Matt Bowen's Week 6 NFL Film Study

Every Thursday, former NFL defensive back Matt Bowen brings you his film study: a breakdown of the league from multiple angles.

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Here are 10 thoughts from a scheme and matchup perspective as we look ahead to the Week 6 schedule in the NFL.

1. Cowboys Defense vs. Russell Wilson's Playmaking Ability 

This Dallas defense under Rod Marinelli must play with contain principles in its 40 fronts (both base and nickel) versus the multiple schemes that create opportunities for Wilson to test the edge of the defense.

With the movement passes in the Seahawks offensive playbook (boot, sprint, dash), the read-option and Wilson's natural ability to extend the pocket (while keeping his eyes up the field), the Cowboys have to play with discipline in their rush lanes and account for the quarterback off the mesh-point action (running back-quarterback exchange).

This past Monday night, the Redskins defense didn't have an answer for Wilson and the read-option scheme in the first half, as they failed to scrape over the top (linebacker/safety) once the quarterback pulled the ball.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

As you can see here, the Seahawks remove the cornerback with the tight end on the arc release. This allows Wilson to read the path of the edge defender (crashes on the dive), pull the ball and beat the safety (alley fill) to the end zone for six points.

In order to limit the Seahawks quarterback, the Cowboys have to close the edge of the defense and force Wilson to make plays inside of the pocket when they drop into their zone shells.

2. Patriots Ace/12 Personnel vs. Bills

The Patriots increased the offensive tempo, established the run game and consistently worked the inside seams out of their Ace/12 personnel (2WR-2TE-1RB) to create throwing lanes for tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Tim Wright in the 43-17 win over the Bengals.

How will Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz script his game plan based off the tape from Sunday night? And can the Bills' second-level defenders in base and sub-package personnel close the middle of the field?

I broke down Brady's touchdown pass to Wright (play action versus three-deep) earlier this week, and here's another example of a clean throwing window for the Patriots quarterback to look up the tight end on the seam.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

With the Bengals again playing Cover 3, the Patriots occupy (or remove) the cornerback to the open (weak) side of the formation. This allows Brady to "hold" the free safety in the deep middle of the field (open shoulders to the closed side) and target Wright once he clears the second-level defenders.

Let's see how the Bills game-plan the Patriots when they have Ace/12 personnel on the field and focus on the matchups inside of the numbers. This is a situation where Schwartz might have to bring a fifth defensive back into the game to carry those inside seam routes.

3. Eddie Lacy, Packers Zone-Running Game 

Lacy produced his best numbers of the season last Thursday night versus the Vikings in basic zone schemes because of the ability of the Packers offensive line to climb to the second level.

That was an issue back in Week 3 during Green Bay's loss to the Detroit in both the zone game and the one-back power runs as the interior guards couldn't create a positive angle versus the speed of the linebackers scraping to the ball.

However, in the matchup with the Vikings, the Packers offensive line showed the ability to win at the point of attack and work to the second level using the zone-blocking technique to create running lanes for Lacy.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

With the Vikings rolling the safety down over the tight end in their sub-package personnel, Rodgers checks to an open-side run. This allows Lacy to press the ball to the edge of the formation, cut up the field and finish this run by dropping his shoulder on contact.

When the Packers show balance in the call sheet, it creates issues for opposing defensive game plans. But can Mike McCarthy's team continue to produce on the ground versus the Dolphins?

I'm looking for consistency out of the Green Bay offensive front against a Miami defense that should bring an aggressive game plan to the stadium on Sunday.

4. Colts Defensive Game Plan vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Texans

Looking at the Colts' defensive tape from Week 6, I thought this unit did a good job of disguising its coverage shell in the secondary and sending a variety of pressure packages versus Joe Flacco.

Here's an example of the Colts showing a single-high safety look pre-snap and rolling to the 2-Man technique to the open side of the formation.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

With the Colts dropping two underneath defenders (match to No. 2) and rushing five, cornerback Vontae Davis plays a "trail man" technique under the dig route. This allows Davis (with safety help over the top) to undercut the inside breaking route and steal one versus Flacco.

We know the Colts have to limit Arian Foster on Thursday night. However, with a game plan that features multiple pressure fronts and combination coverages in the secondary, they will have opportunities to bait quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

5. Eli Manning vs. Eagles Secondary in the Red Zone

The Eagles are a heavy zero-pressure defense (blitz-man, no safety help) in the deep red zone. Think of six-man pressure with an underneath "hole" defender dropping at the snap to impact the three-step inside cuts (slant).

However, the Eagles will also show some three-deep that can create opportunities for Manning to target inside throwing windows.

Take a look at the chalk talk video below where I break down the Double Smash-Seam to tight end Larry Donnell out of Kings/10 personnel (4WR-1TE).

I like the matchup of the Giants receivers versus cornerbacks Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher in those zero-pressure looks (slant, fade, option).

But if the Eagles do show more zone coverage in the red zone, Manning can work the ball inside of the numbers.

