The Falcons and quarterback Matt Ryan will challenge the Bears’ Cover-2 in crucial situations Sunday, targeting the secondary using the flat-7 (corner) combo. Atlanta will move Ryan out of the pocket using sprint action and work free safety Major Wright (FS) down the field. It’s the same concept the Falcons used to beat the Ravens in 2010.
In this diagram, the Falcons have their Posse personnel (three wide receivers, one tight end, one running back) in a double-stack alignment versus the Bears’ base nickel (four linemen, two linebackers, five backs).
The routes
The Falcons can run the flat-7 (a classic Cover-2 beater) out of multiple personnel groupings. However, using the added window dressing of the double-stack alignment creates a free release at the line of scrimmage for rookie wide receiver Julio Jones (X) on the 7 route. Underneath, tight end Tony Gonzalez (Y) will run a flat route with Roddy White (Z) coming back across the field on the underneath crosser.
Sprint action
The Falcons will use the sprint game to create throwing lanes for Ryan. With the running back (R) trying to seal the edge of the defense, it is crucial for Bears defensive end Julius Peppers to force Ryan to pull up and stay inside of the pocket. This will limit the quarterback’s ability to extend the play by avoiding pressure.
Stress on Wright
Wright has a tough matchup. With a free release from Jones, the Falcons wide receiver will be able to get into the route stem and work vertically, challenging Wright down the field. Wright must play with enough depth to break to the ball and make a play. Working versus the stack alignment, Wright will not widen to his original landmark (top of the numbers), giving Jones plenty of field.
Tillman is the key
The Bears want Ryan to settle for the underneath flat route to Gonzalez. That’s the idea of Cover-2 as a core defense. To take the Falcons QB off of Jones, his deep read, Charles Tillman (RC) has to sink hard at a 45-degree angle. This protects Wright on the 7 route and closes the deep hole in the zone. With Lance Briggs (W) picking up White on the crosser, the Bears can force the ball to the flat, make the tackle and get off the field.
Special contributor Matt Bowen, who played at Glenbard West and Iowa, spent seven seasons in the NFL as a strong safety. You also can find his work at nationalfootballpost.com.
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