Eagles Video Breakdown: Protection Problem Leads To Pick Six

by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 9:00 AM EDT in Philadelphia Eagles News

We're doing a new series here on BGN where we break down a pivotal play from the previous Sunday's game. This week, we take a look at the pick six thrown by Michael Vick to Nick Barnett. I'll admit, I was alerted to this play by Peter King yesterday.

The player to focus on is #62 Jason Kelce. Watch as he pulls left right after the snap, which should have been the perfect call because the Bills blitzed left. Kelce should have seen LB Kelvin Sheppard and filled that gap, but instead, you'll see him go double team the edge rusher, who was already being ridden out of the play by LeSean McCoy (who did a great job BTW). That leaves Sheppard with a free path to the QB, he hits Vick as he throws and the ball goes straight to Nick Barnett who then returns the ball for a TD.

As Vick said after the game, he obviously bears responsibility because taking the sack would have been the smarter play.

"I had a guy coming down my gun barrel and I should have just took the sack,'' said Vick. "I think that was a game-changer. Those things can't happen.''

Still, you can at least understand that he was trying to make a play, which isn't the worst thing when you're down in a game and trying to come back. It doesn't excuse the pick, but I think this does illustrate that the problem here isn't really the decision making of the QB. He was really let down by his line, specifically Kelce here. The protection that was called was perfect and should have had the blitz picked up, but once again a mental mistake ruins it all.

And the worst part is, these are the kinds of plays you have Jason Kelce in the game for. He has the athleticism to run those kind of pull plays that Jamaal Jackson probably doesn't. And on the play, Kelce does look very quick and you can see what Howard Mudd likes about his athleticism... but if he goes and blocks the wrong guy, what difference does that extra athleticism make?

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Good analysis on that one

I haven’t been able to bring myself to go back and rewatch the game (sober) as I usually do, so seeing some things explained is nice.

Kelce seemed (from my initial watching) to have a weak game in general. I’d be curious to hear a good overall analysis of Watkins performance though.

by Balagast on Oct 11, 2011 9:09 AM EDT reply actions

Got a Watkins breakdown coming this afternoon.

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

cant wait

"I brought two kegs,one of beer,one of gunpowder" -WARCLOUD

by Dunta Is A PUNK on Oct 11, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

They want to solve the int mystery. It starts with protection. Vick is throwing more picks because he is rushed/hit more. This goes back to last year. He’s a shorter QB, so they really need to keep the defense out of his face. Somehow people will blame Vick for not reading the blitz, or holding the ball too long. And this isn’t a new thing. Go back and watch the Atlanta game and you will see some of the same issues. Yes Vick needs to tuck that ball in, but the line also has to do a better job of keeping that pocket clean if that’s the kind of QB you want him to be. If not move him out of the pocket. The Bills aren’t known for their pass rush but still spent a good bit of time in Vicks face.

"you cannot think this 6-foot man is going to survive a full season if defenses have 904 chances to knock his block off"

by EaglesandRavensFan on Oct 11, 2011 9:23 AM EDT reply actions

You are correct

All you hear is 4 interceptions, 100 million dollar mistake, reverting to Atlanta ways, dog killer and convicted felon, who can’t read a blitz because he’s an athletic quarterback. This was the only one of the 4 picks that was squarely on Vick and even this one clearly was not completely his fault. Vick didn’t have time to react and his arm was hit at the end of the follow through. This line is killing Vick and its quite obvious when you look at the tape. If we had the line that McNabb had with Tra and Runyan, this O would be unstoppable.

by RadDoc420 on Oct 11, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Did you see the matrix type breakdown that NFLN did for this play? Pretty intense stuff.

by The Pied Piper on Oct 11, 2011 9:26 AM EDT reply actions

If I’m going to call for someones head… Bench Kelce! Jamaal Jackson needs to start!

Astra Inclinant, Non Necessitant

by EagleGreeninMD on Oct 11, 2011 9:51 AM EDT reply actions

Well, at least for this play, it’s not for certain that Jackson would have been able to get out and pull like Kelce did there. You’d have to run different protections.

But then again, maybe that’s what they need if Kelce is making mental errors. Physically you can see what they like, but at the same time this is what happens when you start rookies. They make these kinds of mistakes.

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree, however Jackson used to call the protections. Right now we need security and experience on that line over athletics and mistakes.

Astra Inclinant, Non Necessitant

by EagleGreeninMD on Oct 11, 2011 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions

This.

