Good Week for Davis and Lelie

by Nineraguan on Oct 20, 2007 10:49 AM PDT

Looks like VD chose a good week to get healthy. (If that's not an invitation to a venereal disease joke, I don't know what is.) The Giants are dead last in stopping opposing tight ends so far this year, giving up a DVOA of 95%. This from Football Outsiders, the same source Fooch has referred to on occasion that regularly puts the 9ers in the top five versus opposing #1 receivers. For the uninitiated, giving up a DVOA of 95% is not only bad, it's really bad. But the Giants are even worse in stopping 3rd receivers, giving up a 102.5% DVOA. If there is a game all year for Ashlie Lelie to prove he's worth his salary, this is it.

To me, these numbers suggest the Giants' safeties and linebackers are poor in pass coverage. I'll be keeping a close eye on whether the 9ers offense takes advantage of that. If they don't, I'll be ranting about it all week.

FYI, the 9ers are currently 29th versus opposing tight ends, giving up a 58% DVOA.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

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lelie and davis

Of course, we have to factor in Trent Dilfer who is smart enough to find the mismatches, but doesn't always have the physical tools to make things happen. Hopefully he can make some things happen across the board.

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by David Fucillo on Oct 20, 2007 11:51 AM PDT reply actions

Giants Defense

I don't necessarily think it means their LBs and safeties are bad in coverage. They may not be very good, though. Their front seven is a "get in your face" type of front, so more times than not, the LBs are blitzing and playing zone. Safeties instead of being manned up against a TE or a third WR, they have to cover the deep routes, making sure their CBs don't give up the big play. Naturally TEs and third WRs should be able to pick apart zones (especially the TE). A third WR against a deep zone should be able to win that battle.

All I'm saying is that their guys may not be terrible in coverage if they are manned up. Scheme may be contributing to those DVOA stats more than lack of talent.

by sfgfan on Oct 20, 2007 7:58 PM PDT reply actions