NFP/Bowen: X and O Breakdown of Vincent Jackson’s TD vs. Patriots

Yes we’re going a little crazy with the X and O articles today, but I missed this one and felt it was still appropriate since so much conversation about the Pats revolves around their pass defense.

Here’s Bowen’s breakdown of McCourty’s technique and where he went wrong:

Check out Patriots’ CB Devin McCourty in the slot. He initially misses on the jam in a press-position, however he recovers to get back “in-phase” with Jackson when the WR makes his cut to the boundary. The main problem here? McCourty looks back to the QB. That allows Jackson to create some separation at the top of the route stem. Remember, the QB isn’t throwing the ball to the CB—so there is no need to look back. Because that is when you lose position and can’t make a play on the ball.