6. Frank Gore, 49ers Power Run Game vs. Rams

The 49ers have put the spread offense on the shelf the last two weeks and returned to the power running game out of Regular/21 (2WR-1TE-2RB) and Tank/22 (1WR-2TE-2RB) personnel groupings.

That's resulted in two wins with Gore rushing for over 100 yards in both games out of the Power O, Lead Iso, G-Lead and Counter OF schemes.

In the win over the Chiefs, Gore found running room inside the tackles and on the edge, with the 49ers creating the proper blocking angles based on formation and pre-snap movement.

Check out the Lead Iso (Tank/22) with Gore finding a cutback lane to take this ball into the secondary. Lead up on the linebacker and let the veteran cut off the block.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

Looking at the 49ers' matchup versus the Rams on Monday night, they will see eight-man fronts from Gregg Williams' defense and specific packages to limit the run game out of Tank/22 personnel.

Great opportunity here to run the inside "wham" (trap on the 4-3 nose) and the Power O while continuing to lead with two-back schemes in the game plan.

7. Teddy Bridgewater's Progression in the Vikings Game Plan

With Bridgewater back in the lineup after missing the Week 5 game versus the Packers (ankle), I'm curious to see the next step in the game-plan progression for the rookie quarterback.

In Bridgewater's first pro start versus the Falcons in Week 4, offensive coordinator Ron Turner scripted a game plan that allowed the quarterback to use play action and package plays to target the middle of the field (force second-level defenders to attack downhill).

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

However, given the talent the Lions have in their defensive front-seven and their ability to play 2-Man in the secondary, the game plan will have to advance with more three-level route schemes and outside breaking cuts that will force Bridgewater to make accurate throws with the football versus man-trail technique.

Let's see what the rookie can do. This is a good test versus a divisional opponent.

8. Jay Cutler's Decision-Making, Footwork

The Bears can score points versus the Falcons defense this week on the fast track inside the Georgia Dome, but Cutler has to make better decisions with the ball and control his footwork in crucial game situations.

After scoring 21 first-half points in the Week 6 loss to the Panthers, the Bears offense under Marc Trestman struggled to move the ball and finish drives in the second half with Cutler throwing a fourth-quarter pick while protecting a three-point lead.

This is a basic 2212 concept (2=Slant, 1=Flat) with Cutler working the double-slant side of the formation versus a three-man rush from Carolina.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

Instead of setting his feet and driving the ball to Santonio Holmes running the inside slant versus a defensive end dropping into coverage, Cutler throws flat-footed, and the throw sails over the middle of the field for his second interception of the day.

That's a free pick for the safety when the Bears had a chance to close this game down.

Given the Bears talent at wide receiver and Trestman's multiple formations, Cutler will have opportunities to target the middle of the Falcons defense.

But the turnovers and technique errors aren't going to cut it in a game where the Bears need to put around 30 points on the board to get out of town with a win.

9. Jordan Cameron's Matchup Ability vs. Steelers

After going back to study the Browns offense from the Week 1 game with the Steelers, I thought about looking at Antonio Brown's ability to beat press-man vs. Joe Haden or the Cleveland zone-running schemes that gashed Dick LeBeau's defense up front in the second half.

However, I want to focus on Cameron because of his ability to get down the field inside of the numbers when matched up versus the Steelers linebackers in 2-Man and zone pressure.

This is a quick look at Cameron running the inside seam versus Pittsburgh's Cover 1 pressure from that Week 1 game.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

With Brian Hoyer "moving" the free safety out of the deep middle of the field, Cameron can stem this route vertically inside of the numbers and stack on top of the linebacker to produce an explosive play.

The Browns should work to establish the run game versus the Steelers, but given the high level of play we are seeing from Hoyer, don't forget about Cameron and his ability to beat underneath defenders.

The tight end should be a prime target for Hoyer at all levels of the field.

10. Rex Ryan vs. Peyton Manning

The Jets don't have the personnel in the secondary to match up consistently with the Broncos talent and the skill positions, but can Ryan generate enough pressure in his game plan while taking away the inside Hi-Lo concepts versus Manning?

In Week 6, the Cardinals defense leaned on their Cover 1 "rover" scheme (linebacker/dime-hole drop) to take away the Hi-Lo Crossers concept (underneath pick route).

However, when they did show Cover 1 pressure (five-man pressure), Manning checked at the line to the inside crossing concept that produced an explosive play for Demaryius Thomas working away from the defender's leverage.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

Thomas carved up the Cardinals man coverage, and he could have another productive afternoon if the Jets show pressure early in the play clock or fail to take away inside breaking routes.

Let's see what Ryan rolls out in his game plan and if he plays some Cover 2 or 2-Man to protect his secondary over the top.

Five Quick Takeaways from the Week 5 Film

1. Vikings safety Harrison Smith took the bait in the deep half when he opened his hips versus Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson on the "sting" route (stem to the corner, break back to the post). As a safety, you have to play with depth and keep your shoulders square through the initial stem to stay over the top of the route. That can be trouble versus speed up the field.

