Tag: Cory Undlin

Cory Undlin: ‘it’s just poor, poor coaching’ for Lions to have 10 defenders on the field

The rookie DC took the blame for only having 10 defenders on the field 3 times in 2 games

Give credit to Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin for saying what everyone is thinking.

The Lions coaching is making way too many preventable mistakes. None is more glaring than only having 10 defensive players on the field for three different plays in the last two games, both losses. That includes a long TD run by Vikings RB Dalvin Cook.

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Undlin shouldered the blame in his press conference with reporters on Tuesday.

“It’s embarrassing, is what it is. I would say this: It’s just poor, poor coaching is what it is,” Undlin said.

Undlin then proceeded to give a rather lengthy explanation of the communication breakdown and confusion that has caused the problem. He absolved safety Duron Harmon of blame while acknowledging that he respected Harmon for trying to take responsibility.

The gruff-voiced Undlin once again pointed the finger at himself,

“…the remedy is not to let it happen again. I know I said that last week. I failed you guys at that. I failed the players at that.  But ultimately, it comes back to me.”

It’s a particularly sensitive flashpoint for the Lions. Former head coach Jim Caldwell was vehemently criticized for failing to field an 11-man defense late in his tenure, and the defensive-minded coaching staff led by Matt Patricia was entrusted to do better. It has not happened.

 

 

Lions coaches harp on consistency to help fix the defense

Patricia, Bevell and Undlin all prominently brought up consistency in their Monday press conferences

Lions head coach Matt Patricia is a huge stickler for consistency. It’s one of the biggest focuses of his coaching philosophy. It’s also a huge theme in his press conferences when talking about his team. In their first media sessions since the bye week break, Patricia and his top assistant coaches harped upon consistency, well, consistently.

Patricia brought up consistency almost right away when asked about how he is hoping to fix the pass rush.

“I think it’s everything that we said before,” Patricia said on Monday. “We have to do a better job in the run game, and we have to settle some things down there that have hurt us and play with better fundamentals and technique and just be consistent. I mean, that’s the biggest thing for us right now.

We have some good run plays on tape and just unfortunately too many bad ones. We have to be consistent with it and try to get teams in a situation where they have to pass the ball more.”

Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell also broached the subject of consistency in his own Zoom session.

“…but I think the thing that we’re really looking for and the thing that I’m preaching to these guys is just our level of consistency on offense,” Bevell said. “We know what we’re capable of, we know the players that we have, the things that we can do, but there’s just things that you need to do on a consistent basis down-in and down-out to help yourself be successful”

Defensive coordinator Cory Undlin stayed consistent to the theme in his presser on Monday as well. It came up right away when Undlin was asked what the biggest issue with his defense is after four games.

“I won’t say the biggest thing, we could go around on this for a while – the biggest thing is just the consistency part of it,” Undlin stated. “I can pull off six different plays, one time it goes for zero and then the next time it goes for six and then the next time it goes for seven, whatever it is. So, the big thing is watching with the players and going back through and having those discussions and then going out and practicing, we’ve just got to be more consistent up front, in the backend, linebackers, everybody.”

Patricia ended his question and answer period by explaining the overall issues with consistency throughout the team.

“I would say the good things on film for us, just right now, are too inconsistent. I think we’d like to really just make sure that the stuff that we’re doing well, we’d like to just see it every single play. If we could be consistent from that level, that would be a lot better for us.”

 

 

Cory Undlin’s telling quote indicates the Lions still aren’t learning from their defensive mistakes

The emphasis on coverage over pressure, even with deep reserve corners in the game, doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon

Getting blistered for three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter by beleaguered Chicago Bears QB Trubisky to blow a 16-point lead is an infuriating failure by the Detroit Lions defense. It’s an awful continuation of a 2019 campaign that saw Detroit blow six separate fourth-quarter leads, largely by playing a passive, coverage-centric scheme. Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin took to the Zoom press conference on Tuesday with that devastating collapse as the background.

