THE CANADIAN PRESS
Anatomy Of A Play: Two Key Sacks
Ray Mariuz’s Quarterback Sack
As the Ticats defence lines up, linebacker Ray Mariuz sets up over the left tackle and safety Dylan Barker lines up opposite him over the right tackle in a special blitz package. The idea is basically for Barker and Mariuz to meet at the quarterback.
As Barker and Mariuz attack the edge, linebackers Otis Floyd and Yannick Carter come off of their blitz look and drop into coverage, confusing the offensive line. This is used to disrupt the line’s assignments and to try and force Cleo Lemon into making a throw where he thought the receiver was open.
After Mariuz comes free, Lemon’s only option is to step up away from the rush but with Barker coming right at him, that avenue of escape is completely cut off.
The play works perfectly, and Mariuz delivers a devestating blow, knocking the ball out of Lemon’s grasp. This was a crucial second down play that could have been even bigger, had the Ticats been able to recover the ball.
Otis Floyd’s Fourth Quarter Sack
As the play begins, linebacker Otis Floyd lines up in his usual spot as the Mike linebacker. This look features only one “down” lineman and four players in a rush position.
As the two interior linemen double team Demonte’ Bolden, Floyd is left one-on-one and employs a bullrush on the remaining lineman. Otis wins the one-on-one battle and crashes into the offensive backfield.
Floyd is untouched as he gets into the backfield and is all over Cleo Lemon before he has time to dump the ball off. This play came as the Argos were trying to march the ball downfield late in the game and essentially snuffed out any chance of a comeback.
