Rams’ frequent use of zone coverage could help contain Kyler Murray
Under first-year defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, the Rams have used more zone coverage than man-to-man. They mix and match coverages on certain plays, too, with Jalen Ramsey sometimes manning-up one receiver and the rest of the defense playing zone.
Expect to see a lot of that on Sunday when the Rams play the Cardinals, not only in an attempt to take away DeAndre Hopkins, but also to keep Kyler Murray in check. One of the best ways to contain a mobile quarterback is to play zone coverage, allowing defenders to keep their eyes on him in the event that he escapes the pocket.
In man coverage, the defense turns its back to the quarterback and follows a specific player. That opens up running lanes for the quarterback, which leads to big plays; Murray has created plenty of explosive runs against man this season.
But against zone, the linebackers can watch Murray, and the defensive backs will have an easier time stepping up in run support of the shifty quarterback shakes loose. This season, the Rams have run quarters coverage with three defenders deep and three underneath with four rushing the quarterback 18.7% of the time – third-most in the NFL.
Quarters (4-deep, 3-under zone)
% of dropbacks
1. WASH — 19.6%
2. GB — 19.1%
3. LAR — 18.7%
4. TAM — 18.4%
5. CLE — 17.1%28. NYJ — 4.7%
29. NE — 4.1%
30. KC — 3.3%
31. DET — 3.2%
32. ATL — 2.7% #NFL— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) December 2, 2020
That’ll continue against the Cardinals and could help them keep Murray in the pocket more often. A lot of that comes down to the defensive front closing up running lanes, but having the defense facing the quarterback helps, too.
The Patriots utilized zone coverage against Murray last week and held him to 170 yards passing, 31 yards rushing and no touchdowns.
Played for a coach who called it a “mush rush” technique.
You’re trying to squeeze the interior of the pocket — with the edge defenders working to contain the QB. #Patriots did that quite a bit vs. Kyler — while playing with zone discipline at 2nd/3rd level of the defense. https://t.co/eL0LsyrrQo
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) December 2, 2020
Murray is one of the toughest assignments in the NFL and it takes a complete team effort to limit his production – especially as a runner. Tackling will be critical for L.A. because one miss and Murray could break off a 30-yard run in a flash.
Blitzing against Murray doesn’t exactly work, either, as he has seven touchdown passes and only two interceptions with a passer rating of 106.2. Against a normal rush, he’s thrown seven interceptions with 12 touchdowns and a passer rating of 92.4. This season, the Rams only blitz 26.1% of the time, according to Pro Football Reference, which is 10th-lowest in the NFL.
Playing disciplined zone coverage, getting pressure with four and wrapping up will be three keys to this one for L.A.