Normally, a new coordinator like Undlin would have some influence on how the team would approach situations where it has repeatedly failed miserably. That was not the case in Week 1, and based on one of Undlin’s to-the-point answers from the Zoom, it’s not going to change anytime soon either.

Undlin was asked about the pass rush, which produced one sack against the Bears, and how it relates to slowing down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers explosive offense, which hung 43 points on Minnesota in their Week 1 win.

“… when you talk about pass rush, it’s not just the four guys that are rushing. It has a lot to do with the linebackers in coverage, it has to do with the secondary in coverage, and it all works together.”

After noting the symbiotic relationship between coverage and pass rush, Undlin revealed the underlying mindset for the Lions defense: Coverage is more important than pressure, even when the guys doing the coverage are deep reserves being tasked with playing well above their pay grades.

“When you talk about pass rush, I’m not just going to put that on the D-line by themselves. We’ve got to do a better job in coverage … you’ve got to be able to cover first. When you can cover, then you get an opportunity to rush (the passer).”

Despite being without the top three cornerbacks on the roster down the stretch, the Lions refused to modify the defensive approach or attack. They asked Tony McRae and Darryl Roberts to be Desmond Trufant and Justin Coleman. They’re not, and the Bears took advantage. Trubisky, erratic and confused most of the game, suddenly caught fire against the predominant man coverage being run by the team’s No. 5 and No. 6 CBs.

The steadfast refusal to help the dilapidated secondary by trying to create more pressure with the defensive front, or to play a simpler zone concept so backups aren’t asked to carry man coverage on good receivers like Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller for long periods, it makes no sense on any level.

Undlin did indicate on an earlier answer that the Lions continued to mix coverages, but he did acknowledge they relied more on man during the fourth quarter. Game charting shows the Lions played more Cover-1 man than any other defense in Week 1. Trubisky faced pressure on just 11 of his 39 dropbacks in the game.

It’s a frustrating lack of situational awareness by coach Patricia, one that we all hoped would have improved during a reflective offseason. It turns out the only reflection anyone saw in the first week was the same passive, defeated Patricia defense from 2019. Based on Undlin’s answers, nothing will change in Week 2 or the immediate future, either.

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Week 1, Studs and Duds: Questionable decisions haunts the Lions once again

2020 Week 1, Studs and Duds illustrate why questionable decisions from the coaching staff and key players continue to be a problem.

The Detroit Lions have yet again disappointed in a season debut.

Though most of the focus will be on how they blew a fourth-quarter lead to the Chicago Bears, there are some players who deserve some credit for their performances throughout the game.

Here are the studs and duds for the Lions this week:

Stud: Tony McRae

The special teams standout from Cincinnati reunited with his former coordinator in Detroit and immediately justified his roster spot with a tackle on Tarik Cohen in the first quarter. Before Cohen could return Jack Fox’s first punt of the game, McRae was there to prevent the running back from making a play.

Dud: Jamie Collins

The veteran linebacker made a careless rookie mistake by headbutting a referee during the first quarter. Collins was ejected, leaving the Lions with an even worse linebacker group than they had at the beginning of the game. Not a great start to his career in Detroit.

Stud: Jason Cabinda

The linebacker-turned-fullback looks comfortable in his new role. In the first quarter, he laid out a clean block on Bears’ linebacker Danny Trevathan to open a path for Adrian Peterson’s 19-yard run.

Dud: The run defense

Detroit’s run defense allowed 149 yards against them in the 23-27 loss. Despite additions like Danny Shelton and Nick Williams on the defensive line, they were unable to contain Tarik Cohen for most of the game.

Stud: T.J. Hockenson

The second-year tight end finished the game with 56 yards and a touchdown. After being unable to finish his rookie year due to injury, it’s nice to see the former first-round pick bounce back.

Dud: D’Andre Swift

Don’t let his second-quarter touchdown fool you; Swift did not have a great rookie debut. The second-round pick rushed for just eight yards on three carries and dropped what would be the game-winning touchdown pass.

