Chicago Bears game coaches film analysis

Originally posted by kray28:
That last picture....blame Kap all you want, but a top WR in this league makes that catch,

It was touched on in the broadcast that Crab's extra little shake at the top of the route caused him to only be able to get one hand on the pass. He could have caught it after the tip as the ball was on the way down when Crabs was lying on his back. That would have been nice.

Originally posted by Joecool:
This is why he needs to work more on holding that FS. The FS is the key to getting those open spots comfortably open.

Agreed. On that Conte INT (pass #12 of thumbnails), Boldin's route was designed to attack that seam between the FS and the CB at the top of the screen. Thing is, Kap faces a lot of single high safety. I've seen him hold that FS many many many (x3) times with his eyes, which is why I was upset he failed to do so on the Conte INT.

Originally posted by thl408:
After watching how Kap handles cover3 versus CHI, I think Kap's development as a pocket passer is cursed by his running ability. When traditional pocket QBs feel the heat in the pocket, they learn to get rid of the ball faster because there is no other option. Kap has a fantastic second option, his legs. So instead of hanging in the pocket, he looks to "checkdown" to his scrambling ability - sometimes too quickly. I think there are two ways his development can go, like a fork in the road. He can continue to fall back on his scrambling when there's some heat in the pocket, or he can stick it out in the pocket and practice throwing into holes in the coverage, learning to throw with anticipation.

This has been mentioned by Steve Young, as well as others. Young had to learn, under Walsh's harsh eye, to be patient and give his receivers some respect. One thing I noticed against Chicago--the receivers stopped their routes and looked to block for Kaepernick really early during pass plays. Some were designed but many were not...they just know that at the count of two he's going to be out of there.

Many comments have been made about niners lack of self discipline and it all ties in together...but is a very delicate balance in the passing game. Kaepernick is so explosive as a runner it's hard to criticize him for bailing, but is it fair to the receivers? I think Harbaugh and the QB coach need to work on this with CK, no doubt they are, after every game. They should show him film of receivers getting open just after he tucks the ball away, or receivers giving up on their routes to look to block before he tucks.

One thing that has greatly surprised me this year--CK's escapability. He was unbelievably nifty against the rush instead of just fast. His sidesteps and awareness of defenders will make him one heck of a pocket passer if/when he gets there.

Edit: By the way--you and Jonnydel and NC and...sorry if I forgot someone...have really been providing some great info in stills, gifs and analysis. Thank you so much!

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by thl408:
After watching how Kap handles cover3 versus CHI, I think Kap's development as a pocket passer is cursed by his running ability. When traditional pocket QBs feel the heat in the pocket, they learn to get rid of the ball faster because there is no other option. Kap has a fantastic second option, his legs. So instead of hanging in the pocket, he looks to "checkdown" to his scrambling ability - sometimes too quickly. I think there are two ways his development can go, like a fork in the road. He can continue to fall back on his scrambling when there's some heat in the pocket, or he can stick it out in the pocket and practice throwing into holes in the coverage, learning to throw with anticipation.

This has been mentioned by Steve Young, as well as others. Young had to learn, under Walsh's harsh eye, to be patient and give his receivers some respect. One thing I noticed against Chicago--the receivers stopped their routes and looked to block for Kaepernick really early during pass plays. Some were designed but many were not...they just know that at the count of two he's going to be out of there.

Many comments have been made about niners lack of self discipline and it all ties in together...but is a very delicate balance in the passing game. Kaepernick is so explosive as a runner it's hard to criticize him for bailing, but is it fair to the receivers? I think Harbaugh and the QB coach need to work on this with CK, no doubt they are, after every game. They should show him film of receivers getting open just after he tucks the ball away, or receivers giving up on their routes to look to block before he tucks.

One thing that has greatly surprised me this year--CK's escapability. He was unbelievably nifty against the rush instead of just fast. His sidesteps and awareness of defenders will make him one heck of a pocket passer if/when he gets there.

Edit: By the way--you and Jonnydel and NC and...sorry if I forgot someone...have really been providing some great info in stills, gifs and analysis. Thank you so much!

