Offensive Review: Giants

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Let me take you through that decisive play. The Redskins are near midfield after converting a critical third down pass. It's first and ten, and Zorn is looking to attack the defense. They are already trailing 10-0 and last drive, Campbell was intercepted. So you can imagine how the team is looking for a score.

They come out in a power formation, with Fred Davis and Chris Cooley to the right and Santana Moss split to the left with Portis and Sellers in an I-Formation. Campbell takes the snap, play actions a lead play to Portis (the Redskins never actually run a lead play though), and sets up deep, about 9 yards behind the Center.

Here are the routes: Moss is running a skinny post, and is double covered. Fred Davis is running a drag and is not open. Chris Cooley made an outside release and is running the over (the middle) route at about 12 yards. Campbell wants to go to Cooley with the football, and sets up waiting for him to come open. Except, as Cooley heads across the middle of the field, he never does come free. With only 3 receivers in downfield patterns, the Giants have the play defended.

Campbell has room to step up and run with the football for at least three or four yards, but never steps up. At the last second, his eyes go to Mike Sellers to check the ball down in the middle of the field, but as soon as his hands break, Osi gets to the ball and strips him. Normally, the Redskins have a back in the backfield to make the recovery or at very least, the tackle, but on this particular play, both backs were in check down routes. Once the ball is stripped, and Umenyiora got it quickly, there was no one on their feet in position to make a play.

It looked like Cooley was in single coverage and had position with his body. Does he need to be "open" on that play in order for Campbell to attempt a throw? Guys make catches all over the league with defenders on their back, but it seems that single coverage isn't good enough for Campbell. Don't you have to give your receivers a chance to make a play when they're in single coverage? Also looked like he had plenty of room to run.