KC Chiefs coaches film analysis | Page 6

jonnydel · 2014-10-07T10:27:48-07:00

It's always a lot more enjoyable breaking down film after a win than a loss. From a general overall view: We had a great team win. There were some really good individual plays made, but, this was a total team effort to win this game. Bear in mind that we were playing a very good football team that just destroyed the Patriots. Our guys played with a lot of passion and fire and controlled the LOS on both sides of the ball. Biggest thing though, players made plays. It's something that we were sorely lacking in our 2 losses. As always, there are things we could've done better and things that went really well and we'll try and highlight both sides of the coin. I do feel though, as I've now watched so many games now on film that I'm starting to get a better understanding of what our play calling and timing are trying to accomplish and getting a better understanding of our players strengths and weaknesses. One thing I've noticed over the past 4 weeks or so, and even going back to last year is, that when the other teams knows and expects us to pass - our O-line really, really struggles. So, to combat this, G-Ro will often call a lot of things early in the game to try and slow down the pass rush in passing situations - to the point where they're willing to accept a 4th down a couple times if it will help their passing game throughout the rest of the game. Case in point: I saw 2 designed QB runs in obvious passing situations as well as a zone handoff. It seemed like we were trying to let the Chiefs defenders know that they can't come after the passer on every play, which did really help our passing game later in the game. But, enough of that - onto specifics for offense and defense and, as always, we'll start with the positives first. Offense: Positives: The run game was dominating throughout. There were times where we won the schematic game, but other times where we simply imposed our will on the defense. There were a few runs where, KC had all the defenders in the right spots - and we still got 4-6 yards on the play by simply pushing the other team around. That was awesome to see. It was, as Mike Singletary would say, "physical with an 'F'!" The left side of the line - including Kilgore, played lights out in the game. Kilgore especially, played probably the best game I've ever seen him play. He did a great job of handling the NT and was key on several plays. Iupati also played at a very high level - to the level that's expected of him as a 1st round pick. From the passing game - it was great to see Lloyd step up and make some big plays. To the credit of both G-Ro and CK, those plays were setup because KC decided to play a lot more man-coverage in this game and you could see, throughout the game, that we were trying to hit the plays over the top against their aggressive man coverage. The biggest reason we don't try for it more often is because a lot of teams are playing zone, so the corners are playing with a different technique in zone. In zone, the corners are going to be able to keep their eyes back to the QB and play an over the top technique, where, they're biggest - and main responsibility, is to not let anyone behind them. So, they'll take deeper drops and not be looking to take away the in routes or post routes. In man coverage, the corners has to try and take everything away and often has his back to the QB as his job is to watch the receiver. This allowed for the opportunity to take shots down the field and it paid off big time. Normally, when we see more man coverage, we'll run a lot of rub/pick plays to get receivers open in space. But, KC had decided that they were going to play man coverage, while trying to play middle zones with the safeties and/or LB's in a "spy". In effect, it really hampered our short/intermediate passing game and we had to hit some big plays down the sideline - which we did. CK is gonna make the list of both negative and positive this week - which isn't too uncommon. But, he made some major "WOW!" throws this week. He also did a good job, many times, of finding his 2nd and 3rd receivers, moving through his progressions, getting his footwork right and making plays. Frank Gore continues to be so impressive. It's hard to believe when you watch film that this guy is 31 years old. He still shows burst and acceleration and a pit-bull mentality when he runs. Hyde is also the best complement we've had to him in his career. Mainly, because they run so similar, that the offense doesn't change at all when he's in the game - which makes it a lot harder for the defense to clue in to anything we're doing. Before, when Hunter or James entered the game, the defense could figure that any runs up the middle were no longer a factor, or that we weren't going to have a RB in pass pro. They can't do that now. In my opinion - Hyde is gonna be a special player. He reminds me a lot of Ricky Williams in his heyday. When this guys moves downhill, he's scary; because he has the speed and quickness to hit the home run, but the power to move the pile several yards. He' a perfect fit for our power run game and I'm excited about this guys future. The negatives: We're continuing the leave a lot of food out on the table. The negative plays have continued to kill some drives. It seems like, once we have one negative play, the players just