In-depth breakdown of the New Orleans Saints passing offense

Play 4- Missed opportunity to Thomas

The Titans again use cover 3. Thomas runs what’s essentially a deep pivot route. He gains separation (like always) but slips. The slip combined with an inaccurate throw lead to a missed opportunity for a 20-25 yard gain.

Play 5- Cook’s TD

The Saints use the shallow cross concept, which consists of a shallow cross and a dig in opposite directions; Thomas runs the shallow cross; Jared Cook runs the dig.

The Titans use Cover 3. Cover 3 consists of three deep defenders who each cover a 1/3 of the field, and 4 underneath defenders: 2 hook-curl defenders, and 2 curl-flat defenders. The shallow cross is very good against cover 3 as it creates a hi-lo on the hook zone defender (underneath middle of the field- specifically between the hashes).

The three deep defenders usually play at about the same depth. The Titans, however, put their middle third defender about five yards deeper.

This minor wrinkle was exploited by Sean Payton and the Saints’ offensive staff as they knew that there was more space underneath the deep middle defender than usual.

The hook-curl defender predictably runs with Thomas, leaving Cook wide open on the dig.

Kamara makes a great downfield block, resulting in an untouched touchdown for Cook. This was the kick starter the Saints’ offense needed as they were down 14-3.

Play 6- Absolute dominance from Thomas

The Titans show a six-man pressure, with 3 coming from the left.

This is designed to get the Saints’ offensive line to shift left. After the snap all three drop back into coverage. The Titans instead send an extra man from the right. It was a great cohesive effort from the offensive line as they were able to give Brees a very clean pocket.

Thomas rarely runs vertical routes, but here he runs a fade. Kevin Byard, the Titans’ very good strong safety, does an excellent job covering Thomas. Brees makes the perfect throw and Thomas does the rest.

You seriously can’t guard Mike.