Chuck Zodda is Inside The Pylon’s special teams expert, breaking down kickoffs, returns, punts, return blocking, coverage and blocked kicks. This time, Chuck takes you outside the film room and onto the practice field for a lesson in basic placekicking technique. Yes, you too can learn how to kick field goals ‒ or, at least, better…
With the NFL Scouting Combine now in the books, teams now have a battery of information after watching the nation’s best draft-eligible college players run the gamut of tests, exercises, and drills. Among hundreds of athletes, Connecticut CB Byron Jones gained wide-eyed notice with a standout performance. Dave Archibald profiles the talented Husky defensive back.…
Tom Brady secured the MVP trophy for Super Bowl XLIX with a masterful passing performance against the Seattle Seahawks, but he was one of many candidates. Julian Edelman caught nine passes for 109 yards and a score before Malcolm Butler turned in one of history’s greatest goal-line plays. And Shane Vereen’s overlooked 11-catch night was…
Entering the 2015 NFL Draft a year earlier than expected, Oregon DL Arik Armstead boasts the ideal build and athleticism for his position. While his production over 39 career games as part of the Ducks defense does not leap off the stat sheet, Armstead’s potential is undeniable — perhaps a ceiling high enough to land him…
Depending on where you look and who you ask, Alabama OG Arie Kouandjio is either a sure-fire second rounder or, at best, an end of Day 3 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft in May. Brian Filipiak analyzes this prospect’s skill sets for guarding the line, protecting the passer, and run blocking. Profile A two-year starter for the Crimson…
Despite two near-perfect fourth-quarter drives by the New England offense, Super Bowl XLIX was by no means a flawless contest for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. On the second possession of the game, the veteran signal-caller inexplicably forced a throw into the end zone that came to rest in the hands of Seattle…
In Part 1, Chuck Zodda broke down the first half of Super Bowl XLIX and the special teams battle pitting Jon Ryan vs Julian Edelman. After being captivated by Katy Perry’s halftime extravaganza, Chuck went back to the film room to examine whether the Seattle Seahawks punt unit could once again stop Edelman and the…
The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots both feature talented special teams performers. In the wake of Super Bowl XLIX, Chuck Zodda revisits concepts from his special teams previews, and looks at the battle between punter and returner — Jon Ryan vs Julian Edelman — that ensued in Arizona. You may now resume regular breathing.…
The New England Patriots added another Vince Lombardi Trophy to their collection, thanks to Tom Brady’s near-perfect fourth quarter and Malcolm Butler’s improbable interception. In a game often decided by mere inches, less heralded plays can be just as important. In Super Bowl XLIX, stopping the read option proved crucial in the Patriots’ victory over…
Malcolm Butler’s interception has been examined from every angle; as the play that sealed the victory in Super Bowl XLIX for the New England Patriots over the Seattle Seahawks, it got the attention it deserved. However, Butler was in position to make that play because of an extraordinary effort by Dont’a Hightower on the penultimate…
The New England Patriots pass defense had an up-and-down game in Super Bowl XLIX. The Seattle Seahawks failed to complete a pass until late in the second quarter, but eventually proved efficient with their air attack, gaining more than 20 yards per completion before the Patriots stood firm to earn the victory ‒ including the…
On the New England Patriots’ third drive of Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, the Patriots made finding Tharold Simon their priority. With Simon replacing the injured starter, Tom Brady and his receivers went right down the field for their first points of the game by picking on the backup. The Patriots open the drive on…
The New England Patriots captured their fourth championship title in franchise history after a thrilling 28-24 comeback victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Long before “the Butler did it” with a game-sealing interception on the one-foot line, the Patriots defense held the Seahawks to a critical three-and-out, capped by the Ninkovich sack…
When it comes to football strategy and play calling, coaches usually garner most of the praise in the wake of glory — and shoulder the blame when things go awry. Where does that leave the players? Mark Schofield examines the Russell Wilson throw. “I don’t care. He’s the one who threw the [bleeping] ball.” ‒ Frank…
It’s Super Bowl week, and all the focus is on the big game. Whether offense, defense, or special teams, Inside The Pylon has you covered. Seattle Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka has emerged as a question mark heading into the postseason after outstanding seasons in 2012 and 2013. Special teams expert Chuck Zodda breaks down the reasons…
Much attention has been given to the marquee matchups of Super Bowl XLIX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. The versatile and innovative Patriots offense against the strength and smarts of the Seahawks secondary gets the most attention, followed by the Seattle running game against the New England defense. Dave Archibald has studied the pass defense of the…