I think there's a fine line that Harbaugh is walking here with Kap's development and winning games. If it's 3rd down, would you "force" Kap to hang in the pocket to find the open WR, risking a sack/incomplete pass/INT in the name of QB development? Or do you want Kap to do whatever it takes to get that 3rd down conversion, which might mean using his legs? Tough question imo because this fanbase wants wins and a SB. Sometimes winning games and QB development do not go hand in hand.

Originally posted by thl408:
I think there's a fine line that Harbaugh is walking here with Kap's development and winning games. If it's 3rd down, would you "force" Kap to hang in the pocket to find the open WR, risking a sack/incomplete pass/INT in the name of QB development? Or do you want Kap to do whatever it takes to get that 3rd down conversion, which might mean using his legs? Tough question imo because this fanbase wants wins and a SB. Sometimes winning games and QB development do not go hand in hand.

That's the tough thing about developing a QB on a winning team! Walsh had a subpar team and was able to concentrate on development over wins...though I doubt he thought that way. I think you go ahead and bite the bullet, tell Kapernick to pass first and risk losing a couple of games at this point. Two reasons...better results in the long run, and team mates will know better what to expect. Right now they almost become spectators watching CK work his magic.

Edit: in full disclosure--I always want coaches to look to the longterm, but their careers might dictate otherwise.

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by Joecool:
This is why he needs to work more on holding that FS. The FS is the key to getting those open spots comfortably open.

Agreed. On that Conte INT (pass #12 of thumbnails), Boldin's route was designed to attack that seam between the FS and the CB at the top of the screen. Thing is, Kap faces a lot of single high safety. I've seen him hold that FS many many many (x3) times with his eyes, which is why I was upset he failed to do so on the Conte INT.

Even on the one he did not throw to Crabtree where he would have had to drop it over the LB and in front of the FS. His next development must be to move the defense...not just looking at the FS but looking slightly to the FS's left, get FS's hips turned for an easier pass over the LB.

After looking at the coach's film, Kap missed open receivers. Honestly, I think he wasn't feeling it from the start with his initial passes that were too high to start the game. Then, include an INT on a pass that he normally gets and a little pressure, looks like he was seeing a lot of white jerseys all day.

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by Joecool:

This is why he needs to work more on holding that FS. The FS is the key to getting those open spots comfortably open.

Agreed. On that Conte INT (pass #12 of thumbnails), Boldin's route was designed to attack that seam between the FS and the CB at the top of the screen. Thing is, Kap faces a lot of single high safety. I've seen him hold that FS many many many (x3) times with his eyes, which is why I was upset he failed to do so on the Conte INT.

I think his confidence in his own arm and being excited about what was going to be a huge play hurried him along and caused him to forget to hold the safety. It needs to be a reminder that all things are important and you can't skip any steps. Having said all that perhaps the play fake made him think he had to really rush that throw. It's a shame because that would have been a huge throw. We just have to keep reminding ourselves he is still in the low 30s as far as starts. It's a process.

Originally posted by Niners816:

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by Joecool:
This is why he needs to work more on holding that FS. The FS is the key to getting those open spots comfortably open.

Agreed. On that Conte INT (pass #12 of thumbnails), Boldin's route was designed to attack that seam between the FS and the CB at the top of the screen. Thing is, Kap faces a lot of single high safety. I've seen him hold that FS many many many (x3) times with his eyes, which is why I was upset he failed to do so on the Conte INT.

I think his confidence in his own arm and being excited about what was going to be a huge play hurried him along and caused him to forget to hold the safety. It needs to be a reminder that all things are important and you can't skip any steps. Having said all that perhaps the play fake made him think he had to really rush that throw. It's a shame because that would have been a huge throw. We just have to keep reminding ourselves he is still in the low 30s as far as starts. It's a process.

Yup. I still think of him as a young QB so I agree it's a process. This may be his 4th year in the league, but it's only his second season as a starter, playing at field level, which is where the majority of the learning comes from. I mean, I can read coverages using the all22 camera. Doesn't mean jack once I'm at field level and bodies are flying around and there isn't a bird's eye view.

