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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: RB Damien Harris (Patriots) And the Eyes-Feet Connection
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines the footwork and processing of Patriots RB Damien Harris. What is mental processing for a running back? A simple way of describing it is the connection between the eyes and the feet. If you can see the feet react logically to what the eyes should see on the field…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: RB Darwin Thompson’ (Chiefs) Pass Protection
Matt Waldman’s Rookie Scouting Portfolio examines the pass protection of running back Darwin Thompson, a compelling rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs. If you’re a regular at the Rookie Scouting Portfolio, you’ve known about Darwin Thompson as far back as last February. A short running back whose game resembles Brian Westbrook or Dion Lewis “with…
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J. Moyer’s RSP NFL Lens: RB Darrell Henderson’s (Rams) Transition to Zone Blocking
Rams rookie Darrell Henderson is one of the most exciting backs from the 2019 NFL Draft, but J. Moyer explains why his transition from start collegian to complete runner won’t be immediate. Perhaps the draft’s most electric back, Darrell Henderson’s arrival in the Rams’ hyper-efficient rushing offense offers plenty of justifiable excitement. It never meant…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: RB Ito Smith’s (Falcons) Blitz Pickup
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines a play from Atlanta RB Ito Smith’s preseason portfolio—a blitz pickup against a Miami Dolphins linebacker. The Atlanta Falcons have transitioned from the Devonta Freeman-Tevin Coleman plan that was Kyle Shanahan’s offense (and maintained by Shanahan’s replacement, Steve Sarkisian) to Dirk Koetter’s offense. Although Koetter has had seasons as…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: Sony Michel and the Patriots Bait Ndamukong Suh
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines the Patriot’s first offensive play of the Super Bowl—and explosive run against the L.A. Rams—that’s the product of effective scouting, preparation, and execution against Ndamukong Suh. Ndamukong Suh is known for his ability to make plays in the offensive backfield. The New England Patriots are known for devising and…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: RB Alexander Mattison’s (Minnesota) Processing And Execution
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens shares two examples of Alexander Mattison’s processing and execution—one at Boise State and the other with the Vikings, courtesy of RSP contributor J. Moyer. What’s wrong with size and speed when evaluating the potential of an NFL back? Nothing. Unless that back isn’t a strong processor of information and lacks…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: RB Kerryon Johnson (Lions) And Process-Based Evaluation
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines a short video analysis of Lions running back Kerryon Johnson compiled by contributor J. Moyer that underscores a vital part of player evaluation. J. Moyer creates excellent short-form video analysis. If you’re not following his work here or on Twitter (@JMoyerFB), remedy that now. Moyer has produced a few…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: QB Tom Brady (Patriots) And the Undervalued Exchange Game
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens showcases a snap from 2019’s Super Bowl where Tom Brady’s exchange with the running back is an underrated component of a successful play. Tom Brady haters from across the world will flip their lids when they hear about an analyst praising a handoff. I can already imagine them carping that…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: WR Paul Richardson’s (Washington) Stem Work
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines an effective stem from wide receiver Paul Richardson that sets the intensity of the entire route. The stem is the initial phase of the wide receiver’s route before he makes his break. Not always, but the stem may involve a release from tight coverage at the line of scrimmage.…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: RB Le’Veon Bell (Jets) And Maintaining the Line of Effective Intensity
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens features running back Le’Veon Bell, who illustrates that there is such thing as playing with too much intensity. We all love physical football. One of the most enjoyable examples of it is the de-cleater—block from an offensive player that catches the defender unaware and knocks his feet off the ground…