Stud: Adrian Peterson

Peterson was by far the best Lions running back on Sunday afternoon, rushing for 93 yards on 14 carries. The 35-year-old must have discovered the fountain of youth because he looked good against Chicago’s defense.

Dud: Tyrell Crosby

With starting right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai sitting out of this matchup with a foot injury, the Lions looked to Tyrell Crosby to fill that role. Crosby had a tough time containing the Bears’ pass rush and committed two costly holding penalties. Let’s hope that Vaitai can return soon.

Stud: Quintez Cephus

This rookie made the most out of Kenny Golladay missing thus game with an injury. Stafford targeted him ten times, the most of any receiver in this game. Though Cephus only brought in three of those passes, he proved he can be a safety net for Stafford when the offense inevitably sputters.

Dud: Will Harris

Harris looked lost while covering Allen Robinson and Jimmy Graham. Lucky for him, Graham‘s knee went down before he could reach the endzone. The fact that he’s playing more than Tracy Walker is disgraceful.

Dud: Matt Patricia and Cory Undlin

When you let Mitchell Trubisky score 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, you have a serious problem on defense. Keep coaching like this and you’ll be out of a job by the bye week.

Patricia confirms DC Cory Undlin will call the Lions defense

At his morning press conference, Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia confirmed that defensive coordinator Cory Undlin will call the defense.

At his morning press conference, Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia confirmed that defensive coordinator Cory Undlin will call the defense in 2020.

During a virtual press conference with Lions media on Sunday, Undlin was discussing where he would be coaching on game day — in the booth or on the field — and he mentioned said “I’ll be on the field, calling the defense, obviously”.

That caught the media’s attention because previously both he and Patricia had declined to commit to a stance on who would call the plays. But with the regular season rapidly approaching, the pair decided to get us up to speed with their plans.

“Cory and I had some great conversation before he jumped on the media (Zoom) with you guys yesterday,” Patricia said this morning. “I knew that was going to be a topic that everybody wanted to talk about. Look – there’s nothing really to hide here. Cory has been grinding away. He’s our defensive coordinator. He’s been working to understand everything that we’re doing defensively and obviously has his input.”

The Lions never divulged who was calling defensive plays during Paul Pasqualoni’s stint as a defensive coordinator, but Patricia has always claimed to want to have the freedom to operate in all phases of the game.

“He’s the defensive coordinator”, Patricia continued. “But certainly the best part of it for me as the head coach, if I want to jump in on offense, special teams or defense, I kind of have that ability at any time, which is always fun. It’s really nothing more than that. We talked about it yesterday and said, ‘Look, they’re probably going to ask, so just tell them. We’re going to be on the sidelines. We’re an operation like normal, and we’ll go forward from there.’”

NFL rules prevent us from divulging and schematic observations during training camp, but there have been some modifications that could possibly be attributed to Undlin. If these alterations carry over to the regular season, it should be a good indicator of Undlin’s influence on the defense.

Lions DC Cory Undlin not ready to name a starter at CB

Detroit Lions DC Cory Undlin has been impressed with Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah, but he isn’t ready to name a starter at corner yet.

Detroit Lions DC Cory Undlin has been impressed with both second-year corner Amani Oruwariye and rookie Jeff Okudah, but with two weeks to go before the season opener, he isn’t ready to name a starter opposite Desmond Trufant just yet.

Third overall pick Okudah has been expected to be the starter from the moment he was drafted but with no spring camp, a limited training camp, and no preseason, it’s a tough ask for him to be ready to compete Day 1.

“He is on a steady incline, which is all we can ask,” Undlin said of Okudah at Sunday’s press conference. “That’s all we can ask from any of our players – vets, rookies, whatever. So, I like the direction that he’s headed in. We’re not there yet. I don’t think any of us are there yet. If you ask any players, we’ve still got two weeks left here to clean it all up and get ready for that first game. But I’m not disappointed on the work he’s been doing and where he’s going.”

