Matt Bowen's Week 7 NFL Film Study

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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 7 schedule in the NFL.

1. Cam Newton’s Production

How can you not be impressed with Newton based off the tape? The quarterback looks healthy running the football, he is seeing the field from the pocket and delivering accurate throws from multiple release points.

Here’s an example of Newton throwing the wheel route (off the switch release) to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery versus the Bengals in Week 6.

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With the Panthers occupying the free safety and cornerback (post route), Newton has a true one-on-one matchup on the wheel route. But the key is the ball placement as Newton puts this throw on the upfield shoulder to beat the coverage.

As we look ahead to the Panthers-Packers matchup this Sunday, keep an eye on Newton in the various option/power schemes (zone-read, inverted veer, quarterback power) versus Dom Capers’ defense. Check out the quarterback power that allowed Newton to get in the end zone this past Sunday.

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This is the same as the traditional “Power O” blocking, with the back kicking out the edge force and the backside guard pulling up through the hole to create a running lane for Newton.

With wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin still recovering from a concussion, Newton’s ability to produce on the ground could impact this game at Lambeau after the Packers defense struggled to limit the zone-read versus the Dolphins.

2. Russell Wilson vs. Rams’ Multiple Defense

Creating pressure is a major issue for Gregg Williams’ defense with a front four that can’t get home in coverage looks (Cover 2) and a young secondary that has been exposed in blitz schemes. Wilson will have opportunities to test the Rams cornerbacks when he identifies the multiple pressure packages, but look for Williams to roll out some new looks for the Sunday matchup.

This past Monday night, the Rams played a Cover 3 “Invert” out of a two-deep shell to drive downhill on the curl route in a third-down situation.

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As you can see here, the Rams drop both safeties to the inside “hook,” with the cornerbacks playing the outside third and the “Mike” ‘backer replacing in the deep middle of the field. 

Pressure has always been at the top of Williams' call sheet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rams played more coverage to get eyes on Wilson while giving the edge-rushers some time to get home. Let’s see what Williams can put together on a short week after studying how the Cowboys game-planned the Seahawks in Week 6. 

3. Tom Brady and the Deep Ball

The “Yankee” route (clear-out/deep-crosser combo with max protection) is showing up on the tape across the league as it gives the quarterback time to read the top of the secondary and take a shot when the ball is between the 40s.

In Week 6, Brady identified a deep-ball target and answered some questions about the Patriots' ability to stretch the field when he found receiver Brian Tyms on the deep post versus the Bills' Cover 4 defense.

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This is designed to be a clear-out for Tyms (with Brady targeting the deep over route). However, Tyms splits the Cover 4 bracket (S/CB) and continues to push this route down the field. Two things here: The throw from Brady and the finish from Tyms.

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This is an excellent ball from the veteran quarterback, with Tyms competing at the point of attack to make this play. 

Brady is going to see pressure from the Jets on Thursday night, and that will produce opportunities in the seam (tight ends) and underneath on the Hi-Lo crossing concepts. But after watching Tyms get down the field (ran the “Yankee” route twice), will the deep ball be back in play for New England based on down and distance/field position versus Rex Ryan?

4. More of the Same from DeMarco Murray, Cowboys

After watching the Cowboys run the football with production on the road versus the defending champs, should we expect any significant changes in the game plan with a matchup against the Giants on Sunday?

The Giants defense gave up 203 rushing yards in the Week 6 loss to the Eagles, and it struggled versus the zone blocking in Chip Kelly’s offense. The Cowboys will once again lean on the one- and two-back zone schemes (inside zone/stretch) with some power mixed in.

Take a look at the “G-Lead” from Dallas' win over the Seahawks out of Tank/22 personnel (1WR-2TE-2RB).

With the Cowboys blocking down on the edge, the fullback leads on the force defender, and the play-side guard pulls up through the hole. That allows Murray to push the ball through the second level for an explosive gain that set up the eventual game-winning score.

Win up front, run the ball and create balance on offense. That’s been the game plan all season for the 5-1 Cowboys.

5. Anquan Boldin’s Route Tree

Think middle-of-the-field routes for Boldin on Sunday night versus the Broncos out of Posse/11 (3WR-1TE-1RB), Regular/21 (2WR-1TE-2RB) and Tank/22 (1WR-2TE-2RB), with play action built into the concept.

Check out the route concept I drew up for Boldin in the chalk talk video below, with Michael Crabtree occupying the top of the secondary.

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I do believe the 49ers need to run the football with production to control the tempo versus Peyton Manning, and that creates opportunities for Colin Kaepernick to expose the middle of the Denver defense.

Jim Harbaugh’s team needs to see some numbers on the ground from Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde to set the bait for the Broncos' second-level defenders. That will open up throwing windows for Kaepernick to target the veteran wideout.

6. Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall vs. Dolphins

There were questions about Marshall’s production leading up to Week 6, but the veteran receiver responded with 113 yards on six receptions versus a Falcons secondary that struggled to match up.

This is the “Seattle” concept (3x1 verticals/shallow cross combo), with Marshall releasing inside versus a “cut” technique from the open-side safety.

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With the free safety removed (drives downhill on shallow drive route), cornerback Robert Alford has to replace in the deep half/quarter. However, Marshall adjusts his stem and forces Alford into a trail position. That gives Jay Cutler the opportunity to target Marshall down the field for an explosive gain to set up a touchdown.

I expect the Dolphins to be aggressive at the line of scrimmage versus both Marshall and Alshon Jeffery on Sunday at Soldier Field. 

Look for the Bears to use a variety of formations to get a free release (stack, bunch, movement) that produce inside breaking concepts and vertical concepts when they use six-/seven-man protection to limit defensive end Cameron Wake.

7. The Impact of the Lions' Defensive Front Seven

The Lions come into Week 7 with the NFL’s top-ranked defense, and it starts with the talent and disruption in the front seven.

Detroit is generating edge pressure (Ziggy Ansah) and an interior push up the field from Ndamukong Suh/Nick Fairley. And we can’t forget about the speed this unit has at the linebacker position with DeAndre Levy. That allows the secondary to play coverage (think 2-Man) with some pressure mixed into the game plan.

Take a look at the Lions versus the Vikings' Power O scheme from Week 6, and focus on the defensive line.

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With the defensive end winning inside to knock off the pulling guard, and the penetration on the interior of the front, the linebacker can easily scrape over the top to make this play. Given that Jimmy Graham could sit versus the Lions, can the Saints establish the run game versus this front seven to avoid seeing two-deep shells on third down?

Good matchup to watch this Sunday at Ford Field.

8. Kyle Shanahan’s Play-Calling

The Browns should see a lot of Cover 3 from the Jacksonville defense this Sunday to create eight-man fronts versus the zone-running game. But given the play-calling of Shanahan, there will be situations where quarterback Brian Hoyer can attack the secondary off play action.

During the Week 6 win over the Steelers, Shanahan used Ace/12 and Heavy/13 (1WR-3TE-1RB) personnel groupings to window-dress his play-action concepts that allowed Hoyer to target tight end Jordan Cameron and the wide receivers.

Watch Hoyer show the ball to the closed side of the formation and look up wide receiver Taylor Gabriel on the intermediate crossing route.

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Check out the second-level defenders attacking downhill to the line of scrimmage versus the run action. That gives Hoyer the ability to work the ball to the middle of the field with a clear target.

If Jacksonville sits in zone coverage, look for Shanahan to script a game plan that allows Hoyer to target inside throwing windows versus three-deep once those linebackers step downhill. That puts a lot of stress on the secondary.

9. T.Y. Hilton vs. Bengals' Zone Coverages

After Hilton’s ridiculous numbers last Thursday night versus the Texans (nine receptions, 223 yards, one touchdown), I want to find out how the Bengals will game-plan Andrew Luck and the Colts.

Hilton’s ability to press a safety in two-deep or split the seam in Cover 3 (free safety/cornerback) can create deep-ball opportunities for Luck while also pushing the top of the secondary down the field. That opens up the intermediate passing game for Reggie Wayne and the tight end position.

Check out Hilton’s speed in the vertical passing game on the post route versus Cover 4 from the win over the Texans.

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Working against a safety out of slot alignment, Hilton gains an inside leverage position against the strong safety and beats the help from the free safety to the open side of the formation (push versus inside vertical).

Hilton can still run the shallow drive route, the option and the quick out cut (slot alignment) in the Colts offense, but the ability to test the secondary needs to be in play for Pep Hamilton this Sunday versus the Bengals' zone shells.

10. Steelers' Defensive Issues vs. the Zone Running Game

The Steelers defense failed to limit the Browns' zone schemes last week, and they will see the same blocking technique from the Texans on Monday night with Arian Foster running the football. Dick LeBeau’s defense couldn’t hold the edge in the red zone, and it showed an inability to close cutback lanes in the loss to the Browns.

This is the two-back stretch (toss action), with Isaiah Crowell pressing the edge of the formation out of Regular/21 personnel.

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This is just zone blocking from the Browns, with the tight end widening the edge defender (outside linebacker) and the fullback leading up on strong safety Troy Polamalu. That opens up a running lane for Crowell to get up the field.

This defense needs to play a much more physical brand of football and protect those cutback lanes versus the Texans if they want to slow down Foster. The veteran running back could have a big night versus Pittsburgh.

Five Quick Takeaways from the Week 6 Film

1. Broncos tight end Julius Thomas will continue to score touchdowns in the red zone until defensive backs change their leverage position (head up to inside) or play to the upfield shoulder at the point of attack. It was too easy for Thomas to gain inside leverage versus the Jets.