"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb

by thePurpleLion on Oct 11, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Although I would caution against assuming that Jamaal Jackson, who has barely played in two years and has had two major injuries is “security.”

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree that his physicality may not be up to par at this point, I just dont think Kelce is ready yet. The experience that he has is sometimes just as valuable. Especially on a line with so many question marks.

"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb

by thePurpleLion on Oct 11, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

I'll take the physically limited guy who knows what he's doing.

A coach can plan around a player’s known physical limitations, but you never know when a player is going to space out and let his quarterback get destroyed.

by Tracer Bullet on Oct 11, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Injury risks aside, Jamaal is in shape and has practiced all year. To me the chance to keep Vick clean is too important. Plus he could help with the line calls and blitz reads.

Astra Inclinant, Non Necessitant

by EagleGreeninMD on Oct 11, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Right on the money Jason.

My argument with these fan-requested personnel moves, is that we are not seeing practice. Maybe Jamal Jackson is clearly a liability and can’t keep up in Practice. If it was a clear cut decision, I am pretty sure Andy would have made the switch by now. Same goes with J Page (I hate to say it) vs Jarrett.

by zoso7374 on Oct 11, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

you still think these coaches will play the best players?

anyone with any sense knew that brian rolle was 1000x better than casey matthews. kurt coleman is better than jarrod page. why did they ever release anthony hargrove and keep trevor laws? who’s the better player?

i have no doubt jamal jackson would be a better player than kelce. he might have gotten there 0.5 seconds later, but he would have blocked the right guy. he would provide some more push on the goal line, they would be able to power the ball in (instead of relying on traps and trickery).

this whole mess of a season is due to their “we’ll put who we want where we want” attitude. it’s why juan castillo is the defensive coordinator.

by juggadore on Oct 11, 2011 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions

A very strong statement with absolutely NOTHING to back it up.

Kurt Coleman got benched if you recall. We WAS the starter. Hargrove vs Laws? Why am I to believe that Hargrove is better? The Jamal Jackson is indeed perplexing, but I assure you it is not as cut-and-dry as you want to believe. I mean its been two years since Jamal Jackson has been on the field.

And I don’t get it. Why in the world would they just put in who they want to put in? Why do you think they don’t want the best players on the field?

Overall, I just don’t get your logic. Unless of course you are attending practice every day.

by zoso7374 on Oct 11, 2011 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Kurt Coleman was put in a horrible position to star the year. He was starting along side Page, who blows at everything. He wasn’t being use properly and was benched for Nate Allen, who does a better job at FS than Coleman. However Coleman is infinitely better at the SS position than Page, because all page was good for was tackling, and he sucked dick at that. So now you put in Coleman, who is a much better tackler than Page, along side Allen, who plays coverage well and had a pretty solid game, together and the safety position is immediately 100x better than it was all season.

Boom.

The Jruth shall be told.

by packimop on Oct 11, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Same problem they had last year with McGlynn all year last year where he had issues with picking up the right assignment on pressure up the middle.

by MG77 on Oct 11, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions

God, we're idiots

How did we manage to get so psyched up for this season with full knowledge of glaring problems on the offensive line? When did Mr. Win-in-the-Trenches-Reid transform into a top-hatted circus ring leader? I blame the Phillies.

by moondogger on Oct 11, 2011 10:08 AM EDT reply actions

per PFF

2) Jason Kelce was bad, not the O-line I put this distinction as the headline because at the moment, it seems that everyone points out that the Eagles’ offensive line is a disaster and that Michael Vick can’t possibly be expected to operate behind that kind of protection. Well in this game, Evan Mathis (3.1) and Danny Watkins (2.1) didn’t allow any pressures, and King Dunlap, who filled in at left tackle, allowed just a single pressure. Todd Herremans allowed some heat around the edge, but was impressive run blocking for Lesean McCoy. However, rookie centreJason Kelce (-4.4), allowed a pair of hits including one that caused a Vick’s four interception, as well as another pressure. He also found himself beaten in the run game as well, which made for an all-around difficult day

Devan was bad and got benches. Is Kelce next?

"you cannot think this 6-foot man is going to survive a full season if defenses have 904 chances to knock his block off"

by EaglesandRavensFan on Oct 11, 2011 10:11 AM EDT reply actions

Who knows? Maybe.

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Who knows? Maybe.

