornerback duos coming up for the 2023 season. There will be much debate heading into the season as to who the top duos will be.  Here are my thoughts not that topic.

1 – Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey (Miami Dolphins)

Certainly this pairing has received the most hype, and perhaps rightfully so. We have two of the most marquee players at the position coming together for the Dolphins. Obviously, both Howard and Ramsey have been high producers in the NFL since their rookie seasons. Between the two of them they have played in four pro bowls, and their combined 14 seasons. Howard is coming off of a career low as a full-time starter of one interception. However, he did defend 12 passes and is second overall in the last six seasons with 28 interceptions. He has also defended 83 passes in his career and scored twice on pick sixes.

Ramsey has been a marquee name from day one. While some might admit that some it has to do with his personality and willingness to be at times, controversial, you can’t deny his play on the field. Ramsey, who entered the league in the same year as Howard has himself played in three pro bowls and was a Super Bowl champ with the Rams in 2021. He has also intercepted 19 passes and defended 92 more while scoring one touchdown in his career. The major reason I give this peering the nod is because of the defensive system they will be playing in. Vic Fangio‘s defense will allow both of these players to have more big play opportunities. Both Ramsey and Howard are confident players that will attack a play with intelligence, and without hesitation. And in Fangio’s system, they will have a chance to see the quarterback more and take it vantage of their instincts.

2 – Darius Slay and James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles)

One of if not the best thing the Philadelphia Eagles did this off-season was get both of these players re-signed for the 2023 year. There wasn’t a more solid cornerback combo in 2022. Slay an ever consistent performer dating back to his days in Detroit continued on that path with three interceptions and 14 pass break ups. For his career he has 26 interceptions and leads everyone that will be discussed in this article with 133 career pass break ups. He has also scored twice on interceptions in his career. There’s nothing to indicate that he won’t continue along this path in 2023.

Bradley has been a consistent performer in his career as well. However, he managed to notch his play up to an even higher level in his first year with the Eagles. Bradbery equaled Slay with three interceptions. He also added 17 passes defensed (career high). He also scored his first career touchdown on a pick six.

What puts this pair at number two for me over the others is the fact that they are back with their same team and will have some comfort. What keeps them out of the top spot is that they will be playing in a new defensive system and Philadelphia won’t have the same team that they did in 2022 because of some free agency defections.

3 – Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore (Dallas Cowboys)

I have Diggs and Gilmore at number three but they could end up being the most intriguing pairing of all the groups. Diggs has been the biggest ball hawk in the NFL over the last two seasons. He backed off a bit from his daredevil ways in 2021 when he collect 11 interceptions, and at one point threatened the long-standing season record of 14. However, he did manage to pull down three interceptions in 2022 and defend 14 passes. In his short three-year career, he has averaged almost 6 interceptions per season and has already managed to find the end zone twice.

Gilmore is the only one in this article that has won a defensive player of the year award. He has also played in three pro bowls in his 11 year career. Stats wise. He also has the most interceptions with 29, though he is the oldest of the bunch. Considered at one point to be the best corner in the game, Gilmore showed last season in Indianapolis that he is still a very solid player when he notched two interceptions and defended 11 passes for the Colts.

In a Dan Quinn manned defense, there’s a chance that Gilmore could have one of the best seasons of his career as he’s allowed to make full use of his extensive football IQ. This will certainly be an interesting pair to watch all year. 

Others to Consider

Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas (Green Bay Packers)

Douglas is listed as a nickelback on the Packers roster but he played a majority of snaps on the outside like Alexander did. The pair ended the 2022 season with the most interceptions out of any other duo mentioned in this article. Douglas has rescued his career in Green Bay and Alexander is coming off his best statistical season for the pack. They could make waves in 2023

Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste (Washington Commanders)

If you were looking purely at stats, then it would be odd to have this duo here. St-Juste is yet to log a career interception.  However, if you’ve cut the tape on, you realize it’s only a matter of time before St-Juste starts putting up numbers. Fuller is a savvy vet with top-tier footwork And 14 career interceptions with 66 pass break ups. Washington arguably had the best secondary unit last season.

Jamel Dean, and Carlton Davis (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

While these two are short on pizzazz, they are a solid duo. Both players are young and it’s entirely possible that they could have breakout stat years in 2023. As it stands now, both players have seven career interceptions apiece, and between the two of them 105 pass break ups in their career. Dean also has a pick six on his résumé.

