The Indianapolis Colts avoided dropping to 0-3 by defeating the Tennessee Titans after falling behind in the fourth quarter. The Colts had seen much criticism of their choice to use their 2015 NFL Draft first round pick on a wide receiver, but as Mark Schofield explains the decision to take Phillip Dorsett paid dividends in…
Despite the cliche, games are rarely decided in one play. However, turnovers and momentum have more than a fleeting acquaintance. Dave Archibald explores what happens when things go wrong for the Dallas Cowboys against the Atlanta Falcons. After a game-changing play, announcers will often suggest that “momentum” has shifted and lady luck has cast her eye on…
The NFL drive of Week 3 came just before halftime as the Cleveland Browns hosted Oakland Raiders. Already leading, the choice of how aggressive to be would come after a first down running play to start the clock. Mark Schofield details how timely execution led to the Raiders punching one in. The Browns cut the Raiders…
Everyone has a bad day at the office. Unfortunately for quarterbacks, their bad days play out on millions of TV screens, as fans and fantasy players despair. Mark Schofield breaks down how San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick ended up in quicksand on Sunday. San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick got off to a disastrous start…
Tavon Austin returned a punt for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. The reason? Poor use of coverage lanes by Seattle, abandoning everything that is the basis of punt coverage in the NFL. Chuck Zodda breaks down how the Seahawks flunk punt coverage 101. The St. Louis Rams had two punt returns for touchdowns in 2014…
NFL Week 3 featured many blowouts and just a few close, competitive games. The clash between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens was a seesaw affair, but when the Bengals trailed, the Dalton and Green answer was Mark Schofield’s NFL Big Gain of the week. Following their 2-0 start, the Bengals traveled east for a big…
Football is littered with specialized terminology. From punt gunner to scramble drill, commentators rarely get to explain everything you need to know before the next play. Inside The Pylon’s glossary was developed to give fans a deeper understanding of the game through clear explanations, as well as image and video examples. Please contact us with any…
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has faced many blitzes in his young career, and after being sacked a league-high 55 times, he has put in work to improve his ability to climb the pocket and escape pressure schemes. Brian Filipiak looks at one such example of Bortles beating the blitz. Every defensive game plan makes finding…
Two weeks into the 2015 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers have met or exceeded expectations, while NFC South rivals the New Orleans Saints have fallen far short. Dave Archibald looks at the Panthers stout defense and Saints faltering offense. The Panthers have ridden a swarming, blitz-heavy zone scheme to one of the stingiest pass defenses…
The Baltimore Ravens tight ends, second-year man Crockett Gillmore and rookie Maxx Williams, may have a big day against the Cincinnati Bengals defense. Mark Schofield reviewed the tape, looking at the matchups between the Bengals pass defense and the Ravens tight ends. Baltimore is looking to get their season back on track after an 0-2 start. Last…
Jameis Winston flashed many of the traits that led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to select him with the first overall pick in a victory over the New Orleans Saints. Mark Schofield breaks down the Week 2 film on Jameis Winston’s big day. Anticipation and Ball Placement On this first play, Tampa Bay faces a 3rd and…
It was (another) matchup of former Heisman winners in Week 2, as former Oregon Duck Marcus Mariota led the Tennessee Titans to a clash with former Texas A&M Aggie Johnny Manziel and the Browns. Mark Schofield looks at Cleveland’s play action prowess. The Cleveland Browns won their first game of the season Sunday, knocking off…
The 0-1 Washington Football Club faced another premier defensive group in the St. Louis Rams in Week 2. Tight end Jordan Reed not only led the team in receiving Sunday, but stepped up as a blocker. Philip Kibbey reviewed the film and sees that Reed excelled at getting to the second level to take on defensive backs,…
Quarterback to receiver connections can become legendary in the NFL: Montana to Rice, Manning to Wayne, and Brady to Welker are just a few that evoke powerful memories for fans. Mark Schofield looks at the first Carr to Cooper connection between Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper. When the Oakland…
New season, new team, same evil genius. Head coach Rex Ryan and his Buffalo Bills are looking for their first playoff berth this century. Knocking off the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, and notching a division win, would help that goal. Mark Schofield previews Rex vs Brady XVI. Sunday in Orchard Park the…
The Houston Texans were gashed by the Kansas City Chiefs dynamic young tight end Travis Kelce in Week 1. Up next is savvy veteran tight end Greg Olsen and the Carolina Panthers. Mark Schofield breaks down some of the likely ways the Panthers will copy the Chiefs approach, and success. The Kansas City Chiefs received a…