2. The Rams were in the same Cover 3 “Invert” we looked at above on Brandon Lloyd’s 80-yard touchdown catch at the end of the half, but cornerback Janoris Jenkins would have been beaten in Cover 1, Cover 3 or Cover 4. Double-moves break at eight yards (standard routes break at 12-15). Jenkins has to know that. The cornerback played with poor eye discipline at the break point and took an unnecessary risk given the game situation.

3. Rolando McClain’s interception to close out the Seahawks was a classic Cover 2 “chalkboard” situation. McClain opened his hips to the passing strength, carried No. 3 vertically down the field on the inside seam and adjusted to play the ball. That’s the exact technique you want to see from the Mike ‘backer in two-deep.

4. Eagles tight end Zach Ertz needs more touches in the game plan. The second-year pro has speed plus run-after-the-catch ability. Ertz is a matchup weapon that can cause some serious issues for safeties that have to check him in coverage.

5. Ryan Tannehill’s touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry was one of the best plays I saw on the tape. With Packers cornerback Tramon Williams slipping underneath Landry to use the end line as his help (zero-pressure), Tannehill dropped the ball right in the bucket. That was a nice throw versus the blitz.

Five Players to Watch in Week 7

1. Matt Kalil, LT, Vikings

The Vikings left tackle is really struggling on the tape because of his technique issues on the edge. Whether that is hand placement, footwork or balance at the point of attack, Kalil is being set up versus a variety of countermoves.

Check out the strip-sack that Ansah produced last Sunday versus the Vikings when he attacked the edge.

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Kalil is off-balance (leaning forward) and allows Ansah to slap his hands down on contact. That allows the Lions defensive end to turn the corner and get the ball out when he strips Teddy Bridgewater.

With a rookie quarterback under center, the Vikings have to get more out of the former first-round pick. And it won’t get any easier for Kalil this Sunday with a matchup versus Bills edge-rushers Jerry Hughes and Mario Williams.

2. Jason Verrett, CB, Chargers

The interception Verrett made to close out the Raiders started with the ability to maintain his cushion through the double-move. That allowed Verrett to stack on top of the receiver (with some contact) and finish by playing the ball at the highest point.

That’s a big play for a rookie cornerback.

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However, I’m also very impressed with Verrett’s transition speed on the tape. That shows up on his plant and drive to close on the receiver. He’s lightning-quick coming out of his breaks.

Watch Verrett on Sunday versus the Chiefs. Given the West Coast concepts in Andy Reid’s playbook, focus on Verrett’s ability to close (with speed) to the upfield shoulder on inside breaking routes.

3. Derek Carr, QB, Raiders

I wrote about Carr on Wednesday because the rookie quarterback went after the Chargers secondary in Week 6. Carr challenged the Chargers defensive backs down the field in the vertical passing game, and he made some plays outside of the pocket off boot action.

Here’s an example with Carr getting outside of the numbers (swap boot) to extend the play. That gives wide receiver Andre Holmes time to stem the crossing route behind the free safety, with Carr delivering a perfect ball to the upfield shoulder.

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On Sunday, the rookie is going to see multiple pressure packages from the Cardinals defense. That will force Carr to identify the blitz while protecting the ball versus cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Antonio Cromartie.

I want to see the same aggressive style of play from Carr, but he has to avoid putting the Raiders in adverse situations with turnovers.

4. Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens

Flacco gashed the Bucs defense in Week 6 (five touchdown passes) by targeting Lovie Smith’s single-high schemes (Cover 1, Cover 3) and Tampa 2 shell.

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With a matchup versus the Falcons on Sunday, Flacco should have time to work through his progressions behind an offensive line that has the matchup advantage against the Atlanta defensive front.

The Falcons gave up two deep balls to the Bears this past Sunday, and they struggled to limit inside breaking routes. Steve Smith will have opportunities to work the middle of the field, and I would take at least two deep shots per half to Torrey Smith.

I don’t expect Flacco to repeat his numbers from last week in Tampa, but he should produce versus the Falcons secondary.

5. De’Anthony Thomas, RB/WR, Chiefs

With a bye week to incorporate Thomas deeper into the game plan, how will Reid get the ball to the rookie?Back in Week 5 versus the 49ers, Reid utilized the talent of Thomas with “Pony” personnel on the field (two tailbacks in the game) to set up the swing screen to the Oregon product in the red zone.

Thomas can produce in the Chiefs' packaged plays, and there will be situations versus the Chargers this Sunday where Reid can script specific matchups for the rookie.

I think that Thomas has electric talent once he gets the ball in the open field. Let’s see what Reid comes up with this weekend in a game the Chiefs need.

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

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