Haha, nobody ever knows anything with this franchise. Didn’t we expect Jarrett and Watkins to start? Did we expect our D-coordinator to be a former offensive line coach. We don’t even fully know who green-lighted that idea. This front office and their moves are less predictable than an episode of Breaking Bad…the only difference is that I enjoy watching Breaking Bad…

"If I can get you to think twice, I'm in your head."
-Brian Dawkins

Nnamdi, Asante, DRC; The Three Graces...charm, beauty, and creativity... Unfortunately their graces are wasted because of one Juan Castillo.

***OFFICIALLY ON THE FIRE ANDY REID BANDWAGON***

by immynimmy on Oct 11, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions

We expected Watkins to start at least.

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Someone else posted this a few days ago, but I thought it was worth mentioning...

that all 1st round picks from the draft are starting except for 6: 4 are injured, 1 is a back up QB, and the other is Watkins.

"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb

by thePurpleLion on Oct 11, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions

And now that’s not even true.

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Didnt the birds say something about him being the most NFL ready player…even though he has a lack of experience. Were they just basing that off his age?

People expected him to start because drafting a 27yr old G in the first round…you should be starting otherwise you should not have been drafted.

by Easedel on Oct 11, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

A 26 year old guard first of all and second, usually OL play early.

But look, in the fifth game of the year he was starting. So, he’s in the spot we expected. And at least according to the PFF graders, he was an upgrade over DeVan and played well. So maybe his not playing was a mistake by the coaches rather than some failing of his. Or maybe he needed that extra month?

I really don’t know, but he’s a start now and I can’t imagine he’ll be losing that job any time soon.

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

They had no choice but to start him though.That is the scary part.

by Easedel on Oct 11, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Who cares as long as he continues to perform.

by zoso7374 on Oct 11, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah basically. Whatever the reason, he is starting and played pretty well. So that’s what we want.

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

should never have been starting in the first place

by Easedel on Oct 11, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions

He should be.

by MG77 on Oct 11, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Kelce screwed up?

FIRE REID WE’LL NEVER WIN A SUPERBOWL WITH REID! HE CAN’T EVEN MAKE KELCE PICK UP THE RIGHT BLOCK!

by smeagle on Oct 11, 2011 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

SIGH… Yeah, that solves everything!

I dont know how to do sarcastic font.

"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb

by thePurpleLion on Oct 11, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions

@ @ words in between those ampersands = sarcasm

I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.

Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.

by BIBTD on Oct 11, 2011 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions

like this

"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb

by thePurpleLion on Oct 11, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Ha!! Cool thanks!!

"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb

by thePurpleLion on Oct 11, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

I think the guy you were responding to didn’t know either…

by philiafan14364 on Oct 11, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions

u dnt need to

that was a DUMB STATEMENT

"I brought two kegs,one of beer,one of gunpowder" -WARCLOUD

by Dunta Is A PUNK on Oct 11, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m almost certain it was sarcasm.

by philiafan14364 on Oct 11, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

perhaps

"I brought two kegs,one of beer,one of gunpowder" -WARCLOUD

by Dunta Is A PUNK on Oct 11, 2011 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

These problems were here since the first Giants game last year. Every one knows Vick is passing more… only reason why we beat the Rams because they thought he would run like old times.

This team should 0- 5.

I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.

Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.

by BIBTD on Oct 11, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Why should they be 0-5 again? They beat the Rams handily.

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

I think you are giving this team too much credit. I love my Eagles but god damn…I commend you Jason for being a blog lord… I probably shut down the site for 4 days every week if I was blog lord.

Which is why I don’t have a blog.

I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.

Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.

by BIBTD on Oct 11, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Well I don’ think pointing out that they handily beat the Rams is giving them much credit…

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Watch the Snap -- Kelce's Eyeing the CB blitz all the way

Just before the snap, Kelce is actually looking left straight down the LOS at the CB — who’s about to blitz.

The CB does blitz — and Kelce sprints over to that side.

So Kelce read the CB blitz. Nice.

BUT . . . Kelce must have forgotten the blocking scheme because McCoy was standing in the backfield to pick up the CB blitz.

The result . . . an unblocked LB comes running through.

Who’s fault is it? Maybe the line coach didn’t tell the Center that McCoy’s job in that formation is to pick up the blitzing CB from his side.

By the way — watch Watkins. He takes his guy and pushes so far off the LOS that Maclin’s crossing route leads him right into Watkins and the DT.

by Margate on Oct 11, 2011 11:45 AM EDT reply actions

That's actually Evan Mathis

#69

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

If you're taking requests I'd love to see this one.

