Minnesota Vikings, week 1 coaches film analysis

Here's the pass that VD flat out dropped.

2Q 2nd & 19 (due to Staley holding penalty)
Slant-Flat concept. Orange is the key defender.
Versus Quarters


Orange stays in the passing lane to the slant (slow to cover the flat). Kap targets the flat.


VD bobbles and drops the pass.

Originally posted by SunDevilNiner79:

Originally posted by jonnydel:
So, I mentioned it in the OP, but here's an example of how TS was demanding attention from the safeties. This was a run play on our 1st TD drive, Hyde nearly breaks this out for a huge gain.


This is right at the snap of the ball, you see how far wide the safety has shifted. The ball is on the near hash and he's on the far hash, because Torrey Smith is split out wide. This, effectively, pulls that safety out of any chance of impacting this running play. Just a stretch run off tackle. PS, we pretty much run this exact same play for the 2nd TD but with VD and Boldin split out wide.

Sorry but I don't agree with your assessment that the Safety's position is due to Torrey Smith (as opposed to another WR).

The safety is lined up more to the right because of the 49ers alignment stacking 2 WRs on that side.

Having that safety move over more to the mid doesn't make that since with 8 already in the box. To put him more in the middle, the Vikings would be gambling big time that its a run and Kap won't change the play since that would leave the 2 CBs on an island against the 2 WRs

The play is made because of Staley's block and Hyde's cut back

to respectfully disagree, you still have 3 eligible receivers to that side - with us already showing deep routes off our TE's early, if it was simply because of strength of formation, he should be, at least, inside the tackle, not 3 yards outside. The only reason for a safety to be that far outside is to provide deep outside help to a premier threat.

I'm not saying the play was made solely because of TS, more, that, if Hyde doesn't get tackled by his feet, he's gone, because the safety was so far wide. We ran formations like this last year, but didn't get near that kind of safety slide - we sorta had it when Randy Moss was here, but still, not to that degree.

Originally posted by Niners816:

Originally posted by thl408:

Thanks, Antix for not quoting the animated GIFs. Your fellow posters thank you too. I think leaving the pics in there is okay, just so we know which play we are referring to.

The staff is really taking advantage of Kap's arm with plays like this, where he rolls to one side and throws across the field. Defenses can't sleep when Kap rolls in a certain direction. The safety on this play was alert to see VD flash across his face. With the 49ers successfully executing a few rollout rights on the first drive, the 49ers thought they could sneak in a big play.

I don't know the play you are referring to with Elway in the SB, but not surprised that Elway's staff looked to take advantage of that cannon arm.

It was Rod smith in SB33. It was your patented Shanny deep cross off of a stretch fake. Very, very pretty.

Fast forward to the 2:50 mark. It doesn't quite show the play fake, but I remember watching the game live. It was great play.
http://youtu.be/fAPP62Tg3ws

JonnyDel is back Love reading this stuff

Originally posted by jonnydel:
Here's a play we got real lucky on. It's the Vikings 3rd offensive lay of the game 3rd and 10. 9:-- 1st QTR.



Here, Minn goes with 3 wide, so we bring in our 'nickel' package with Tartt. Here, there just going to create a hi/lo stretch on the outside. Tartt is trying to to feign a blitz.



Tartt's feign brings him right to the line at the snap. We're playing a cover 2-man on this play, Tartt's responsibility then, is the TE.


Tartt's biggest mistake is that he moves from the TE too quickly, he check the TE - who was chipping the DE, and assumes he's staying in to block. So, when the TE releases out into the pattern, Tartt doesn't see it, he's cluing in on the QB.



By the time Tartt realizes the TE has released into the pattern he has to fight through the crossing pattern.



You see here how open the TE got, Tartt is trying to recover, but, it leaves a large opening for the TE to pick up the first down. Either due to the pressure from Lynch, or just because Bridgewater got focused on the deep route, not sure, he chooses to throw the deep out route.


Bridgewater throws the ball incomplete. It's a big play early on because it leads to a missed field goal. If he hits the TE they either pick up the 1st down or have a shorter FG.

Either way, we got away with one here, but, it may have been because of the pressure. However, against more elite QB's, this would end up bad for us. Need to tighten up here - rookie mistake(to be expected from a rookie though).

