A Pivotal Play Cincinnati - Obi’s INT

[Kgun7]

2nd Quarter 0:44, Cincinnati 2nd & 10 form their own 45

Melifonwu gets credit for being well positioned to make the pick on a poorly thrown ball from Hayden Moore. But I would like to focus a little more UCONN’s LB pass coverage, especially EJ Levenberry, that led to Moore’s overthrow of intended receiver #21 Devin Gray.

MLB Joseph is already out … so Walsh slides over from WLB to MLB and EJ Levenberry takes over at WLB.

#1 – UCONN in their base 3-4 Cover 4 with Carrezola on the line … Cincinnati in a Trips Right Single Back

 

[Kgun7]

#2 - Straight drop for Moore looking left … UCONN drops 7 into zone coverage … Levenberry gets turned

 

[Kgun7]

#3 – Moore is locked on #21 Gray … Then LB’s all drop at least 10 yards … Levenberry in a full back pedal

 

[Kgun7]

#4 – Just as Moore releases the ball Levenberry rotates left and breaks on the ball …

 

[Kgun7]

#5 – Even if Moore’s throw is on target … Levenberry has it covered …

 

[Kgun7]

#6 – Obi INT …

 

[Kgun7]

Conclusion – This play was very similar to the Cincinnati 3rd & goal from the UCONN 8 earlier in the 2nd quarter. Levenberry also got turned around, but recovered quickly enough to break up the pass in the back of the end zone.

Although Melifonwu was credited with the INT … the overthrow was caused by Levenberry’s ability to change direction and track the flight of the ball. The pass break up in the back of the end zone and the coverage that led to this INT are clear examples of what Levenberry can bring to Diaco’s D … a fluid coverage drop and a quick break into a passing lane.

 

[Caronimo]

Thanks for the info, Jon Gruden...