Matt Bowen's Week 17 NFL Film Study

Earlier in the season, the Detroit Lions played a lot of 2-Man (two-deep, man-under) versus Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to limit the vertical passing game.That allowed the Lions to play aggressively underneath (sit low to the hip of the receiver) with the protection of the deep-half safeties over the top. Plus, Detroit has the luxury of sitting in coverage with the talent it has up front on the defensive line.

While I expect the Lions to once again play some 2-Man this Sunday at Lambeau, can this defense show the combo-man schemes the Buffalo Bills utilized to limit Rodgers back in Week 15?As you can see here, the Bills play a “fist” call (2-Man) over the top of the trips look with Jordy Nelson aligned at No. 3. However, to take away the seam route, the Bills “push” the strong safety to the seam with the linebacker sinking underneath.

Yes, that creates a true one-on-one to the closed side of the formation (“solo” call), but I like the coverage look here versus the inside seam. Don’t let Nelson work the middle of the field.

Keep an eye on the Lions secondary this Sunday with a focus on the safeties. I’m looking forward to this one for the NFC North title


Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2309672-matt-bowens-week-17-nfl-film-study