snowball. We had 1st and 10 at the 20 yard line, then, after a terrible sequence of a penalty, blown blocks, bad reads, and more blown blocks, we ended up with 4th and 25..... Boone played well in the run game, but still struggles in pass protection. Not sure what the problem is, he wasn't this bad last year, but he's flat out whiffed or been manhandled in pass protection a lot this year. To me, he's our worst pass blocker right now. The hard part about it too is, when you have a tackle that's struggling, you have several options at your disposal about how to help that guy; but when you have a guard who's really struggling, there's not much you can do without putting yourself in some really unfavorable matchups. He's gotta get that part of his game cleaned up. CK gets on the negatives list this week because there are a number of "little things" that he's just not getting down right now. It was interesting seeing how much of a difference those little things can make when you watch Alex Smith who has those little things down well and what the difference in result would be. I'll be touching on those first in my breakdowns but, he remains too confident in his pre-snap reads. He'll see things in his pre-snap read, make the right throw against the defense, but, because he's so confident in his read, he'll forget to look guys off. This allows players to clue in to his eyes and jump on routes. The play calls are good, the pre-snap read is good, it's like he acts like he's playing a video game and the defenders will just automatically go where they're supposed to. He forgets that the guys on the other side are trying to read him too. He also has to do a better job of forcing the issue and making defenders declare if they're going to stay in coverage or come after him on his rollouts. Alex Smith, on his rollouts, attacks the defense, he'll force the issue by moving downfield. This forces defenders to choose whether they are going to come after him or stay in coverage. CK will roll out flat and/or moving backwards slightly. This never challenges the defenders to break off their coverage. This is why we're getting so many incomplete passes on CK rollouts. Vance McDonald was also a little disappointing in the run game. He missed a number of key blocks. Not much other to say about the guy.... Defense: Positives: The defense played outstanding. They are really starting to play with a swagger. You can see it on the field. Yes, the Chiefs had a few big plays, but, most of their big plays came from a busted coverage. There were a couple big plays that were made because Jamaal Charles is Jamaal Charles and he wowed me on several plays. When we play our assignments, we are a tough, tough defense to attack. I said it last week and I'll say it again, I think Vic Fangio is one of the best, if not maybe the best, defensive coordinators in the league. We're a top 3 defense right now and top 5 against both the run and pass and we're missing 2 all-pro's right now. Guys have really elevated their play in the last 2 weeks and are playing really good team defense. There's a lot of guys we could highlight from this past week so I'll just talk about the ones that stood out the most. Bethea continues to really impress. I watched all his film from last season and he's flat out playing better than he did last year. I think our system fits him better than the one he was in at Indy. He's a smart, fundamentally sound football player and it's showing. The only knock on him in the game was that he missed a tackle that ended up with a TD. But, it was a tough tackle to make and it was a good play by KC. Willis still makes me marvel at his abilities as a LB. The thing about Willis is, there are so many plays he'll make where he doesn't necessarily end up on the stat sheet. He's a great, great player and will definitely be in the HOF. I would tell anyone who is, or is going to play LB at any time to go watch film of Patrick Willis playing LB because you won't find a better example of a guy who plays the position so soundly and does all the little things right and at a high level. Ian Williams has really elevated his play since week 1. He's showing why he was the starter last year before he got hurt. He's controlling the point of attack, shows great lateral movement while being engaged and an ability to eat up blockers and shed those guys at the right time. He plays at a very good pad level and with great leverage. I would say that he's even playing better than Dorsey was last year. The negatives: The only thing that really beats us is ourselves. We had several key blown coverages in the game that gave KC big plays and set them up in scoring position. Thl will touch on those plays, so I won't go into too much detail about them but, the mental mistakes are what keep us on the field. Physically, we are a scary defense. Mentally, we're still pretty stinking tough, which is one reason why we have a few mental errors. But, those errors are coming from guys who haven't played in a ton of games in our system. So, there's still room for improvement - which is scary to think about how good this defense can be. With the way we're playing right now, when we get Smith and Bowman back, and can minimize those mental errors, we have the best defense in the league without a doubt in my book. That's all for the summary and as usual - breakdowns to follow! Happy Tuesday!

