NFL film study: What happened to the Raiders?

Play #2

It’s 3rd down and 9 on Oakland’s 18-yard line. We’re in the second quarter with 4:22 remaining. The Raiders are in a basic Cover 2 look, with man-coverage underneath. They are rushing four without any bells and whistles. Washington is once again in its 11 personnel with trips to the left and Terrelle Pryor singled up on the right side.

The play call and design by the Redskins is simple. Both outside receivers will run go routes (Ryan Grant, top left, runs a stop and go). Meanwhile, tight end Vernon Davis, 33-year old Vernon Davis, is running down the seam against corner Sean Smith. Smith was paid $40 million over four years last spring.

As you can see, Davis gets a step on Smith down the left hash. Theoretically, Smith should have help from on of his safeties, but with Washington running three deep routes, both are forced to make choices. Strong safety Karl Joseph runs toward Pryor, who has a step. It’s the right decision.

However, free safety Reggie Nelson turns his hips inside but doesn’t turn and run. Instead, he hesitates while shuffling. At 34 years old, Nelson doesn’t have much explosion left in his legs. By the time he begins running, it’s far too late. Essentially, he has covered nobody.

Seeing this, Cousins cuts it loose in an attempt to throw over Smith and in front of Nelson. It’s a throw that requires accuracy, but is fairly standard for a good NFL quarterback. Also, notice the clean pocket.

The end result is a touchdown with Davis getting a full step on Smith. Nelson never gets over in time, and Washington grabs a 14-0 lead and ultimately, the game-winning score. Also, if Cousins wanted him, Grant’s double move broke him open. It would have been an easy score with a decent throw.