Defense at the Halfway Point Part Three: No Fly Zones
With the prominence of passing attacks across the league, teams have adapted by deploying smaller, faster defensive backs. The spread offense has given rise to the nickel defense. Teams regularly employ three defensive backs and run a heavy zone defense. Together with an elite pass rush, teams have created no-fly zones.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have had a long-standing reputation as one of the worst defenses in the league. With the hiring of Raheem Morris, the defense has turned around and become a stalwart. Most notably, they are holding teams to a league-low 158 passing yards per game. At the height of the secondary is cornerback Mike Hughes. Hughes has bounced around the league but is playing lights out this year. The former Knight is posting only a 52% catch rate while being the most targeted player on his team. Being targeted 48 times, he has only allowed 24 catches, while only allowing 2.7 yards of separation. Unfortunately, like with most corners, one big play can define their greatness. Of those 24 receptions permitted, receivers have turned those receptions into 316 yards and three touchdowns. Across from Hughes is long-time Falcon AJ Terrell. Terrell has had a great career so far, with one Pro Bowl under his belt. He continues his outstanding play this year with a 61% catch rate on 18 targets, 11 receptions, no touchdowns, and 111 yards. Terrell has missed some time due to injury, but when on the field, he remains productive. Rounding out the cornerbacks are Dee Alford and Billy Bowman. Both spend the majority of their time in the slot, being the nickel back. Both have been productive, each logging an interception.
The Atlanta safeties are also key components of the Falcons' stellar secondary. Led by Jessie Bates and Xavier Watts. Bates has been locking down receivers, allowing only 10 receptions for 115 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and 47 tackles. Watts has allowed more from receivers, giving up 14 receptions for 215 yards and three touchdowns. He has made up for it with 44 tackles and two interceptions. The Falcons’ defense resurgence has been remarkable to watch. They are legitimate playoff contenders, and their defense has played a massive role in that.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Charges secondary has been outstanding this season. Every year, they have the potential, but this year, they have managed to bring it all together. The leader of this unit is superstar safety Derwin James. James’s career has been phenomenal, with three All-Pros and four Pro Bowls. This season, he picks up right where he left off. Being targeted 31 times, he has allowed 21 catches for 191 yards and no touchdowns. What makes James special is his one interception and 57 tackles, being a force on the defense, and making his presence known. The Chargers' best corner is Donte Jackson. Jackson leads the corners with a 50% catch rate. Being targeted 26 times, he's only allowed 13 receptions for 136 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. The rest of their phenomenal secondary is due to head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh has a long history as a defensive coach, with multiple successful stints in the NFL and college football.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have spent the last few years overhauling their defense. The biggest staple of their defense has been corner Jaycee Horn, who is locking down one side of the field, only being targeted 32 times. Compared to the opposite corner, Mike Jackson has 50 targets. Horn has only allowed 19 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns, but has three interceptions. With one side of the field being a no-fly zone, Jackson has held down the other side of the field. As previously mentioned, he has been targeted 50 times but has allowed only 26 receptions, for a catch rate of 52%, and has only allowed 2.2 yards of separation. The downside is Jackson’s 377 yards given up for two touchdowns, but he has one interception. He has made it difficult, though, with a 26% tight window forced percentage. Rounding out the receiving corps is second-year player Chau Smith-Wade. Smith is still coming into his own, but has made the most of his time as the nickel back.
Conclusion
Receivers are only getting better. They come out of college every year as potential Pro Bowlers. A far cry from making rookies sit and earn their way onto the field. They have to be played day one now. We will continue to see corners and safeties taken very seriously to adapt to pro-ready receivers. Nickel and zone will continue to be used, and the days of a true no-fly zone are over, but these teams may be among the best at it today.
