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» In this episode, I talk about:
Hybrid off-ball LBs are being used in an interesting way around the NFL
Analyze the Eagles’ Zack Baun & how Vic Fangio used him vs. the Packers
How the Eagles align against an Empty formation in Ni & how Fangio used Baun to move into a Penny alignment
Explain Whiskey 9 & Bonus Fire Zones
Explain the Whip Bonus Fire Zone
Illustrate how Baun was used as a ‘rat’ near the goal line
Another clip vs. Empty displays how Fangio layered his call structure when moving Baun around, building off previous calls
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» Data Viz via Next Gen Stats:
Baun was everywhere in Week 1, racking up two sacks on 13 pass rush attempts.
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» Leveling the playing field for football fans. Download the app today.
So far, through three weeks, here are your top 5 off-ball LBs moonlighting as Edges in their defensive systems:
Derrick Barnes (Lions) - Barnes was number three in usage last year for the Lions. Aaron Glenn is using him mainly as a pass rusher when in the game this year. He has four Stops (negative EPA tackle) and two TFLs this season. Though he is used mainly as a pass rush specialist, it is more as a body to garner a block and free up Edge Aidan Hutchinson or iDL DJ Reader. Barnes has yet to record a sack this year and has a meager Pressure Rate of 3%.
Mack Wilson Sr. (Cardinals) - Wilson didn’t make the list last year but was an honorable mention for the Patriots. In my write-up, ‘Meet the Hybrids,’ I noted, “The hybrid LB should give the Cardinals some juice on passing downs as a blitz and pass rush specialist.” Arizona mainly uses him on run downs, but Wilson has been garnering an 8% pressure rate over three weeks with one recorded sack.
Leo Chenal (Chiefs) - With Will Gay Jr. gone to New Orleans, Chenal has stepped in nicely as a utility tool for DC Steve Spagnuolo. Chenal can line up anywhere on the front and even has played some ‘flex’ 3 technique. The ability to move Chenal around makes it hard for opponents to decipher what Spags will do; think of it like defensive formations. He hasn’t recorded a sack yet but has a Pressure Rate of ~10%.
Kaden Elliss (Falcons) - Ellis was #2 on the list last year, and Raheem Morris is using him, similar to how Shane Neilsen (Jaguars) used his skill set last year. Morris had a dynamic off-ball LB last year in LA, Earnest Jones. Morris and DC Jimmy Lake are using him as an adjuster for their base packages. He excels at pass rush and has a Pressure Rate of 25% so far this season.
Jahlani Tavai (Patriots) - Tavai is the quintessential Bill Belichick defensive football player. He is a workhorse who can align at most spots in the box. Similar to Elliss, Tavai is used as an adjuster and not necessarily a pass rush specialist. He has a Pressure Rate of 25%.
Zach Baun (Eagles) - Zach is highlighted in the video above from his Week 1 match-up versus the Packers. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has used Baun mostly in run-oriented settings. Of his 39 snaps at Edge, 21 have been against the run, with only nine pass rush attempts. Baun has a Pressure Rate of 22%.
Other Notables: Dru Tranquil (Chiefs), TJ Edwards (Bears), Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Browns), EJ Speed (Colts), and Will Gay Jr. (Saints).
» The link below, ‘Meet the Hybrids,’ details last year’s usage.
» Other resources:
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