Sauce Gardner and DJ Reid (NY Jets)

There is a tremendous amount of hype around Gardner and understandably so. His name is Sauce and he plays in New York City. Add to that his solid play as a rookie, and you have all the media content that you need. You have to do a whole lot right to get 20 pass break ups as a corner in the NFL. For me, I need to see if he can live up to the hype in his sophomore campaign. The abilities are definitely there and DJ Reed was solid as a New York Jet in 2022. If these two can level up from last year‘s play then it’s conceivable that they could be the number one duo when all is said and done.

Know Your DB History: Mel Blount

Mel Blount is a name that will forever be associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers and their success in the 1970s. Widely considered one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history, Blount’s legacy is defined by his physicality, toughness, and unparalleled ability to shut down opposing receivers. Let’s take a closer look at the career of this legendary football player, from his high school days to his NFL success, including his stats and achievements.

Mel Blount was born in Georgia in 1948 and attended Lyons High School in nearby Toombs County. There, he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and track. It was on the gridiron, however, where Blount truly shone, earning All-State honors as a senior in 1966.

After graduating from high school, Blount enrolled at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he continued to play football. He was a standout player for the Jaguars, earning All-American honors in 1970 and helping lead his team to two Southwestern Athletic Conference championships.

Blount’s college stats are impressive. In 1970, he led Southern University in interceptions with six and punt return yards with 118. He was also a dangerous kick returner, averaging 28.6 yards per return. His outstanding play earned him first-team All-SWAC honors as a defensive back and a punt returner.

Blount was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft. He quickly became a key player for the team, starting at cornerback and earning a reputation as one of the most physical defenders in the league. His 6’3” frame and long arms made him a nightmare for opposing receivers, who struggled to get past his press coverage.

Blount’s early years in the NFL were marked by consistent improvement. In his rookie season, he recorded 3 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. By his third season, he had become a true shutdown corner, leading the NFL with 11 interceptions in 1975. That year, the Steelers won their first of four Super Bowl titles in a six-year span, thanks in large part to Blount’s dominant play on defense. He finished the season with 11 interceptions, earning him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Blount continued to play at a high level throughout the rest of his career, earning five Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro nods. He retired after the 1983 season, having played his entire career with the Steelers.

Blount’s stats in the NFL are equally impressive. Over the course of his career, he recorded 57 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries, and 3 touchdowns. He also made an impact on special teams, returning 7 kickoffs for 156 yards and 1 touchdown, as well as 9 punts for 106 yards. His 57 interceptions are still the most in Steelers history and rank him tied for seventh all-time in NFL history.

Blount’s impact on the game of football extends far beyond his on-field accomplishments. After retiring from the NFL, he founded the Mel Blount Youth Home in Vidalia, Georgia, which provides a safe haven for at-risk children in the area. He also started the Mel Blount Celebrity Roast, an annual event that raises money for the Youth Home and other charities.

Blount’s legacy as a football player is firmly established, but his impact off the field is just as important. His dedication to helping children and giving back to his community is a testament to his character and values.

4 Ways DBs Can Win at Camps

It’s camp season again and that means it’s time to get out on the field and impress people so that you can go where it is you want to go. Outside of the obvious things that coaches and recruiting writers are looking for, in this article, I will tell you four ways you can impress at camp. 

Now we all know that height, weight and speed are the first eye catchers when you are at a camp. For the most part, you don’t have control over those things once you’ve arrived at camp. You are as tall as you’re going to be, as big as you’re going to be, and as fast as you were going to be on that day. So what can you do on the actual day of camp to pull some eyeballs in your direction? Let’s take a look:

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

This one is simple, but you’d be surprised how many times guys tank themselves by not doing this one thing. There is nothing more annoying to a coach at a camp than having to explain a drill too many times or have a guy that’s at the back of the line mess up the drill when it’s his turn. Do your best to study the instructions given and watch the guys doing the drill in front of you. They’re either doing it right or they’re doing it wrong. Either way,  that coach is giving out instructions. It’s in your best interest to take notice and not let your mind wander while you’re in the line.

PAY ATTENTION

This is a close cousin of the first one. However, it’s not exactly the same. During a camp, a coach will give out instructions regarding drills. However, he will also talk about some other things that are important for him to get across to you. Some of those things may be the type of attitude you’re going to need to succeed, as well as some things you may need to do in your own time to get better. It is in your best interest to pay attention when the coach is saying those things to you. We pay attention with our eyes. If that coach is talking to you or to the group and you have your eyes down, off in the distance or elsewhere, you are leaving a bad impression on that coach. He only has roughly 2 hours to make an assessment of you. We can argue about whether or or not that is enough time but as they say, it is what it is. Do yourself a favor and lock in every time that Coach is speaking. This way he knows that this DB thing means something to you.