Okudah has gotten a lot of time with the starters in camp — especially when Trufant sat out three practices at the end of week 1 — but Oruwariye has been with the starters every practice and appears to have taken a Step forward in his development.

“He’s more than ready (to start),” Undlin said of Oruwariye. “We’re not to that point, we haven’t made that decision yet. Very, very impressed with where he is at. The things that he has done this far, he looks like a seasoned veteran, right now, in everything that he’s doing. I’m really pleased with where he is at. I’m not making any assumptions on what we’re going to do in two weeks, but I’m very happy with him and he’s played very well.”

Regardless of who starts between Okudah and Oruwariye, there is bound to be some bumps and bruises along the way. But the Lions have two young corners who both appear on the cusp of starting — and that’s a really good spot to be in.

Cory Undlin’s press conference highlights his defensive mind meld with Matt Patricia

Undlin talked about the clear communication from Patricia and trumpeted the value of versatility

New Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin took to the virtual podium on Saturday morning for a Zoom teleconference with local reporters. Undlin’s answer on one specific question gives a good indication of why Matt Patricia hired him to help run his defense.

Undlin was asked about the philosophy of the Lions defense and his working relationship with Patricia, a defensive-oriented head coach. Undlin sees nothing but clear communication and common goals.

“I think it’s safe to say that we both feel good with where we’re heading. We’re not there yet, but we’re going in the right direction. It’s been very positive,” Undlin stated.

The new DC, who worked under ex-Lions head coach Jim Schwartz in Philadelphia most recently, elaborated upon the point,

“There hasn’t been any questions on where that’s going from him to me. It’s been very clear and him asking me and we’re on the same page.”

He then talked about the versatility of the linebacking corps, something Patricia has consciously strived to attain.

“It’s a great bonus to have all those guys, the entire group … to have that great versatility, that’s what we’re based on in this defense. The more guys you have that have already played in it and understand that. Even with some of the new guys we brought in, it’s a bonus.”

That’s a pretty clear indication from Undlin that this is still Patricia’s defensive base scheme but also that having all those versatile players will give him more freedom to adapt his own wrinkles into it.

 

Film Room: Why Reggie Ragland is a perfect fit in the Lions scheme

With training camp practices on the horizon, it’s time to take a second look at LB Reggie Ragland and project how he will be used in the Lions scheme.

All offseason you’ve heard the expression, “Reggie Ragland is a perfect fit in the Detroit Lions scheme”, but I’m not sure I realized how good a fit he was until I dug deeper into his game film.

As a MIKE linebacker coming out of Alabama in 2016, Ragland (6-2, 252) gained Top-50 notoriety as an instinctive player who could line up at almost every linebacker spot on the field regardless of scheme, but his lack of athleticism and coverage skills would likely keep him out of the first round.

Sure enough, that scenario played out and the Buffalo Bills traded up to the 41st pick selected Ragland. They immediately plugged him into a starting at inside linebacker role in Rex Ryan’s 3-4 scheme, but an unfortunate ACL injury cost him his rookie season before it even began.

To make matter worse, Ryan was fired mid-season, replaced with Anthony Lynn who was let go at seasons end, and the Bills turned to Sean McDermott (their current coach) who runs an entirely different defensive scheme. It didn’t take long to realize Ragland wasn’t a fit in McDermott’s 43 scheme and he was traded to Kansas City during the Bills’ 2017 training camp.

Just three games into the Chiefs season, Ragland earned a starting role at inside linebacker and he would go on to start 10 games in 2017. In 2018, the Chiefs moved on from Derrick Johnson and asked Ragland to take on a bigger role. While he started 15 games, he struggled without Johnson, and his exclusively off-the-ball role proved not to be an ideal fit.

Here’s a look at where Ragland lineup pre-snap in 2018 via ESPN’s Seth Walder using Next Gen Stats:

In 2019, the Chiefs switched from defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s 34 scheme to Steve Spagnulo’s 43 under scheme, and Ragland once again looked like the odd man out. To his credit, Ragland took the demotion in stride and worked his way into a rotational role, starting seven of the 14 games he played.