Eagles Video Breakdown: Wide Nine Problem Leads To R.Fitzpatrick rushing up the middle for 10 yard gain and 1st down.

by andyreidswaistline on Oct 11, 2011 11:57 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

I don’t think that was a “wide nine” issue. That was a “let’s not play a MIKE LB for some bizarre reason” issue.

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Definitely the not having a LB there thing

That was maddening to watch.

by Balagast on Oct 11, 2011 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Like it even makes a difference if one of our stout MLBs was in there…

The Center came off the line untouched and would’ve blown whoever was there out of the play anyway. Maybe Fitz would’ve gained 6 instead of 10.

Not buying into it.

by andyreidswaistline on Oct 11, 2011 2:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

mmmk. Jason Babin would like a word with you.

The Jruth shall be told.

by packimop on Oct 11, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

True, our LBs are invisible either way.

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by JasonB on Oct 11, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

The videos a little grainy so I'm not 100% sure about this, but

If you gradually play the video, hitting play and pause in quick succession, it looks like Kelce looks at the guy Shady picked up, then looks at Sheppard, and then locks back at the guy Shady had and blocks him (!!!!).

by philiafan14364 on Oct 11, 2011 1:16 PM EDT reply actions

7 hates to lose

He always tries to make THE play. We have to accept the good with the bad,and right now its BAD. But ride it out.Show ure true fans. Let them figure out whats wrong. We have gotten spoiled with good teams the past 10 yrs. Its only natural we have a screwed up season eventually. RIDE OR DIE.

"I brought two kegs,one of beer,one of gunpowder" -WARCLOUD

by Dunta Is A PUNK on Oct 11, 2011 3:04 PM EDT reply actions

vick has to know

he can’t do it on his own. take the sack or throw it away.
the rest of the team has to know. vick can’t win on his own. make some more plays dumbasses. stop fumbling the ball missing kicks jumping offsides blocking the wrong guy and playing two hand touch d.

by andyfrombrooklyn on Oct 11, 2011 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

What was Kelce doing?

I actually think Kelce as play decent up to this point this year. But on that play it looks like he was going to block the line backer then decides to go after the CB. The linebacker even slows down to take on Kelce’s block before Kelce runs off to block the CB. Too bad too because it looks like both Harbor and Celek were open on the play.

by Nyphix on Oct 11, 2011 5:53 PM EDT reply actions

In all fairness he was going up against Kyle Williams who is a beast. Obviously not on this play he wasn’t. He has been solid all year, but he is who he is…. a 6th round rookie. He will have his ups and downs

by Mako21 on Oct 11, 2011 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions

kelce is a average player playing to his potential, much like matthews being unchalllenged at MLB Kelce was almost unchallenged at center because he reminded Mudd of Jeff Saturday for god unknown reason. I have and am still in favor of putting former pro bowler Jamaal Jackson back where he should be

"Buddy doesn't have many rules but one of them is don't lose to the Cowboys."

by greenismean on Oct 11, 2011 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions

wtf!

I love how Vick always tries to make a play even if he’s trying to do to much. Vick did everything he had to do in order for us to win. He scored on a run which was called back, that would have put us down 3. He drove down the field EASY and Avant got robbed of the ball twice. Last week Maclin got stripped to end the game. Didn’t Brady just throw 4 ints to buffalo too? ohh. ok. yea. Vick always had us in position to win and he always has us in position to win. 2 weeks in a row our receivers get stripped to end the game. Maclin drops a easy pass against atlanta. and kafka threw immediate picks to NY. we were always in position to win

by phillyisback on Oct 11, 2011 7:21 PM EDT reply actions

wow

Every week Vick says he’ll play better but is 4 picks good NOOOO fire Andy and Juan at the end of the season and wait for next year.

by deseanjaxson10 on Oct 11, 2011 10:27 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

SMDH

The starting oline should have been from left to right : Peters, Mike McGlynn, J.Jackson, Watkins n Herremans with Juan still the Oline coach ..defense with McDermont and : Dawkins(teaching E.Thomas( drafted)) n Q.Mikell at safeties..LBs…Chaney at will ..Tulloch in the middle..Stew at sam n Sean Lee should be here (drafted)…Dline Cole , Patterson, Jenkins, Babin…maybe could have traded Patterson n upgrade there ……corners DRC n Astante, Aso would be an extra plus… SuperBowl team !!!!!

by mcnabb2010 on Oct 12, 2011 12:39 AM EDT reply actions