Cornerback's Technique—Source of Our Secondary Woes?

[CretorFrigg]

When David Gibbs was first hired, he implemented a new technique for the cornerbacks. Rather than the traditional backpedal, they shuffle, which supposedly gives them a better opportunity to make a play.

However, it seems like this "technique" is the source of our troubles. When Santonio Holmes ran the slant route against Brice McCain, McCain was shuffling with his hips pointed the other direction, which slowed him down. And subsequently, the receiver beat him for a TD. Is this part of the reason why our secondary continues to struggle?

Also, I'd like to congratulate Jason Allen on playing a pretty good game. (so far)

[silvrhand]

Originally Posted by CretorFrigg

When David Gibbs was first hired, he implemented a new technique for the cornerbacks. Rather than the traditional backpedal, they shuffle, which supposedly gives them a better opportunity to make a play.

However, it seems like this "technique" is the source of our troubles. When Santonio Holmes ran the slant route against Brice McCain, McCain was shuffling with his hips pointed the other direction, which slowed him down. And subsequently, the receiver beat him for a TD. Is this part of the reason why our secondary continues to struggle?

I don't see this employed a lot by any other team anyone else? 76Texan is likely the best person to comment on that.

Originally Posted by CretorFrigg

Also, I'd like to congratulate Jason Allen on playing a pretty good game. (so far)

He hasn't been here long enough to be ruined by our coaches yet.

[CretorFrigg]

It's nice to see Jackson's role diminished to nickelback. Allen has done a nice job stepping in. We'll see...

EDIT: nevermind (But Allen still played a lot better than Jackson)

[silvrhand]

Originally Posted by CretorFrigg

It's nice to see Jackson's role diminished to nickelback. Allen has done a nice job stepping in. We'll see...

Yah cause Quin/McFail is looking a ton better :\

[Big Lou]

Is sucking considered a technique or a condition.....

[CretorFrigg]

Originally Posted by Big Lou

Is sucking considered a technique or a condition.....

I'm leaning towards the latter.

[CretorFrigg]

Can anybody with more football knowledge confirm my observations?

[Pollardized]

Watching the shuffling of Texans CB's is somewhat confusing. They seem to always be shuffling in the wrong direction. Maybe because they don't jam the receivers at the line, the receiver has an immediate advantage with spacing. Then the receiver is able to use the CB's shuffling to his advantage. He can make his move dependent on which way the CB is facing/shuffling. The CB is then left in the wrong position, looking stupid like McCain today, facing away from the play.

[wagonhed]

Stupid. Bad idea. Ineffective. Pointless. Retarded.

Did I leave anything out?

[JB]

Originally Posted by wagonhed

Stupid. Bad idea. Ineffective. Pointless. Retarded.

Did I leave anything out?

Idiotic, suckitude at it's finest, appalling, nauseous.

I will think of some more when I sober up...

[BSofA04]

Playing 10 yards off the ball when the Jets were first and goal was ridiculous. I LOST IT WHEN McCain gave up the TD on the quick slant. Our defender didn't even touch him on his way to the endzone.

Way too fwucking easy.

[Texas T]

I pointed this out on another thread also but it applies here too.

On the last TD, all our DBs were playing to the inside, which allowed the receiver to get out of bounds and stop the clock. Had they been on the outside someone could have kept him inbounds and kept the clock running...

Also, if anyone watched the pre-game for the Eagles/Giants game they commented about how horrible the Texans D is and they agreed that someone on the Texans Defense coaching staff needed to be fired for the crap they've left on the field (paraphrased).

[BSofA04]

Originally Posted by Texas T

I pointed this out on another thread also but it applies here too.

On the last TD, all our DBs were playing to the inside, which allowed the receiver to get out of bounds and stop the clock. Had they been on the outside someone could have kept him inbounds and kept the clock running...

Also, if anyone watched the pre-game for the Eagles/Giants game they commented about how horrible the Texans D is and they agreed that someone on the Texans Defense coaching staff needed to be fired for the crap they've left on the field (paraphrased).

Reaaaallly? Well it's not latebreaking news but it's comforting to know someone else recognizes our pain.

[Texas T]

Originally Posted by BSofA04

Reaaaallly? Well it's not latebreaking news but it's comforting to know someone else recognizes our pain.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking but maybe if the talking heads on the NFL shows start saying this, McNair will listen, since he obviously doesn't listen to any of us.
It was Dungy and Harrison discussing this.

[BSofA04]

Originally Posted by Texas T

Yeah, that's what I was thinking but maybe if the talking heads on the NFL shows start saying this, McNair will listen, since he obviously doesn't listen to any of us.
It was Dungy and Harrison discussing this.

I respect the hell outta Dungy. He knows us better than anyone. Secretly, I think he wants us to succeed. He knew we were a confidence piece away from beating the Colts. Guess he forgot how bad our defense was...but he's right, heads need to roll.

[leebigeztx]

When you have poor cb play, you want them closer to the wr and trail. If you dont do this, the cb will get beat bad by a route runner. The texans should play bump and run from 2 yds off to cover up technique issues.

[silvrhand]

Originally Posted by leebigeztx

When you have poor cb play, you want them closer to the wr and trail. If you dont do this, the cb will get beat bad by a route runner. The texans should play bump and run from 2 yds off to cover up technique issues.

Yah until you realize you two safeties can't cover over the top of an old lady..

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by CretorFrigg

When David Gibbs was first hired, he implemented a new technique for the cornerbacks. Rather than the traditional backpedal, they shuffle, which supposedly gives them a better opportunity to make a play.

However, it seems like this "technique" is the source of our troubles. When Santonio Holmes ran the slant route against Brice McCain, McCain was shuffling with his hips pointed the other direction, which slowed him down. And subsequently, the receiver beat him for a TD. Is this part of the reason why our secondary continues to struggle?

Technically, it should allow them to make a play on the ball. They are facing the QB, they should be watching the QB & the receiver.

I don't think it is this technique that is the "source" of our problems. I think it's that we have "fine" athletes, a talented bunch of guys, but not many football players.

It's as if they don't understand routes, don't study tendencies, don't anticipate the throw. It's usually not until the ball is caught, that our DBs & LBs make a break on the ball.

Surely that's not what is being taught.

Originally Posted by CretorFrigg

Also, I'd like to congratulate Jason Allen on playing a pretty good game. (so far)

I'd have to watch the whole game.. I hope they replay it...

[Imatexanfan]

IMO the DB's should know how to play the game when they get in a few years. Bump and run should be as same as breathing in oxygen as a CB. If you do not bump and run you are already beat in this league. The shuffling technique only works in the Cover 2 which the two safeties can shuffle from side to side until they see the particular WR break for a streak or fade. Once that happens start back peddling and open up. It's basically common sense why you don't have the technique down, really shouldn't be any excuse...

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by Imatexanfan

IMO the DB's should know how to play the game when they get in a few years. Bump and run should be as same as breathing in oxygen as a CB. If you do not bump and run you are already beat in this league. The shuffling technique only works in the Cover 2 which the two safeties can shuffle from side to side until they see the particular WR break for a streak or fade. Once that happens start back peddling and open up. It's basically common sense why you don't have the technique down, really shouldn't be any excuse...

Could you elaborate a little more?
I don't want to misunderstand the things you said. Thanks!