This is what can happen.
vs Mike Weber in 2017:
Chris Frey (23) is the OLB at the top of the screen. He is assigned to peel back to the left, to a two-WR side so that defense can go 3 over 2.
At the bottom of the screen, Andrew Dowell (5), peels left to the other two-WR side, so that defense can be 3 over 2 down there ... to stop the slot/bubble threat.
On this play, Michigan State tries to mind the pass play first, and the run game second - something Narduzzi said he would never do.
Michigan State has updated its defense and its defensive philosophy, a bit, since the Narduzzi dates. But this play, on a first-and-10 deep in OSU territory, marked an over-correction.
Of course Michigan State was down 28-0 and grasping at straws a little bit.
But this play shows why, if you're going to play zone, there is a philosophical reason to stop run first and react to the slot second.
vs Mike Weber in 2017:
Chris Frey (23) is the OLB at the top of the screen. He is assigned to peel back to the left, to a two-WR side so that defense can go 3 over 2.
At the bottom of the screen, Andrew Dowell (5), peels left to the other two-WR side, so that defense can be 3 over 2 down there ... to stop the slot/bubble threat.
On this play, Michigan State tries to mind the pass play first, and the run game second - something Narduzzi said he would never do.
Michigan State has updated its defense and its defensive philosophy, a bit, since the Narduzzi dates. But this play, on a first-and-10 deep in OSU territory, marked an over-correction.
Of course Michigan State was down 28-0 and grasping at straws a little bit.
But this play shows why, if you're going to play zone, there is a philosophical reason to stop run first and react to the slot second.