2. The Seahawks second-level defenders in Pete Carroll's Cover 3 scheme identify route concepts, drive to the ball with speed and tackle at the point of attack. The technique I see from the linebackers and the safeties rolled down underneath should be on a teaching tape.

3. Stevie Johnson looked like a defensive end rushing the quarterback when he used the "club" technique to throw Marcus Cooper inside on his touchdown reception in the red zone. At times, defensive backs don't stand a chance in the NFL.

4. On Brian Hoyer's game-winning touchdown pass to Travis Benjamin, the Titans only rushed three up front. That gave Benjamin time to stem his route inside to the post and work back to the end line. You can't give a receiver that much time (or room) in the end zone when he is matched up versus a safety.

5. Steelers defensive back Brice McCain used the proper technique to avoid the Jaguars' "rub route" on his pick-six versus Blake Bortles. With the Steelers sending nickel pressure, McCain went over the inside release from the No. 1 receiver to avoid the rub/pick. This allowed the defensive back to stay on top of his coverage and drive downhill on the throw.

Five Players to Watch in Week 6

1. Branden Oliver, RB, Chargers

The Chargers rookie running back put on a show versus the Jets because of his ability to accelerate through the hole along with his skill set in the open filed in both the run and the pass game.

Here's a look at Oliver's 15-yard touchdown run on the inside draw scheme out of the shotgun versus a single-high safety defense.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

Oliver takes an inside slide step, finds a running lane and showcases a burst to get through the hole (with speed) to take advantage of a poor angle from safety Calvin Pryor.

That's the type of acceleration you need to see at the NFL level to push through the second level of the defense.

With Ryan Mathews still out with a knee injury, Oliver should continue to see the ball this Sunday versus a Raiders defense that is giving up over 150 yards a game on the ground.

2. Darrelle Revis, CB, Patriots

There has been talk this week on Revis shadowing Bills rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins, and I hope we get to see that matchup on Sunday.

During the Patriots win over the Bengals, Revis showcased his footwork and technique versus A.J. Green with Bill Belichick's defense leaning on their Cover 1 schemes. That allowed Revis to play press-man, disrupt the release and run with the intermediate-to-vertical route tree versus Green.

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

If the veteran cornerback does draw Watkins in coverage, focus on the release. That's where the rookie wide out will be tested with his ability to beat press and get into the route stem.

The Bills want to run inside cuts with Watkins, but he has to win at the line of scrimmage if he is going to establish an inside leverage position versus Revis on the deep dig, shallow drive route, etc.

3. Arian Foster, RB, Texans

The tape from Week 5 reminded us how smooth Foster can look in the Texans zone-running schemes when he presses the edge of the formation, finds a lane and makes a quick cut (with no wasted movement) to get up the field.

Check out this cut from Foster on the zone scheme with the Cowboys dropping safety Barry Church into the run front.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

The veteran running back makes this look easy as he attacks the edge of the formation and cuts inside of the safety. That's nasty stuff.

Foster rushed for 157 yards and two scores versus the Cowboys last week. Can he produce the same type of numbers on Thursday night given the short week of recovery and game prep?

4. Devin Hester, WR/KR, Falcons

The Falcons will install specific plays on offense to get Hester the ball with rub routes and vertical throws outside of the numbers.

However, versus a Bears team that has lacked consistency and production on special teams, Hester could make a major impact on Sunday in the return game.

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

I expect the Bears to use directional kicking in the punt game to pin Hester to the sidelines. But given Hester's ability to widen coverage lanes and press the ball up the field, the Falcons returner will have a chance to create field position or produce points.

From my perspective, don't give Hester the opportunity to break a return. Kick that ball out of bounds when the punter comes on the field (sacrifice 10-15 yards of field position) and drill the kickoff out of the end zone.

Remember, Hester still has that rare acceleration and vision in the return game. And I'm sure he wants to make a play against his former team.

5. Luke Kuechly, LB, Panthers

If you haven't watched the Bears-Panthers tape, turn it on and check out Kuechly because the linebacker was making plays all over the field.

Kuechly had 15 tackles in the win over the Bears, but I was more impressed with his ability to identify offensive schemes and pursue to the football. The linebacker consistently beat blockers to the point of attack and produced in the open field versus the Bears screen packages and the checkdown option.

Take a look at the play he makes here (out of Cover 2) versus the swing screen to running back Matt Forte.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

With the Bears using pre-snap movement to get Forte to the edge of the formation, Kuechly identifies the screen from his Cover 2 alignment, showcases his speed to the ball and finishes the play with a solid tackle on contact to close the cutback lane.

On Sunday, Kuechly will be tested by Hue Jackson's offense as the Bengals will work to get Gio Bernard in space and attack downhill with rookie Jeremy Hill.

This is another matchup where Kuechly can display his skill set versus an offense that utilizes multiple personnel groupings and formations.

Seven-year NFL veteran Matt Bowen is an NFL National Lead Writer for Bleacher Report.

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