Oct 7, 2014 at 4:40 PM

#76

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by jonnydel:

Originally posted by crake49:
Looks to me like the difference between a 9 year veteran who has thrown hundreds of swing passes in games and a 2 year player who has thrown a handful of swing passes in games. Nice analysis - you've got to hope the coaches are also drilling this into Kaepernick's head.

True, but, CK isn't a 2 year guy, he's in his 4th year in the league. Russel Wilson's in his 3rd and he holds the LB's with his eyes on that play.....Also, my point was also that you can have 2 coaches call the same thing and it comes down to execution. I'm sure we were also clueing to the swing pass when KC motioned their WR into the backfield - every team will. It's how the QB acts after the snap that makes the play work or not.

Agreed. Where is our QB whisperer? This should be automatic by now!

Oct 7, 2014 at 4:41 PM

#77

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by jonesadrian:

Originally posted by jonnydel:

Originally posted by NCommand:
Well done (excellent point!) but we're missing two key things that make KC's play design work with personnel and ours, not: 1) They have two backs in the backfield and the underneath RB runs to the strong side WITH Alex at the snap getting the defense flowing that way while the AR runs to the weak side and 2) We use only Ellington here in the backfield which should be an instant key-in for the defense. Charles is also the DECOY in this design and that is who the defense would naturally, key in on while they hit the receiver on the back end.

And like you noted, couple these two things WITH CK basically, moving the entire defense with his head/eyes TO where we are trying to create a mismatch and I'm surprised we even gained a yard! Poorer design, isolated personnel and QB-fail.

I can see where you have a problem with the design, but, I have seen several teams run this play out of the same formation we did and have success. With KC, Charles' movement only affects P Willis, not Wilhoite on the play side. With ours, CK's head movement moves the LB on the play side whereas AS holds the LB on the play side.

To say it's all around bad play design you'd have to call Mike McCarthy and Bevell up in Seattle as well. They both run this play out of the shotgun with the Receiver next to the QB as well. Cobb in GB and Harvin in Seattle. To me, the biggest factor is CK's eyes as you see the LB watching CK more than anything.

The little things do count but I think in this case it has more to do with predictability.
Every single time ellington is in the game we run the same exact play to the same exact side. they probably knew exactly how the play was going to work out before we even began to run it.

ellington in he's going to the short side of the field and get the ball. that's a true as the jumbo package runs we trot out there. i agree ck has to look people off as well just don't know what it would have done in this case with a team having film on keys on certain players and what we want to do with them

I wasn't even going to touch on this one.

Oct 7, 2014 at 4:45 PM

#78

thl408
Moderator
Posts: 33,298

So let's try a swing screen to the RB.

Cue the music:

3Q: 1st & 10
This play incorporates bad design with bad blocking. Miller and JMart will lead the convoy for Gore to receive a quick swing pass to the right edge of the formation. Blue is assigned to Boldin. Orange (backside LB) is the other defender to keep an eye on on this play.

Back to jonnydel's point of Kap not looking away before eventually throwing to where he knows he will be throwing. Vance gets into his crossing to draw defenders away from where the play is going. Kap does the same thing here and doesn't allow a look off to help earn some space. He takes the snap and looks to where he will be throwing. He could have used Vance as the target to look off with.

Vance's crossing route does very little to influence defenders away from the play. Boldin's Go route does very little to influence defenders away from the direction of the play. The pass is thrown and blue sees it. He's not fooled by Boldin's vertical route as an attempt to draw the defender. Orange isn't fooled by Vance's crosser.

JMart allows his block to slide off of him. Two unblocked defenders. Gore has no chance. 1 yard gain.

LOL screen pass...

Not digging the formation which this play is ran from. Too many players on the playside. Boldin and Vance can't block because they'll risk offensive PI, so they try to run off (clear out) their defenders. Why use JMart to throw the block? Why not Staley, your best OT? Just not feeling this play design one bit.

[ Edited by thl408 on Oct 7, 2014 at 4:54 PM ]

Oct 7, 2014 at 4:48 PM

#79

crake49
Veteran
Posts: 13,201

Originally posted by NCommand:
Agreed. Where is our QB whisperer? This should be automatic by now!

It could be something he's trying to break, but again, compared to Alex Smith or Russell Wilson, how many swing pass plays has Kaepernick run from the pocket in a game situation? I'm going to guess that both of them have run the play hundreds of times and he's run the play less than 30 times. It's interesting and it's something I'm going to be watching for - at some point this season, we're going to see him looking up the field and abruptly lob one out for a swing pass - turning point!

Oct 7, 2014 at 4:58 PM

#80

T-9ers
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Posts: 1,820

Say what you want about Roman, the guy really knows how to design a run game.

Oct 7, 2014 at 4:58 PM

#81

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by crake49:

Originally posted by NCommand:
Agreed. Where is our QB whisperer? This should be automatic by now!

It could be something he's trying to break, but again, compared to Alex Smith or Russell Wilson, how many swing pass plays has Kaepernick run from the pocket in a game situation? I'm going to guess that both of them have run the play hundreds of times and he's run the play less than 30 times. It's interesting and it's something I'm going to be watching for - at some point this season, we're going to see him looking up the field and abruptly lob one out for a swing pass - turning point!