Is this part of the 33 stack I kept hearing about ? Swap out a DL for Tartt ?

Originally posted by 951NINER:

Originally posted by jonnydel:
Here's a play we got real lucky on. It's the Vikings 3rd offensive lay of the game 3rd and 10. 9:-- 1st QTR.



Here, Minn goes with 3 wide, so we bring in our 'nickel' package with Tartt. Here, there just going to create a hi/lo stretch on the outside. Tartt is trying to to feign a blitz.



Tartt's feign brings him right to the line at the snap. We're playing a cover 2-man on this play, Tartt's responsibility then, is the TE.


Tartt's biggest mistake is that he moves from the TE too quickly, he check the TE - who was chipping the DE, and assumes he's staying in to block. So, when the TE releases out into the pattern, Tartt doesn't see it, he's cluing in on the QB.



By the time Tartt realizes the TE has released into the pattern he has to fight through the crossing pattern.



You see here how open the TE got, Tartt is trying to recover, but, it leaves a large opening for the TE to pick up the first down. Either due to the pressure from Lynch, or just because Bridgewater got focused on the deep route, not sure, he chooses to throw the deep out route.


Bridgewater throws the ball incomplete. It's a big play early on because it leads to a missed field goal. If he hits the TE they either pick up the 1st down or have a shorter FG.

Either way, we got away with one here, but, it may have been because of the pressure. However, against more elite QB's, this would end up bad for us. Need to tighten up here - rookie mistake(to be expected from a rookie though).

Is this part of the 33 stack I kept hearing about ? Swap out a DL for Tartt ?

well, reallly, it's a small "nickel" package, some might call it a "dime" package. We're pulling Wilhoite out and putting Tartt in. As a big safety, he's functioning in a LB role. It's similar to the kind of stuff Ari was doing with Mathieu

Originally posted by jonnydel:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by Oakland-Niner:
Nice write up. Looking forward to this thread every week.

Terrific write-up and can't wait for you (JD) and thl408 to break this down!

As to execution, I agree...but paramount to execution, we've had huge changes in both offensive and defensive philosophies from last year and it showed in the formations. The 'identity' of the team remains the same as does the formula for winning: top 5 defense, excellent ST's, controlling the TOP, winning the TO battle and all coupled with a strong, smart, conservative yet, efficient passing game (with a few splash plays thrown in there).

These changes in philosophy and scheme made the execution soooo much easier esp. for CK.

Philosophy/Scheme Changes:
Defense: Still use pattern-match coverages building off Mangini's experiences in NE but also Fangio's success here. In addition, Mangini is huge on personnel matchups...best DB's to match the oppositions strengths (hence Acker starting, using 4-saftey looks, Johnson coming into the games, Brock sliding over into the slot at times, etc.). In addition, there is now a monster shift in pre and post-snap confusion on both disguising the blitzer(s) and coverages. Bowman was quoted as noting the biggest difference between Fangio and Mangini is that we now dictate the offense vs. reacting to them trying to dictate us. 180-degree philosophical change in mentality and scheme.
Offense: Huge focus on first down production. FINALLY. I can't stress that enough...and I have...for over 5 years now in NT! QB-friendly schemes. WCO is back, clearly. There was a nice piece written yesterday about how every time CK comes off the field, Logan and a hoard of others (including the OL) are reviewing film and making adjustments and communicating with each other (that didn't happen under HaRoman as Harbaugh controlled the huddle). CK is also, for the first time ever, now given full autonomy in the huddle and up at the LOS to audible. The other changes have resulted in working hard to correct the grocery-long list of issues we had under HaRoman. Another huge shift is the move to the ZBS and getting rid of the power OL for smaller, smarter and more athletic OL.
Special Teams: Make teams start at the 20 every time. With Pinion's leg and hang time, McCray and Ward are ready to force one fair catch after another or risk being decapitated if you are the returner. The return game is now looked upon as a weapon vs. the conservative fair catch with nobody within 15 yards of the returner.
Coaching: The "team" is now central as is the "family" theme. Bethea's quote yesterday pretty much summed it up for every player. Big shift here!