DON’T BE A ONE TRICK PONY

Have you ever gone to a camp and when you go to do 1-on-1s,  the coach says he doesn’t want anyone playing press until he says so? There’s a reason that coaches do this. They really want to separate the guys that are true defensive backs from the ones who just pay one on TV.  Making a DB playoff off the receiver shows that coach who can play for real. Being able to pedal, use leverage and read a receivers body language to break on the ball or cut off routes shows what kind of IQ you have. It also shows that you may have had some training playing the position. Just because you may not have an A+ coach at your school doesn’t mean that you can’t acquire the knowledge. There are good trainers out there and there is a ton of information available online to help you with your game. The All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area would be a good example of that. Either way, you should do all that you can to learn about the position of DB before you start going to camps. Showing a coach that you can be good off the ball as well as in press situations, will impress that coach, and make him take a long hard look at you.

HAVE A DOG MENTALITY

Perhaps the most overused term in evaluating players is “he has that dog in him.”  Well, what is a dog mentality? In a camp setting,  it is a guy that is not afraid to take reps. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen athletes hiding in the back of the line or on the sidelines refusing to take reps while they’re at a camp. You are not there to be a spectator. While I am not saying that you need to go overboard and be completely annoying trying to take every rep, you should be mildly aggressive in trying to get out there and compete. The other part of this is don’t let getting beat on a play throw cold water on your fire. Real coaches know that you will get beat playing DB. What they want to see is how a guy will react after he takes a L. If losing doesn’t turn you up a notch then you may not be that dog that coaches love to see. Or maybe you are a just dog with no teeth. Win, lose or draw,  you should be looking to compete and doing what you need to do to win every time you lineup at a camp.

So aside from your 40 time and your broad jump and all of the other measurable things,  you now have four solid things that you can work on and present at a camp that could steal a coach’s eyeballs away from the eye candy that may not have these important intangibles.

Boss Unit: 1994 San Francisco 49ers

It has been a while since I posted a boss unit article but I’m back at it again. I have a good one for you and it involves a team that won the Super Bowl. This boss unit is the 1994 San Francisco 49ers secondary.

Everyone knows that the Dallas cowboys were the team of the decade in the 90’s. To get where they wanted to go every year the Cowboys had to go through the San Francisco 49ers. The battles between these two teams during the era were legendary. However, as the early part of the 90s unfolded, the 49ers were finding themselves on the losing end of this clash of the titans. To get things back in their favor, the 49ers had to make a move and they did so in the off-season prior to the 1994 season. Let’s break down one of the all-time great secondaries in the NFL.

Deion sanders – Cornerback

Why even save this one for last. We all know that Sanders was the missing piece and after completing five years with the team that drafted him, the Atlanta Falcons, Sanders hit the open market for all teams to make a bid. Ultimately, as we often find out in professional sports, winning teams do winning things. Signing Deion Sanders in 1994 was a winning thing that paid heavy dividends.

In my opinion, and probably in the eyes of most, 1994 was Deion Sanders’ best season as a pro. Going from a mediocre franchise, like the Falcons to a perennial contender and winner of world championships like the 49ers elevated Sanders as well as those around him. For some godforsaken reason,  opposing teams in 1994 thought it was a good idea to throw in the direction of the future Hall of Famer. Fortunately for Sanders and the 49ers these decisions were made. Prime Time made those opponents pay by intercepting six passes and returning them for a season and career high of 303 yards. Half of those six interceptions went back for touchdowns, including a 93 yarder in his return to Atlanta to face the Falcons. By now you have already seen that play where he looked at the Falcons sideline for about 50 yards and taunted them in the end zone with his famous dance. Along with the interceptions, Sanders dominated his side of the field. When you combine that with the rest of the athletic talent that surrounded him on the defense, it just stands to reason that this unit was going to be a problem and it was. Deion sanders could arguably called one of the best free agent pick ups of all time.  One year later,  he hit the open market again and signed with the Dallas Cowboys.  That’s so Deion.

Merton Hanks – Free Safety

You would think that when a guy gets six interceptions like Sanders did he more than likely lead the team in that category. Well, not on this boss unit. That distinction went to free safety Merton Hanks. Hanks ended the year as the team leader with seven interceptions. He also added, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Literally, Hanks was always around the football.