Originally posted by NinerGM:

Originally posted by thl408:
I think there's a fine line that Harbaugh is walking here with Kap's development and winning games. If it's 3rd down, would you "force" Kap to hang in the pocket to find the open WR, risking a sack/incomplete pass/INT in the name of QB development? Or do you want Kap to do whatever it takes to get that 3rd down conversion, which might mean using his legs? Tough question imo because this fanbase wants wins and a SB. Sometimes winning games and QB development do not go hand in hand.

So if I could just float this hypothesis and I so appreciate the analysis thl408. As I'm seeing Martin repeatedly get beat, I'm wondering if it's possible to run a screen or even a rub to help martin on that side of the field. At this point in the game it appears the interior line was being held up pretty well and again it seems like we're having problems with outside rushers at tackle. I've noticed teams try to do this against Aldon - he's usually double teamed initially before the TE runs out into a pattern. And maybe this isn't on Roman but possibly on Solari - I just feel at times no one has an "all 22" view of the game - even from the press box.

Understandably we are trying to develop a running QB on a winning team. I still feel like there are somethings we can do to either provide more time/protection or make those passes easier. Even with a maximum protection scenario, there's still the threat of Kap escaping. IIRC, Steve Young didn't get better until he could trust that his line would block for him. I remember Harris Barton being a key to that - when Harris was somewhat healthy, so went the offense.

I think the TV broadcast mentioned that the 49ers did give Martin some help by lining up a TE beside Martin. The TV broadcast mentioned that by lining up a TE next to Martin, that it would force the edge rusher to hesitate or widen his rush, helping Martin. I did not see the little chip block from the TE prior to the TE releasing into his route although I was not watching for that. Maybe NC or WRATH can give some thoughts on this. Like you said, this is what other teams do to Aldon with the chip block. They will take the trade off of a slow release off the line in order to give the LT help. Perhaps the 49ers should have done this versus CHI (if they didn't) when Martin started to get overmatched. The thumbnails show that the TE did line up beside Martin many times versus CHI.

Agreed that when developing a running QB, his best friend is good pass protection, so that he doesn't have to fight the urge of taking off to scramble. He's comfortable in the pocket. The drawback to providing good pass protection via keeping in an additional blocker is that there are less route runners while there are the same amount of pass defenders in coverage. Less route runners leads to less elaborate route combinations and less routes that can be used to influence defenders around the field. On some plays, we see Gore immediately swing out on a route with no check-release duty. When he quickly flares out like that, it draws a reaction from the LBs that could open up passing lanes. On most plays, he is performing check-release where he makes certain there's no immediate pressure up the middle, then he releases. He rarely gets the ball in this situation and is more likely to end up being a lead blocker on a Kap scramble.

Instead of screens, which I see the 49ers fail at repeatedly, I'd like to see the 49ers run a few draw plays. If the speed rusher is trying to get upfield on Martin/ADavis, run a draw play to that side where space opened up. Even if it nets just 4 yards, it gets the edge rusher thinking and perhaps tapers his aggressiveness.

I want to say that Walsh was a believer in beating pressure with quick passes, not max protection, but I'm not certain. Those little swing passes in the 80s were a lot more effective back then then they are now. LBs nowadays are just as fast as a RB and limit RAC.

Originally posted by thl408:

I think the TV broadcast mentioned that the 49ers did give Martin some help by lining up a TE beside Martin. The TV broadcast mentioned that by lining up a TE next to Martin, that it would force the edge rusher to hesitate or widen his rush, helping Martin. I did not see the little chip block from the TE prior to the TE releasing into his route although I was not watching for that. Maybe NC or WRATH can give some thoughts on this. Like you said, this is what other teams do to Aldon with the chip block. They will take the trade off of a slow release off the line in order to give the LT help. Perhaps the 49ers should have done this versus CHI (if they didn't) when Martin started to get overmatched. The thumbnails show that the TE did line up beside Martin many times versus CHI.

Agreed that when developing a running QB, his best friend is good pass protection, so that he doesn't have to fight the urge of taking off to scramble. He's comfortable in the pocket. The drawback to providing good pass protection via keeping in an additional blocker is that there are less route runners while there are the same amount of pass defenders in coverage. Less route runners leads to less elaborate route combinations and less routes that can be used to influence defenders around the field. On some plays, we see Gore immediately swing out on a route with no check-release duty. When he quickly flares out like that, it draws a reaction from the LBs that could open up passing lanes. On most plays, he is performing check-release where he makes certain there's no immediate pressure up the middle, then he releases. He rarely gets the ball in this situation and is more likely to end up being a lead blocker on a Kap scramble.