Can't wait! While I'm literally laughing my ass off listening to full-version of the Bennie Hill theme music above (thl is on fire today!), I can't help but smile for the other fact that we're TRYING to run some swing passes. Seriously! Obviously, I think there are a few things we can do to help make them more successful but damnit, we're trying and that's a big step! Ironically, we probably don't even NEED to run a designed swing pass...just run our 4 go-routes, Gore chip blocks (delay) and flares out...dude is wide open every single time since I can remember!

Oct 7, 2014 at 5:20 PM

#82

jreff22
Veteran
Posts: 67,311

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by crake49:

Originally posted by NCommand:
Agreed. Where is our QB whisperer? This should be automatic by now!

It could be something he's trying to break, but again, compared to Alex Smith or Russell Wilson, how many swing pass plays has Kaepernick run from the pocket in a game situation? I'm going to guess that both of them have run the play hundreds of times and he's run the play less than 30 times. It's interesting and it's something I'm going to be watching for - at some point this season, we're going to see him looking up the field and abruptly lob one out for a swing pass - turning point!

Can't wait! While I'm literally laughing my ass off listening to full-version of the Bennie Hill theme music above (thl is on fire today!), I can't help but smile for the other fact that we're TRYING to run some swing passes. Seriously! Obviously, I think there are a few things we can do to help make them more successful but damnit, we're trying and that's a big step! Ironically, we probably don't even NEED to run a designed swing pass...just run our 4 go-routes, Gore chip blocks (delay) and flares out...dude is wide open every single time since I can remember!

Correct. Watching that last year and screaming hit Gore....

Oct 7, 2014 at 5:24 PM

#83

jreff22
Veteran
Posts: 67,311

Originally posted by jonnydel:

Originally posted by crake49:
Looks to me like the difference between a 9 year veteran who has thrown hundreds of swing passes in games and a 2 year player who has thrown a handful of swing passes in games. Nice analysis - you've got to hope the coaches are also drilling this into Kaepernick's head.

True, but, CK isn't a 2 year guy, he's in his 4th year in the league. Russel Wilson's in his 3rd and he holds the LB's with his eyes on that play.....Also, my point was also that you can have 2 coaches call the same thing and it comes down to execution. I'm sure we were also clueing to the swing pass when KC motioned their WR into the backfield - every team will. It's how the QB acts after the snap that makes the play work or not.

One thing about the whole 2 year diatribe. Kap has played in a total of 40 games. So yes this is his 2nd year starting but he's played well over 2 years worth of games.

Oct 7, 2014 at 5:26 PM

#84

thl408
Moderator
Posts: 33,298

This is the first nice pass by Kap of the day. First drive of the game. After a +9 yard run on 1st down (Hyde), the 49ers face 2nd & 1. Run up the middle?

2nd & 1
Same routes on both sides of the field with deep Outs by Crabs and Boldin.

After using play action to suck up the LBs, Kap hits the top of his dropback and looks towards Boldin working 1 on 1 versus Cooper. Kap sees that the LB covering Vance is playing up tight. There is no way for that LB to play the passing lane on Boldin's Out route.

The LB (orange) continues to play Vance tight. Kap has already started his windup and Boldin is just about to enter his break. Anticipation is a must on deep sideline Out routes.

+18 yards

Nice change up as the 49ers could have easily secured a new set of downs with a run, but instead go playaction for a chunk play.

[ Edited by thl408 on Oct 7, 2014 at 5:28 PM ]

Oct 7, 2014 at 5:32 PM

#85

sincalfaithful
Veteran
Posts: 27,712

Originally posted by T-9ers:
Say what you want about Roman, the guy really knows how to design a run game.

good...he's doing half of his job

Oct 7, 2014 at 5:37 PM

#86

Niners816
Veteran
Posts: 9,990

Originally posted by thl408:
This is the first nice pass by Kap of the day. First drive of the game. After a +9 yard run on 1st down (Hyde), the 49ers face 2nd & 1. Run up the middle?

2nd & 1
Same routes on both sides of the field with deep Outs by Crabs and Boldin.

After using play action to suck up the LBs, Kap hits the top of his dropback and looks towards Boldin working 1 on 1 versus Cooper. Kap sees that the LB covering Vance is playing up tight. There is no way for that LB to play the passing lane on Boldin's Out route.

