Tag: third down defense

Washington’s offense struggled badly on 3rd downs vs. Cowboys

An outstanding look at some of Washington’s 3rd-down woes from its loss to the Cowboys. As Ivan says, Washington must be better on earlier downs.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

“Marcia, Marcia, Marcia”.

For those old enough or you watched in subsequent decades Brady Bunch reruns, you instantly recognize the iconic line.

That’s how I often feel when hearing fans and analysts speak of third downs in the NFL. “Third-down offensive conversion rate”, third-down defensive conversion rate. Third down, third down, third down.”

During the four-game winning streak, Washington controlled the line of scrimmage, and ran the ball, and kept the clock moving, and their opponents’ offenses OFF of the field. Yes, they also saw improvement in their third-down conversion rate on offense and defense.

I hear many fans today parroting how third down is the most important down in the NFL. I do agree, you have to perform on third down to keep the chains moving on offense or force the opponents’ offensive unit off of the field.

What type of third downs did the WFT face in the first half, against Dallas?

Third-and-8 — then a delay of game sunk it to third-and-13.

Third-and-10 — resulted in the Randy Gregory tipped and intercepted pass.

Third-and-6 — an incomplete pass, saved by a roughing the passer penalty.

Third-and-7 — Heinicke to Humphries for five yards, then on fourth down was sacked, fumbled and Dallas was up 18-0.

Third-and-8 — Heinicke again sacked by Parsons (-9 yards).

Third-and-6 — Heinicke pass incomplete (Adam Humphries).

Third-and-15 — Heinicke deep pass incomplete (Cam Sims).

End of Half: Dallas 24, Washington 0

And there you have it, each time in the first half the WFT offense faced a third-down, not once was it five yards or less. NOT ONCE.

Often when I hear so much emphasis on third down ad nauseam, I rebelliously utter, “Third down? What about first down? Wouldn’t better first-down balance and execution, result in improved options for third-down conversion as well?” Or perhaps even avoid some third downs altogether?

Perhaps in Ashburn this week, an emphasis should be first-down creativity, balance, execution?

 

How Chargers need to fix struggling third-down defense

The Chargers have a third-down problem on defense that needs to be resolved quickly.

After turning the Rams into the NFL’s best defense in just one season, there were expectations that Brandon Staley would have the same success with the Chargers.

However, it has not been all sunshine and rainbows.

Los Angeles has statistically been bad against the run all season, but something that has hurt the team the most in weeks prior is the defense’s inability to get off the field.

The Bolts are currently 31st in opposing third-down conversion percentage at 48.91%. Washington is the only team worse at 51.37%.

Last week, the Broncos converted 8 of 11 third downs, with the majority of them coming from beyond seven yards.

This is one that came on Denver’s final touchdown drive. Teddy Bridgewater connected with Courtland Sutton for a 12-yard gain on a 3rd-and-7.

Even after rushing five, Bridgewater has enough time to find Sutton, who Tevaughn Campbell contests. However, Campbell is unable to get his hands on the football.

A few plays later, the Broncos converted on 3rd-and-10.

Javonte Williams sold it like he was going to chip, it created a lane for him on the outside, and there were no defenders near the vicinity to prevent him from getting beyond the marker.

Moving forward, each level of the defense needs to play a part in aiding to be more efficient on third downs.

Consistent pressure is a must, both inside and off the edges. That should include more of Joey Bosa lined up along the interior, where he has proven to wreak havoc.

On the back end of the defense, some of it is personnel, as the Chargers are without Asante Samuel Jr., the team’s most impactful cornerback this season, who is out with a concussion. His return remains to be seen.

Nonetheless, corners need to play their leverages better, be in a position to contest balls thrown before or at the sticks, and execute.

Furthermore, missed tackles in open space can not happen, and penalties must be eliminated.

Heading into Week 13, the Bolts face a Bengals team that is 16th in the league in third-down conversion at 40%.

While not necessarily the best in this category, Cincinnati still poses a good offense, which is why aggressive and assignment sound defense on third downs will be crucial in order to give Justin Herbert more opportunities.