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Play question help

Discussion in 'Questions and Answers' started by CRAZYFACE, Nov 26, 2013.

  1. CRAZYFACE

    CRAZYFACE Active Member

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    Sorry if this is in the wrong place. I've watched NFL on and off for years now and still am nowhere near understanding the intricacies of the game but I watched The Broncos capitulation v The Pats and one thing struck me. When defending an attack from 20 / 30 yards out why not put more men on the actual goaline facing towards the play so they can actually see what is going on rather than up against running backs and then have to chase back with them and not have a bl00dy clue what is happening or where the ball is. The ball is then lobbed to the recievers and the defenders, mostly, cannot even see it happening and therefore, defend which is what they are there to do.

    Beware, there maybe more questions if you help me with this one LOL !
     
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  2. KeyFin

    KeyFin Well-Known Member

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    The situation you're mentioning is called a prevent defense, which means you give up short yardage for maximum protection towards the end zone. With a world-class QB on the field though (which both teams had), they'll tear your defense to pieces in mere seconds by throwing sideline routes where the receiver can make a catch and step out of bounds. That's why you always cover man along the sidelines, the defense hopes to force plays to the middle in order to eat up the clock (or force the opponent to call a time out).

    If a team dropped 5-6 guys back deep, then the QB could throw anywhere within 20-30 yards and his receiver could still break for the sidelines with little threat of being tackled in-bounds. That's why a prevent usually drops 3-4 back in a deep zone defense type of call...it still keeps the offense from throwing a deep ball yet leaves enough protection in other areas of the field. Hopefully that covers what you were looking for.
     
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  3. CRAZYFACE

    CRAZYFACE Active Member

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    Yup ! Covers it nicely. Cheers.
     

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