Respect for Anthony Davis

From both sides of the fence, but maybe we can get them cleared up.

Anthony Davis is fast enough to get wide. But pass blocking is not just about getting wide fast.

You also have to maintain balance and have a base that allows you to deliver a powerful punch on first contact WHILE moving fast laterally.

This is the issue with Davis. He can get out there but he can’t maintain balance and therefore power. He knows and can execute the proper blocking technique to keep his balance and power, but then he’s not fast enough to get out there. When faced with schemes that present outside pressures or just speedy edge rushers, Davis needs to be balanced and fast — and he can only be one of the two at a time due to his athletic limitations that have been present since his Freshman year at Rutgers.

So as long as we don’t see anything resembling speed or an outside pressure scheme, Davis can do just fine. He works proper technique in his footwork, albeit slowly, but it doesn’t matter because he’s not facing speed and still has the balance and power to manhandle the rusher.

But the least little bit of speed on the corner— from either a fast end, backer, or blitzer from the secondary — and he’s toast.

This is why he’s a guard playing tackle.