While execution (or non-execution) is typically the end-result, we shouldn't ignore the HUGE philosophical/scheme changes that are now putting our players in the best places to succeed.

With that...bring on the end results!

There definitely is a change in the "strategy" involved. In that, we're definitely more "horizontally" moving and less vertically moving. We had a lot of throws that were both horizontal and vertical(our flood concepts off PA), and a lot of horizontal stretch drop back throws.

One thing I noticed though - not to seem contrary, is that we didn't use pattern matching like we did under Fangio - I'll highlight it on one or Tramaine Brock's greatest plays of the game, it was so impressive because we weren't pattern matching in man-coverage.

Thanks for clarifying the aspect of the WCO I didn't specify...horizontal attack!

The pattern-match is a staple of Mangini's background in NE and here under Fangio. It's an assumption on my part that we will see that in the future (although, like you noted, not this game...or exactly like how Fangio used it).

Man, this is so fun to not only break down but watch evolve. Thank you for your major contributions here...and to the others who add in a lot of time to this thread to help make us all better fans.

Originally posted by jonnydel:

Originally posted by 951NINER:

Originally posted by jonnydel:

Here's a play we got real lucky on. It's the Vikings 3rd offensive lay of the game 3rd and 10. 9:-- 1st QTR.



Here, Minn goes with 3 wide, so we bring in our 'nickel' package with Tartt. Here, there just going to create a hi/lo stretch on the outside. Tartt is trying to to feign a blitz.



Tartt's feign brings him right to the line at the snap. We're playing a cover 2-man on this play, Tartt's responsibility then, is the TE.


Tartt's biggest mistake is that he moves from the TE too quickly, he check the TE - who was chipping the DE, and assumes he's staying in to block. So, when the TE releases out into the pattern, Tartt doesn't see it, he's cluing in on the QB.



By the time Tartt realizes the TE has released into the pattern he has to fight through the crossing pattern.



You see here how open the TE got, Tartt is trying to recover, but, it leaves a large opening for the TE to pick up the first down. Either due to the pressure from Lynch, or just because Bridgewater got focused on the deep route, not sure, he chooses to throw the deep out route.


Bridgewater throws the ball incomplete. It's a big play early on because it leads to a missed field goal. If he hits the TE they either pick up the 1st down or have a shorter FG.

Either way, we got away with one here, but, it may have been because of the pressure. However, against more elite QB's, this would end up bad for us. Need to tighten up here - rookie mistake(to be expected from a rookie though).

Is this part of the 33 stack I kept hearing about ? Swap out a DL for Tartt ?

well, reallly, it's a small "nickel" package, some might call it a "dime" package. We're pulling Wilhoite out and putting Tartt in. As a big safety, he's functioning in a LB role. It's similar to the kind of stuff Ari was doing with Mathieu

It's a Big Dime package because it's three CBs and 3 safeties used versus 3 WRs. The thought is you don't want a safety matched up against a WR. I borrowing Mike Nolans terminology of Big Nickel where he used 2CBs and 3 safeties to combat an offense's 2 WR base package.

Originally posted by jonnydel:

Originally posted by 951NINER:

Originally posted by jonnydel:
Here's a play we got real lucky on. It's the Vikings 3rd offensive lay of the game 3rd and 10. 9:-- 1st QTR.



Here, Minn goes with 3 wide, so we bring in our 'nickel' package with Tartt. Here, there just going to create a hi/lo stretch on the outside. Tartt is trying to to feign a blitz.



Tartt's feign brings him right to the line at the snap. We're playing a cover 2-man on this play, Tartt's responsibility then, is the TE.


Tartt's biggest mistake is that he moves from the TE too quickly, he check the TE - who was chipping the DE, and assumes he's staying in to block. So, when the TE releases out into the pattern, Tartt doesn't see it, he's cluing in on the QB.



By the time Tartt realizes the TE has released into the pattern he has to fight through the crossing pattern.



You see here how open the TE got, Tartt is trying to recover, but, it leaves a large opening for the TE to pick up the first down. Either due to the pressure from Lynch, or just because Bridgewater got focused on the deep route, not sure, he chooses to throw the deep out route.