The LB (orange) continues to play Vance tight. Kap has already started his windup and Boldin is just about to enter his break. Anticipation is a must on deep sideline Out routes.

+18 yards

Nice change up as the 49ers could have easily secured a new set of downs with a run, but instead go playaction for a chunk play.

Nice rope on the deep out, that's the "big boy throw" opposite hash strike. Plays like this are tendancy breakers. I am so happy Boldin is a niner, I've have admired his game since he was switched from a QB to WR at FSU. I so baby wanted him in the 2003 draft to pair with and eventually replace TO.

[ Edited by Niners816 on Oct 7, 2014 at 5:40 PM ]

Oct 7, 2014 at 5:40 PM

#87

Sanfran_chrisco
Veteran
Posts: 33,902

Originally posted by thl408:
So let's try a swing screen to the RB.

Cue the music:

3Q: 1st & 10
This play incorporates bad design with bad blocking. Miller and JMart will lead the convoy for Gore to receive a quick swing pass to the right edge of the formation. Blue is assigned to Boldin. Orange (backside LB) is the other defender to keep an eye on on this play.

Back to jonnydel's point of Kap not looking away before eventually throwing to where he knows he will be throwing. Vance gets into his crossing to draw defenders away from where the play is going. Kap does the same thing here and doesn't allow a look off to help earn some space. He takes the snap and looks to where he will be throwing. He could have used Vance as the target to look off with.

Vance's crossing route does very little to influence defenders away from the play. Boldin's Go route does very little to influence defenders away from the direction of the play. The pass is thrown and blue sees it. He's not fooled by Boldin's vertical route as an attempt to draw the defender. Orange isn't fooled by Vance's crosser.

JMart allows his block to slide off of him. Two unblocked defenders. Gore has no chance. 1 yard gain.

LOL screen pass...
Not digging the formation which this play is ran from. Too many players on the playside. Boldin and Vance can't block because they'll risk offensive PI, so they try to run off (clear out) their defenders. Why use JMart to throw the block? Why not Staley, your best OT? Just not feeling this play design one bit.

LMAO

Oct 7, 2014 at 5:43 PM

#88

jonnydel
Veteran
Posts: 9,423

Originally posted by thl408:
This is the first nice pass by Kap of the day. First drive of the game. After a +9 yard run on 1st down (Hyde), the 49ers face 2nd & 1. Run up the middle?

2nd & 1
Same routes on both sides of the field with deep Outs by Crabs and Boldin.

After using play action to suck up the LBs, Kap hits the top of his dropback and looks towards Boldin working 1 on 1 versus Cooper. Kap sees that the LB covering Vance is playing up tight. There is no way for that LB to play the passing lane on Boldin's Out route.

The LB (orange) continues to play Vance tight. Kap has already started his windup and Boldin is just about to enter his break. Anticipation is a must on deep sideline Out routes.

+18 yards

Nice change up as the 49ers could have easily secured a new set of downs with a run, but instead go playaction for a chunk play.

love the breakdown, this was one I flagged when i was watching as one of CK's really, really, nice throws. It's something that you sometimes lose an appreciation for, how hard that throw is and how few guys can make this throw. This is a LONG throw, that has to be on a line. These are the types of throws that remind me why he's our starting QB. Also why it's frustrating when he makes errors out of sloppy play.

Oct 7, 2014 at 5:49 PM

#89

Sourball
Veteran
Posts: 2,279

Originally posted by thl408:
Man was that frustrating to watch. All those completions directly over the middle of the field. Good play design by KC along with some blown coverages led to quite a maddening opening to for the 49er defense as they gave up chunk plays and numerous 3rd down conversions. They tightened it up later in the game as they were able to get off the field on 3rd downs.

Hasn't this generally been SF's M.O. the last few years? They come out looking unprepared and you think it's going to be one of "those" games, then the defense settles down and plays lights out. Don't know if they are over-hyped at the beginning of games or if Fangio allows the opposition free rein to show their intentions for the game and then adjusts accordingly and shuts it down.

Oct 7, 2014 at 5:49 PM

#90

Sanfran_chrisco
Veteran
Posts: 33,902

Originally posted by jonnydel:
love the breakdown, this was one I flagged when i was watching as one of CK's really, really, nice throws. It's something that you sometimes lose an appreciation for, how hard that throw is and how few guys can make this throw. This is a LONG throw, that has to be on a line. These are the types of throws that remind me why he's our starting QB. Also why it's frustrating when he makes errors out of sloppy play.

Do you think Alex could have executed that throw?