While Hanks may have gained more notoriety for having an oddly long neck and performing what became a popular dance after a big play, the truth of the matter is that Hanks was as solid a defensive back as there was in the league in 1994. Though this season saw him reach a career high in interceptions, Hanks had a knack for picking passes off as the rest of his career which show. In a seven year stretch, he plucked 30 enemy passes. 1994 was one of his most productive seasons as a pro and he was rewarded by making the pro bowl at the end of the season.

Tim Mcdonald – Strong Safety

By 1994,  McDonald was in his eighth season in the NFL. The season before he came over to the 49ers from the Phoenix Cardinals. As a cardinal, McDonald had established himself as both a big hitter and ball hawk. He would continue to be those things for the 49ers. While his interception total of two in 1994 was nothing to write home about, Mcdonald made his presence felt in this secondary by laying the wood, covering tight ends and making the tough tackles. He scored twice on defense that year once with an interception and another time on a 49 yard fumble recovery. McDonald’s solid play was rewarded with his fifth selection to the pro bowl in his career.

Eric Davis – Cornerback

When you play cornerback on a team that has Deion Sanders, it’s difficult to get press. Such was the case for Davis, who was a 5th year cornerback from Jacksonville State. Two seasons prior he’d become a full time starter for the 49ers. He had totaled seven interceptions in those two seasons, and had proven himself to be a solid cornerback. That continued with Sanders’ arrival as opponents thought it better to go at Davis when Sanders kept scoring touchdowns against them. While Davis did not rack up interception stats, he proved to be very difficult for opposing quarterbacks to find completions against. Passes defensed was not a stat that was kept back in 1994, but if it was, I am pretty sure Davis would’ve been among the lead leaders. Davis was also a guy who was always around the football in 1994. He forced a pair of fumbles and recovered another two. His numbers were not good enough to get him into the pro bowl but ask any 49er fan or teammate and they’ll tell you Davis was as solid as anyone. After the 1994 season,  Davis had a five year stretch in which he had five interceptions each season. In 1999, the first year that passes defense was a stat, Davis was second in the league with 24.

Summary

There were several other contributors to this 49er secondary. One of those included Dana Hall, a safety who had two interceptions during the year. When all was said and done,  an amazing three out of the four starters for the 1994 49ers secondary were elected to the pro bowl, and one, Sanders, made the all pro team. I had the pleasure of watching this team and its secondary practice for their Super Bowl game against the San Diego Chargers that year. It was easy to see why they were as good as they were. This entire unit had amazing work ethic and practice habits. It came as no shock to me when they destroyed the Chargers in the Super Bowl 49-26. In the game, the Chargers managed to put up 305 yards passing, but that was due in large part to them having to attempt 55 passes . Chargers quarterback Stan Humphreys threw three interceptions in the game. One to Eric Davis, one to Toi Cook  and the last one to Sanders. It was one of the most dominant performances in the Super Bowl. This boss unit led the NFL in interceptions with 23 in 1994. It doesn’t get more boss than that.

 

You Are the Greatest!

We all know the line made famous by boxer and humanitarian Muhammad Ali: “I am the greatest”. For Ali it wasn’t just a quote, it was a lifestyle and it’s one you have to adopt when you’re playing defensive back.

If you want to have any chance at being the best at playing this position you must transform yourself into the mentality of one of the greatest athletes of all time. Sounds like a really big task doesn’t it? Well not really. There will be times when this line of thinking will be challenged as I suppose it was for Ali but if you say it enough,  believing it becomes easy.

Failure as a defensive back is just a part of the game. It’s almost like a baseball player in the batters box. You know there will be times when you will strike out. However, the thought every time you come to the play is that you will get a hit. This is the same mentality when you line up as a defensive back.

Your biggest weapon when you’re out on the field is your confidence. Your confidence unlocks everything else that you have at your disposal. Being confident allows you to operate your physical skills at their maximum. Being confident sets your football intelligence free allowing you to make the plays you need to make. Allow any ounce of doubt to creep into the equation and everything else starts to falter.

It really doesn’t matter what happened on the play before. What matters now is the play that’s in front of you. So whether you got beat for a touchdown or gave up a 50 yard completion, none of that has anything to do with the play that is happening at the moment. If you want to have success on a more regular basis, each time you lineup in front of a receiver, remember that you are the greatest. If you have to say it to yourself then get to talking. Just so you know,  some of the best athletes and performers of our time talked to themselves either before or during their performances. There is a ton of truth in the saying “you have to speak it into existence.”

So at the end of the day, realize that you will win some and lose some but when it’s all tallied up you’ll win a heck of a lot more than you’ll lose if you can keep your mind in the space of you being the best at what you do. If you’re going to play the game you might as well be the greatest.

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