Rookie Film Review: Indianapolis Colts Safety Julian Blackmon
By Seth Steere
Blackmon Makes Some Plays
The Colts come out in a Cover 2 with Blackmon playing the boundary (safety playing the half with less field to cover). The Bears are running a double slant concept to Blackmon’s side where they will try and split the coverage which they in fact do, but Blackmon flies downhill to make a great play on the ball (the play did not result in a fumble after a review).
Blackmon again knew exactly where to be because he was following the quarterback’s eyes, you’ll see him quickly glance at the receivers just before he breaks just to make sure he isn’t making the wrong read then fires downhill to make a play on the ball. He does a nice job of keeping his hips square while staying over-the-top making it easier to break on the route.
On this play it appears to be another Cover 2 coverage from the Colts, although this they have the safety opposite of Blackmon walked up on the line in an attempt to disguise the coverage. The safety does a nice job of staying with the receiver and passing him off to Blackmon, once the quarterback sees the safety step off he tries to fit the ball into the window, but Blackmon’s trigger and speed are just too good.
What’s most impressive about both his pass deflections was that not only did he knock the ball loose, but he also secured the tackle. You’re not going to knock the ball away every time, so bringing your guy to the ground every play is just as important as bringing your hands through ball.
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Not necessarily the most impressive interception you’ll ever see, but Blackmon puts himself in position to make the play and executes. He does a good job of staying over the top of the dig-route run by the receiver and once he recognizes that the ball is going to be overthrown he slows plays it and is able to come down with the interception. Not every interception in a safeties career is going to be spectacular, sometimes its about being in the right spot at the right time, and that’s exactly what happened to Blackmon on this play.