THE CANADIAN PRESS
Chris Jones loves scheming unique ways to bring pressure. Edmonton’s head coach is like the mad scientist of blitzes. He’s always working on his next crazy concoction to confuse and stun opposing offences.
In the Eskimos’ home-and-home sweep of Ottawa, Jones’ defence regained its swagger after being sliced and diced for 484 total yards in Week 1 by the Argos – Trevor Harris threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns and Brandon Whitaker carried 14 times for 117 yards. Edmonton rang up five sacks, three interceptions and allowed just one offensive touchdown combined in two wins against the REDBLACKS. An impressive display from Jones’ aggressive defence is the main reason why the Eskimos sit at 2-1.
To see how Edmonton stymied Henry Burris and co. let’s take a close look at what Jones dialed up in the nation’s capital in Week 4.
Example 1:
Here it’s first down and 10 with the Eskimos leading 5-0 in the second quarter. There are seven men lined up in the box and along the line of scrimmage. A true blitz is on because the Green and Gold have one more rusher than Ottawa has blockers. Jones has what he wants: A free man coming off the edge. Burris, being the veteran pivot that he is, sees that unblocked defender and gets off a quick slant pass to Maurice Price.
But Pat Watkins, who initially squatted at around 10 yards, knows a short route is likely coming based on what Edmonton’s defence has called, so he reads it and breaks downhill to knock the pass incomplete.
Example 2:
Jones likes attacking certain areas of an offensive line or even a particular player. He’s selective with where he wants to exploit and it can be lethal – pictured above is a perfect example. With his team in front 17-12 late in the fourth quarter, Jones decides to send six rushers on second and 10. Ottawa keeps a running back in to protect and make it six protectors on six rushers, but because the Eskimos overload the right side of the offensive line, a man comes free.
Almondo Sewell is lined up across from the centre with Willie Jefferson and Dexter McCoil the same on the guard and tackle, respectively. That leaves Marcus Howard unaccounted for because the running back slides out to help protect on the left edge. Big No. 91 comes barreling untouched straight at Burris who can only manage to get off an inaccurate throw from his back foot – that should’ve been intercepted – as he’s drilled to the turf. That’s likely exactly the way Jones drew up that defensive call.
Example 3:
As good as Jones can be at coming up with different ways to get pressure on the opposing quarterback, disciplined offensive execution can lead to success against Edmonton.
Above in the picture, Ottawa is pushed up against its own goal line and the Eskimos send seven rushers at Burris on first and 10. The REDBLACKS bring in Brad Sinopoli to help protect and even the numbers up for the offence – seven on seven. Ottawa blocks the pressure and creates a nice pocket for Burris.
On the back end, Edmonton is locked in man coverage with no safety help over top. Burris reads it well and fires for Ernest Jackson on a post pattern. If defensive back Marcell Young doesn’t grab Jackson at the break point of his route – he gets flagged for defensive pass interference – it’s likely a long gain or touchdown for the REDBLACKS.
Those are just a few glimpses into the chess match between an offence facing a Jones-coached high-pressure defence. Edmonton’s sideline boss likes his ‘D’ to be the hammer and not the nail. And if executed properly Jones’ ultra aggressive unit can make it a long and painful game.
