Lack of Pass Rush and Playing Man Coverage Explained by Cory Undlin
Detroit Lions' new defensive coordinator Cory Undlin discussed the most pressing issues regarding Detroit's defense Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Many observed that Detroit played more man coverage in the secondary in the fourth quarter after initially stifling Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky by utilizing zone coverage.
Also, Detroit was only able to secure one sack in the home opener.
Detroit's defensive line struggled mightily in 2019, and did not get off to the best of starts in its debut performance of 2020.
But, Undlin did not put the entire blame on the revamped defensive line when asked Tuesday about the defensive line.
Here are Undlin's thoughts on the two biggest defensive issues emerging from Detroit's 27-23 loss to Chicago.
Undlin on man-to-man coverage in the secondary:
"I would say that we played probably a little bit more man at the end when it was in the red zone. But we did not play all man. When you get to the end of the game right there and you've got to tighten things up, that'll have something to do with it. But, I'm not second guessing any of that. Guys played a good mixture of the entire game plan -- whether it was man or zone all day long. We need to make one more play, and we couldn't get it done. So, that's what it is."
On lack of pressure on Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky:
"We ended up with one sack there. I think if we asked any of the players right now, we would have like a little bit more. When you talk about pass rush, it's not just the four guys that are rushing by themselves. It has a lot to do with the linebackers in coverage. It has to do with the secondary in coverage. It all works together. You guys have heard that phrase before. The best coverage is a great pass rush, and the best pass rushers, a good coverage. So, it all works together. So, when you talk about pass rush, I'm not going to put that on the D-line by themselves. We've got to do a better job in coverage. I can help those guys at times. I'm sure when we look at some of the calls and some of the positions I put them in. But, when you talk about getting pressure on this guy, you've got to cover first. And when you can cover, then, it gives those guys an opportunity to rush. If you don't, then the ball comes out of his hand in less than two seconds. A lot less than that most of the time. So, it's out. It starts with the coverage first. Then, if the coverage is good and it's sound, we can help those guys actually have a chance to get to the quarterback. So, all three phases, from the front to the back."
