Cosell discussed the shotgun in the 4th Q, Henry rushing for big chunks and Mariota with big throws, both have been most comfy there since college. Mariota gets a smidge more time and better view. Henry (who is used to a fullback) is more likely to hit the line with a head of steam whereas the angle and less steps from the traditional handoff might be a negative. (Me paraphrasing of course) He saw some real comfort in those two late- extremely significant and important that two young players could be comfy in the fourth Q of their first playoff game. Host asked something re-Robiskie/Mularkey and Cosell explained that he's almost dead certain that was by design and they recognized it, gotta give them credit.
On a private chat it was discussed that every DC would absolutely defense Marcus differently if he's in the gun versus at the LOS. Have to spy his athleticism; as long as he's run a little in the game the DC is just forced to have a LB or S spy him. Too fast for DL to get an angle and with Titans Ts it's just real bad odds to imagine any DL getting Marcus on a run from the shotgun. Most of us said "well then where's it been all year? It's not like he's in the shotgun often!" We went on a tangent with Marcus' development and how maybe they are still insistent on him learning to be under center and/or they became comfy with him there because of it. Another was the two TEs, almost always have to bump someone before their route so maybe the gun gives Marcus that amount of extra time and suits that better too.
During the show Cosell had mentioned that the Pats play 7 DBs more than anyone in the league, it's BB's bend but don't break defense. During this chat it was discussed that any CB or S could spy Marcus if they're going to put that many in and it would definitely not be a LB. Someone said, well wait then isn't that in Henry's favor? Have DBs trying to wrap him up rather than linebackers? It was a big absolutely but BB is a finatic about tackling technique and they probably wrap up better than many are assuming DBs would but definitely an advantage.
I love Cosell. Even if the discussion or convo isn't awesome, somehow after the show it always is, one way or another you're getting informed with a "hey I didn't notice that" feeling too.
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Cosell absolutely nailed PK for his theory of the Titans not needing a FB or the NFL in general. Called it critical in an old style offense and PK is discussing it as if the Titans run some new offense.
PK had mentioned his article where the WRs only have 12 catches the last two weeks which is terrible. Cosell completely agreed but had some hmmm reasoning. Titans staff has forced it to the WRs all year. They may be saying it's not there and continuing with the TE RB usage in the passing game. They can't keep forcing the issue and maybe that's a next year project. As long as there's just enough WR usage, the D will have to play them as if they'll get the pass and they'll still be quite useful in the game, helping spread the field.
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Re Walker and Gronk- Both TEs are so used to double and triple coverage, Cosell said many teams have a safety deep and just assume they're going to get some. The trap is having the safety that would be deep helping to cover. If one of them can get past him, it's a huge play.
Pats will line up Gronk wide because Byard probably covers him. If so Titans won't have anyone deep. Bad move and huge responsibility for Byard. Best to have CB and leave Byard deep.
Does not believe Jayon Brown could handle Gronk. Needs more experience and may not be fast enough ever, not sure. Bad matchup for Titans if they do
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Rebuffed comment Titans DBs are inexperienced, pointed out Smith playing plenty before the Titans, Ryan and Cyprien have played plenty. Rarely sees inexperience from Titans DBs, probably not an issue against Brady more about Brady being Brady
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As I said a day or two ago, huge game from Morgan will be key
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All full of compliments for Brady but worst mentally that Brady's been in 4th Q that Cosell can ever remember. Poor decisions and not going through his progressions. If there is a prob in Foxboro it might stem from an issue with that. Host, I couldn't hear Q, Cosell said Brady is such a perfectionist and student of the game that he is uncomfortable stating that he doesn't recognize he's taking shortcuts, bad shortcuts, in the 4th. He can only imagine what it's like for the Pats staff to have to explain it to him.
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