First off JuJu and Washington were not options on this play. JuJu was covered like a bed, and Washington was doing his best AB impersonation to the corner.
I pointed out the all pro block of Okorafor in B2B’s thread and will highlight it again, to show the block, and because some thought Conner could have waltzed into the end zone if Ben had given him the ball. It seems that way until you track number 51 Davis from the Donkos.
As you can see he was spying Conner on this goalline play. About the only run that would have worked, is Conner picking up Davis and Ben with a QB keeper along the awesome front provided by the O line.
With that said let’s turn our attention to AB. AB may actually be at “fault” on this interception, fault in quotes. The picture below shows AB in perfect position for a drag about 1 yard off the goalline. If he does this he can keep the defender on his hip, it would seem. Also, he could have created a pick using the Bronco defender on his right arm. That would have kept the CB at bay.
As you can see he quickly gives up the drag and starts heading towards the back of the end zone on line to the post. This immediately gives the defender ball you man positioning, and the defender has reclaimed the advantage. Ben would need to lob the throw at this point to get it over the defender, and into AB’s hands before the end line. Low probability at the 3 yard line with AB’s speed and height. And look closely, the ball is already released. I think Ben is expecting a drag route.
Instead we get Ben throwing a low trajectory ball at a spot that coincides with a drag route perhaps, but runs into a James Harrison wannabe? I don’t think Pouncey blocked him into the pass...he was pealing off and some how they had the perfect defense called for every option of that play.
If AB runs the drag, he might have caught the ball or been able to bust up the play with the d-linemen.
Obviously we don’t know the answer, but it would explain some things. AB improvises to get open as we know. This is the QB and AB having a strong WiFi connection. So either they were not on the same page with the routes being run; our practice squad provides no heat during the week when they run this play, and our offense is delusional in thinking they could release the ball so early and execute 6 points; or Ben absolutely choked and threw an awful pass.
I am going with the missed drag route and a Harrisonesque D line play.
Either way this play needs to be put to pasture, unless we add the QB keeper along the front provided by the O line. I just don’t think throwing through the trees to the 5’10” guy is going to work on the 3 yard line.
