Continuing the Zone Discussion: An Amateurs Breakdown

I sent these pics to Bud for him to decide if they were worth getting a feel for FSU's defense. However he seems a little busy putting out a ridiculous amount of content so I'll give it a go. The following is a series of pictures taken during the same play at the FSU spring game. If I am off on my break down, those more knowledgeable than myself feel free to input all you would like. I can edit it later if need be.

First up. Right after the snap. The offense has 3 wide with two backs in shotgun formation. The defense actually appears to be lined up in a nickle look. I honestly can't tell if the player on the slot receiver is a linebacker or DB. Either way the defense looks to run a cover 2 (not Tampa 2 like I originally thought) out of a 4-3 or nickel package. 

1. The safety here is lined up 15 yards off the line of scrimmage.

2. The CB keys eyes are locked on the QB as he makes his drop back in his zone. He is lined up about 5 yards off the line of scrimmage.

3. and 4. Linebackers lined up 5 yards off the line of scrimmage reading the play.

The play recognition for them is pretty easy as there is no play fake to either back. Still they are able to keep there eyes on the QB to see if it is a designed run or quick scramble.

The RB on the left of Ponder goes straight into his route while the right RB goes for a quick check block.

6. and 7. are the other 2 DBs. Sorry they aren't in this. If I had captured the whole thing would have made the breakdown better.

Next up, Ponder is reaching the end of his drop back.

1. The safety in the pic seems to be reading the CB and the receiver on his side of the field.

2. The CB still has his eyes on the QB as he drops into his zone.

3. The LB here is still looking at the QB and should be responsible for him if he takes off.

4. The LB recognizes that the other RB is slipping out of the backfield for a pass.

5. The other DB/linebacker is out of the picture now in a zone with safety help over the top. Really wish these guys were in it as it seems to be where Ponder's first read is.

6. Note the running back from the right side is in his quick block (would have helped if he stayed there because when he leaves for his route the line really breaks down, probably just running the play he was given).

The next shot I think Ponder has no where to go on his first couple reads. The line is breaking down and he needs to get rid of the ball.

His best bet would have been his check down at the running back that has settled under the coverage of 4 and 5. But in an earlier pic he has looked that way and the RB had not turned back to the QB.

1. Not sure what is going on here but it looks like the safety is playing past his 1/2 responsibility giving an opening to right side receiver. This would still be a dangerous pass as 2 and 3 still have the ability to make a play on the ball if he chooses that throw.

3. The LB starts to recognize that the RB has released from his block and is trying to settle down under the coverage for a pass. But by this time the Oline is breaking down. He looks to have a legit shot at the top receiver but the corner and LB may be giving him time to think about it and hesitate. Not to mention the Dline is starting to make a push.

RUN!!!

6 .At this point it is all but over. Ponder is scrambling to his right and a  fairly slow RB (think it is actually Dunham) is his only viable option. The RB plants and turns to run toward the sideline.

Last chance

Ponder is off the screen now and the RB desperately tries to get separation for a miracle pass. It doesn't happen, and if I remember correctly, Ponder is able to avoid the rush throws the ball out of bounds. 

What is so crazy about this is that is happens so quickly. And this wasn't even a tough play to read as there was no play action or tight end coming off the line. I have no doubt, last year man to man, the left running back probably would have been forgotten about or burnt a LB one on one with no safety help for an easy six points. Again, just to reiterate some of the points that Bud had, Stoops doesn't necessarily rely on bringing a ton of guys to get pressure on the QB. You want to create confusion and doubt. I think that was done here a couple times to Ponder where he wasn't quite sure if he had an open look. Couple extra milliseconds of hesitation and the Dline was able to get through.

Again feel free to give any input if you have a different take on the breakdown. Am I right about it being nickel? Or is it a 4-3 with the LB's rolling to the left to account for the multiple receivers on that side?

Note: Thanks to Frank we know that you can view a larger image if you give the pics a click.