Bridgewater throws the ball incomplete. It's a big play early on because it leads to a missed field goal. If he hits the TE they either pick up the 1st down or have a shorter FG.

Either way, we got away with one here, but, it may have been because of the pressure. However, against more elite QB's, this would end up bad for us. Need to tighten up here - rookie mistake(to be expected from a rookie though).

Is this part of the 33 stack I kept hearing about ? Swap out a DL for Tartt ?

well, reallly, it's a small "nickel" package, some might call it a "dime" package. We're pulling Wilhoite out and putting Tartt in. As a big safety, he's functioning in a LB role. It's similar to the kind of stuff Ari was doing with Mathieu

So I thought Tartt's role is to spy in this formation ? Spy who ? RB or QB ? Also Sakamoto claims we will use this more vs Roethlisberger and PIT

Originally posted by NCommand:

Thanks for clarifying the aspect of the WCO I didn't specify...horizontal attack!

The pattern-match is a staple of Mangini's background in NE and here under Fangio. It's an assumption on my part that we will see that in the future (although, like you noted, not this game...or exactly like how Fangio used it).

Man, this is so fun to not only break down but watch evolve. Thank you for your major contributions here...and to the others who add in a lot of time to this thread to help make us all better fans.

WCO has both horizontal and vertical elements. The triangle stretch plays (spot for example) attacks both, that's how you get the zone busting triangle. However, most WCO are perfectly happy attacking horizontal of your gonna let them (crossers for days). It's when the defense makes an adjustment to take away the horizontal that the more explosive vertical game becomes more in the forefront. It's a great system and that's why it's going on its 4th decade exploiting coverages.

Originally posted by 951NINER:
So I thought Tartt's role is to spy in this formation ? Spy who ? RB or QB ? Also Sakamoto claims we will use this more vs Roethlisberger and PIT

He was supposed to be in man-coverage on the TE, because the TE "chipped" the DE first, for a split second, Tartt moved his eyes off him to the QB, so he was late in recognizing that the TE was going out into the pattern and not staying in to block. If his man doesn't go out in the patter(i.e. a max protect) then he either "spy's" the QB or plays a mid zone, depending on how Mangini wants to play it.

Originally posted by jonnydel:

Originally posted by 951NINER:
So I thought Tartt's role is to spy in this formation ? Spy who ? RB or QB ? Also Sakamoto claims we will use this more vs Roethlisberger and PIT

He was supposed to be in man-coverage on the TE, because the TE "chipped" the DE first, for a split second, Tartt moved his eyes off him to the QB, so he was late in recognizing that the TE was going out into the pattern and not staying in to block. If his man doesn't go out in the patter(i.e. a max protect) then he either "spy's" the QB or plays a mid zone, depending on how Mangini wants to play it.

Originally posted by Oakland-Niner:
Nice write up. Looking forward to this thread every week.


P.S. Sucks to hear about Martin. Without looking at him specifically, I just assumed he did a good job, since our run game was tight and CK had plent of time in the pocket.

If I remember correctly, Martin was called twice for holding.

But, he is the youngster on the offensive line, so some mistakes have to be expected. To paraphrase Tomsula. Martin needs to own his penalties, eliminate them, and move on.

So after some offensive miscues, holdings, Kap airmailing his pass to Patton, VD dropping an easy catch, Kap will now go on a streak of 9 straight completions. Not shown is a swing pass to Hayne on 3rd & 19. The drive would result in a punt.

After a block above the waist (Bellore and Reaser were flagged for the same penalty) call on the punt return that nullified an Ellington punt return for TD, the 49ers are backup up near their own goaline.

2Q 1st & 10
All Curls concept versus Cover 3
3 step timing (shotgun + 1 step)
+8 yards

2Q 2nd & 8
13 personnel
4 Verticals versus Quarters


Kap takes the snap, looks to his right, then his left, then scrambles for +12. Interesting that the 49ers use 3 TEs, then run a vertical concept. MIN is in their base 4-3 (4 DBs). I would have thought that this means the 49ers woud have an advantage running the ball, not going vertical. If a defense ever pulls a DB to put in a LB (3 DBs), then I would think that's the time to dial up 4 Verticals.