Quote:If that was the case, they wouldn't be turning around with a "oh snap" look to their giddy up as the ball is thrown over their heads....because they know that the guy they "released" is not their responsibility.

 

But that isn't what's happening. You see Poz and Telvin (Poz especially) take two steps towards the LOS as the run fake occurs and the TE/WR goes behind him then immediately stop, turn and chase the receiver.

 

Judging by these guys reaction...you can tell they got beat...and they know it.

 

Just re-watched the defensive series of first 3 quarters.  There were a number of things going on that freed up the middle, but it was largely poor coverage by the linebackers. (as you suggested)

  I only saw Poz bite hard on the run fake once, but while he'd cover his guy he also allowed the catch fairly uncontested most times. 

Interestingly - Telvin is sneaky at watching the QB's eyes, but it got him into trouble a few times as he'd break towards the "look-off" and be caught unable to cover ground towards the throw. 

 

One big play to Walker that sort-of looked like it was on Poz was actually sort-of scheme-related as Sergio was lined up over the TE and blitzed releasing him totally uncovered or for a big gain.

 

It's looks like the one below that make me think "scheme" is also part of the problem.

 Telvin, Poz and the SS  are cheating forward at the snap despite a 4 receiver set - and Armbrister is up near the line. I feel like that's not respecting the middle properly.  This one ended up an incompletion over the middle due to a dropped pass by Wright. (It was not a 3rd down BTW.)

 

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