In-depth breakdown of the New Orleans Saints passing offense
Play 10- Exploiting zone coverage
Thomas runs a shallow cross. Against man coverage, the receiver should continue running across the field. As the Titans play zone coverage(cover 3), Thomas correctly sits down, giving Brees an easy completion for a first down.
Play 11- Taysom Hill
The Saints surprisingly bring in Taysom Hill given the situation- up three with five minutes to go. Hill does a good job of stepping up in the pocket.
The Titans use cover 4/quarters, and thus the defender in Thomas’ area is using bail technique. Defenders using bail technique are susceptible to curls and comebacks. Thomas runs a curl, giving Hill an easy completion, which Thomas turns into a 20 yard gain.
Play 12- Record breaker
The slot option put Thomas in a position to break the receptions record; the slot option got him the record. Thomas fakes a break inside, putting the defender off-balance, giving Thomas separation. Thomas’s good finish gave him the record.
On this play, the Titans used a defender inside to bracket Thomas. This is a strategy that I think most teams will try to implement in the forthcoming games. Even with the bracket, Thomas’ amazing route running was able to get him separation.
Next. Saints: 3 studs, 1 dud in close call with Titans. dark
If he can get open while bracketed, he can get open against any coverage.