Smoot Lays The Smack Down (Redskins vs. Eagles)

[jdlea]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Looked like zone coverage on the TD and Rogers was expecting help over the top. I think Horton blew the coverage myself. Especially given his look after the play.

I suppose it could have been, I thought he got beat a little further down the field, but it was about 15 yards from the LOS. I still think it was man with safety help. I'm thinking Horton should have been there sooner, but there's no excuse for that kind of coverage. Also, if it were zone, there wouldn't have been much reason for Carlos to continue to follow once the ball went up and Desean was 10 yards behind him. Finally, the Skins only brought 4 on that play which (in most cases) means the D is playing 2 Man Under where it's man with safety help.

I'd have to assume that was the coverage, particularly on a 3rd and 23. The thinking should be, "McNabb can't run for it, why open up holes in a zone? Go man with safety help on each side and give up the underneath if they want it."