Instead of screens, which I see the 49ers fail at repeatedly, I'd like to see the 49ers run a few draw plays. If the speed rusher is trying to get upfield on Martin/ADavis, run a draw play to that side where space opened up. Even if it nets just 4 yards, it gets the edge rusher thinking and perhaps tapers his aggressiveness.

I want to say that Walsh was a believer in beating pressure with quick passes, not max protection, but I'm not certain. Those little swing passes in the 80s were a lot more effective back then then they are now. LBs nowadays are just as fast as a RB and limit RAC.

Yeah, walsh would beat pressure with dump off passes to the backs. Thats why you would have rathman catching 75 passes in a season (technically that was '89 so it was holmgren offense, buts it's pretty much Walsh's offense at that point). It was walsh belief of getting absolutely everything out of every down.

But to my recollection, the dynasty years would attack pressure with dump-offs, screens and draws as opposed to maxing up protection. They would also move the pocket to change the trigger point.

Originally posted by Niners816:
Yeah, walsh would beat pressure with dump off passes to the backs. Thats why you would have rathman catching 75 passes in a season (technically that was '89 so it was holmgren offense, buts it's pretty much Walsh's offense at that point). It was walsh belief of getting absolutely everything out of every down.

But to my recollection, the dynasty years would attack pressure with dump-offs, screens and draws as opposed to maxing up protection. They would also move the pocket to change the trigger point.

Timing passes as well, where the ball was ouit before the receiver made a break. Right now, it appears Kaepernick is not comfortable enough to make those plays. He's usually throwing the ball at the receiver, not where the receiver will be...another function of his strong arm but limited experience with some receivers. That may be why he counts on Crabtree and VD so much...time with them on the practice field.

All 3 Brandon Marshall touchdowns vs Jimmie Ward (only his 2nd TD vs Ward and Bennets TD vs. Reid have been posted here).


1st. TD
Jeffery runs a fade route. Marshall runs a skinny post route/seam route(four verticals). Culliver man coverage. Ward man coverage. Reid zone coverage.




Touchdown



2nd. TD
Holmes runs a corner route. Marshall runs a underneath option route. Culliver man coverage. Ward man coverage. Fangio tried to help Ward with Reid over the top. But Reid also has to respect the corner route. So at the end it is still Marshall vs Ward.



Touchdown



3rd. TD
Jeffery runs a quick slant route. Marshall runs a quick fade route. Culliver man coverage. Ward man coverage. No help over the top.


Touchdown





Not sure what Fangio tried to prove here.

Originally posted by dtg_9er:

Originally posted by thl408:
After watching how Kap handles cover3 versus CHI, I think Kap's development as a pocket passer is cursed by his running ability. When traditional pocket QBs feel the heat in the pocket, they learn to get rid of the ball faster because there is no other option. Kap has a fantastic second option, his legs. So instead of hanging in the pocket, he looks to "checkdown" to his scrambling ability - sometimes too quickly. I think there are two ways his development can go, like a fork in the road. He can continue to fall back on his scrambling when there's some heat in the pocket, or he can stick it out in the pocket and practice throwing into holes in the coverage, learning to throw with anticipation.

This has been mentioned by Steve Young, as well as others. Young had to learn, under Walsh's harsh eye, to be patient and give his receivers some respect. One thing I noticed against Chicago--the receivers stopped their routes and looked to block for Kaepernick really early during pass plays. Some were designed but many were not...they just know that at the count of two he's going to be out of there.

Many comments have been made about niners lack of self discipline and it all ties in together...but is a very delicate balance in the passing game. Kaepernick is so explosive as a runner it's hard to criticize him for bailing, but is it fair to the receivers? I think Harbaugh and the QB coach need to work on this with CK, no doubt they are, after every game. They should show him film of receivers getting open just after he tucks the ball away, or receivers giving up on their routes to look to block before he tucks.

