Field Gulls on James Conner
From the article
The Seahawks did not, they had a deep middle player and banked on the Cardinals keeping the RB in to block. EJ has eyes on the RB the whole time to read the play.
STACKED’s take
Seahawks' coverage schemes neutralized Conner's receiving role; safety had eyes on RB screens.
The source's All-22 breakdown reveals the Seahawks' defensive scheme specifically targeted the Cardinals' running back in coverage. On multiple plays, the Seahawks deployed a deep middle player and banked on the Cardinals keeping the RB in to block rather than flaring out into a receiving route. The source notes that schematically it makes more sense for the RB to flare out and force a rusher to peel off, reducing blockers and rushers to 5 each, or risk the defense having no one on the RB in coverage. The Cardinals' choice to have the RB block instead created vulnerabilities. Additionally, on an RB screen play, the Seahawks' EJ (likely Earl Thomas or similar safety) had eyes on the RB the whole time to read and jump the play, forcing a cutback. This defensive approach limited the RB's effectiveness as a receiving option and in pass protection schemes.
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