A new set of roles and responsibilities came with the scheme change and the Chiefs asked Ragland to spend less time strictly off-the-ball, and more time at the line of scrimmage stopping the run and pass-rushing.

Here’s a look at how his pre-snap role changed, via Walder:

To get a better understanding of the plots, here are four snaps from the first series Ragland played in the Super Bowl. In the first picture, he lines up at what would be the WILL in the Lions scheme — keep an eye on No. 59:

In this next picture, he is at the WILL at the LOS (line of scrimmage) outside the left tackle’s shoulder:

Here the Chiefs switched to a traditional 43 and Ragland lined up at the SAM:

In this final shot, he is once again at the WILL, but lined up (and blitzed) the B-gap:

Based on my film study of how the Lions used their linebackers in 2019, Ragland’s pre-snap plot chart looks very similar to how the Lions used Christian Jones — only with a bit more experience at MIKE:

It’s easy to see why Ragland’s versatility was so appealing to Lions coaches and how he fits in with this current linebacker group and scheme.

With the addition of Jamie Collins, the Lions appear to be shifting towards a more positionally fluid linebacker group. A quick glance back at the chart above and you can see Jahlani Tavai and Jones should have no problems adapting, giving the Lions at least four positionally fluid linebackers — with Ragland likely fourth among that group.

Working against Ragland making the Lions 53-man roster is the Lions’ love of Jarrad Davis, as well as Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Miles Killebrew’s special team dominance. If Davis can expand his role, he will join Collins, Tavai, and Jones as the top-4 options on the depth chart, leaving Ragland to battle Reeves-Maybin and Killebrew for one of the final one or two spots.

In my pre-training camp 53-man roster projection, I had the Lions keeping only five off-the-ball linebackers and sided with Reeves-Maybin over Ragland and Killebrew based on the Lions special teams preferences.

But, after giving more consideration to the Lions scheme, and relooking back at how Ragland can be deployed, I am starting to lean towards the Lions keeping six linebackers — with Ragland being the clear best defensive option.

By keeping Ragland, the Lions would enter the season with two MIKE linebackers (Tavai and Davis), two versatile WILL linebackers (Jones and Ragland), two developmental JACK linebackers (Julian Okwara and Austin Bryant), and the multipurpose Collins to roam through all three positions.

Things are far from settled, and Ragland is just as likely to beat out Reeves-Maybin for the Lions fifth linebacker spot as he is to lose the sixth spot to Miles Killebrew, but Ragland is such a perfect fit for the Lions scheme, it’s hard to bet against him.

Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, Episode 157: Inching closer to training camp

Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, episode 157: “Inching closer to training camp”, is now available to download and listen.

This week on the Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast, the guys discuss how the NFL is inching towards training camp, what still needs to be resolved in order to have football in 2020, discuss the current events surrounds the Lions, and dip back into this week’s mailbag to answer listener’s questions.

The DLB podcast is a weekly conversation with Lions Wire’s own Erik Schlitt and his co-host Joe Kania.

This week, the guys discuss:

Be sure to follow the Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast (@LionsBreakdown) and its hosts Schlitt (@Erikschlitt) and Kania (@JoeKania_DLB) on Twitter, with a Facebook page on the way.

The podcast is available to listen at the DetroitLionsBreakdown.com website and is also available to download and subscribe to on multiple podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher and others.

4 things I learned about the Lions during the virtual offseason program

On Matt Patricia, Trey Flowers, Jeff Okudah and the respect for Matthew Stafford

The Detroit Lions wrapped up the virtual offseason program last week. It was a modification from the normal series of OTAs and minicamps due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The team did a good job keeping the media looped in via frequent Zoom teleconferences. With everyone working remotely, it was difficult to coordinate bringing everyone together.

Here are a few things I picked up about the team from the virtual offseason program.

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