One thing that has greatly surprised me this year--CK's escapability. He was unbelievably nifty against the rush instead of just fast. His sidesteps and awareness of defenders will make him one heck of a pocket passer if/when he gets there.

Edit: By the way--you and Jonnydel and NC and...sorry if I forgot someone...have really been providing some great info in stills, gifs and analysis. Thank you so much!

the guy is gonna be great at escaping in the pocket...I just want our passing game to get to the point where defenses have to worry about it and not just our running...

Would rather have Kap than any other QB in the league. What he lacks in savvy he makes up for in dynamic multi-use ability and a hyper-competitive spirit. Kap can get rattled when he's facing pressure and some here say he hasn't progressed at all, but I see a much more polished and commanding QB than the one who first started in 2012. He makes many of the same mistakes as he used to, but in terms of overall consistency I believe he has come very far.

Originally posted by NinerGM:

Originally posted by thl408:
I think the TV broadcast mentioned that the 49ers did give Martin some help by lining up a TE beside Martin. The TV broadcast mentioned that by lining up a TE next to Martin, that it would force the edge rusher to hesitate or widen his rush, helping Martin. I did not see the little chip block from the TE prior to the TE releasing into his route although I was not watching for that. Maybe NC or WRATH can give some thoughts on this. Like you said, this is what other teams do to Aldon with the chip block. They will take the trade off of a slow release off the line in order to give the LT help. Perhaps the 49ers should have done this versus CHI (if they didn't) when Martin started to get overmatched. The thumbnails show that the TE did line up beside Martin many times versus CHI.

Agreed that when developing a running QB, his best friend is good pass protection, so that he doesn't have to fight the urge of taking off to scramble. He's comfortable in the pocket. The drawback to providing good pass protection via keeping in an additional blocker is that there are less route runners while there are the same amount of pass defenders in coverage. Less route runners leads to less elaborate route combinations and less routes that can be used to influence defenders around the field. On some plays, we see Gore immediately swing out on a route with no check-release duty. When he quickly flares out like that, it draws a reaction from the LBs that could open up passing lanes. On most plays, he is performing check-release where he makes certain there's no immediate pressure up the middle, then he releases. He rarely gets the ball in this situation and is more likely to end up being a lead blocker on a Kap scramble.

Instead of screens, which I see the 49ers fail at repeatedly, I'd like to see the 49ers run a few draw plays. If the speed rusher is trying to get upfield on Martin/ADavis, run a draw play to that side where space opened up. Even if it nets just 4 yards, it gets the edge rusher thinking and perhaps tapers his aggressiveness.

I want to say that Walsh was a believer in beating pressure with quick passes, not max protection, but I'm not certain. Those little swing passes in the 80s were a lot more effective back then then they are now. LBs nowadays are just as fast as a RB and limit RAC.

Two really good points to make here - and I saw San Diego KILL Seattle with very well-timed draw plays because their edge rushers were so aggressive. However does this work for us well without the threat of a pass? Team are always looking for us to run given our offensive identity. I'd like to see more WR buble screens which I thought were awesome in Dallas - there was one play I remember Johnson being wide open - and if this pass is thrown while the WR is in stride, it goes for a long gain.

That's a good point about how draws aren't complimentary to a run first team. That's the same reason why screens aren't as effective for the 49ers. So for a run first team, the best way to slow down a pass rush is to go play action. Since the topic we are discussing is methods to slow a pass rush, particularly on the edge, I feel draw plays can work to get that edge rusher thinking about more than just trying to get around the tackle (JMart/ADavis) when he reads 'pass'. If the edge rusher feels he is constantly winning versus the offensive tackle, allow that edge rusher to read 'pass' then run the draw play right past him. The next time around, he'll think twice about just pinning his ears back to rush upfield when he sees JMart step back in a pass blocking stance. The bad news is JMart wasn't just getting beat around the edge. He got beat inside as well versus CHI.

Bubble screens are a good play for Boldin/Crabs because they are good with RAC, but I feel that has more to do with CBs that are playing off coverage. The 49ers ran a few WR screens versus ARI last season in week 17. Perhaps we'll see some this Sunday.