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RockRam
I guess my question is, are man CBs simply the best of the CBs, and zone CBs aren't as talented?
Or, what? Because when I read analysts talk about it, I can't quite tell if what they're talking about is the player's overall ability, or if he fits best in a zone scheme as a special ability that player has, but a man CB plays best man, but can't play as well in a zone.
Thoughts? I so enjoy your very instructional comments on alignments and systems.
Zone defense, match zone requires more eye discipline, more mental stress, less physical stress.
There may be, and are, some physically able CBs that cannot play zone, they just don't "get it". Cannot read routes don't know how to anticipate. And since 75% of defenses in the NFL are zone that leaves them out in the cold. You cannot cover a guy if you don't know who your guy is is the theory
Zone defenders, generally have to be stronger because they have to reroute guys in cover-2. So a big WR cannot just bound off of them as they pass by ... say the CB has the flat so he jams the WR and then covers the flat, he has to hep the guy who takes the WR by jamming him. Little guys sometimes don't have the strength.
But both man and zone requires good hips and ability to turn and run.
I'd say in general, match zone an zone, the CB plays from the top down (out of phase they call it). And the man CBs trail or try and stay with their guy depending if it's a vertical or crossing route. (In phase)
And to play in phase you do have to be faster.
