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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens RB Austin Ekeler (Chargers): Taking the Defender’s Back
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens shares a touchdown reception by Chargers running back Austin Ekeler that illustrates a fundamental act of good route running that every receiver must recognize and execute. “Take the defender’s back!” It’s a declaration every receiver coach makes—especially when he or she spots a defender giving his back voluntarily to his…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: Winning vs. Stacked Boxes with the Saints Offensive Line
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines a successful run by Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints offensive line against an Atlanta defense with nine defenders in the box. Let’s get this out of the way: The Saints offense was one of the best rushing units in the NFL last year. Atlanta had the 25th-ranked…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: Limiting Michael Thomas (And JuJu Smith-Schuster)
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens shows how the Falcons, Panthers, and Cowboys limited Saints receiver Michael Thomas to an average output of 5 catches, 42 yards, and no touchdowns during this three-week span and how it could apply to Steelers’ big-slot option, JuJu Smith-Schuster. Two of the premier big-slot receivers in the NFL Michael Thomas…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: The Micro-Movements That Make RB Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas) Great
Matt Waldman’s Rookie Scouting Portfolio examines the tiny details that make a huge difference with Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. The best four running back prospects that I’ve graded during the past 5-6 years are Nick Chubb, Saquon Barkley, Todd Gurley, and Ezekiel Elliott. Despite each having their own style, there was little difference…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: WR Anthony Miller’s (Chicago) Slot Physicality and Route Prowess
Fans don’t often think about slot receivers facing physical coverage, but Chicago Bears rookie Anthony Miller demonstrates that it’s still part of the job—a job Miller performs well according to Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens. We often think about the slot receiver position as a less physical role. Slot receivers may take hits, but they…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: Finding A Fit for TE/WR Darren Waller (Oakland)
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens profiles Darren Waller’s 2018 stretch-run with the Raiders and what it reveals about Oakland’s potential use of him in 2019. A former big-play, split-end at Georgia Tech, Darren Waller has always been an impressive physical specimen. A 6’6″, 238-pound option, Waller had impressive pre-draft marks: a 37-inch Vertical Jump, a…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: How TE George Kittle (49ers) Mastered YAC
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens profiles the league-leading yards-after-the-catch prowess of 49ers tight end George Kittle. Last year, George Kittle broke the NFL record for receiving yards in a season for a tight end with 1,377 yards. More impressively, Kittle led the NFL in yards after the catch (YAC) with 870 yards—205 more than James…
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Mark Schofield’s RSP NFL Lens: Tom Brady’s 2018, Declines, and Non-Negotiables
Is Tom Brady in decline or are we undervaluing his non-negotiable traits because of video game production from other stars? Mark Schofield’s RSP NFL Lens dives into the state of Brady’s game. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about transitions. The human brain is a strange and fascinating organ and one that we may never…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens: RB Frank Gore’s (Miami) Fundamentals in Space
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens profiles two plays from the venerable Frank Gore in his December performance against the Patriots. Frank Gore is ending his career as a source of tremendous consternation to Kenyan Drake fans who are tired of seeing Drake breakaway from the field and then go to the bench for drives filled…
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Mark Schofield’s RSP NFL Lens: QB Philip Rivers’ (Chargers) Calm in the Cauldron
Rookie Scouting Portfolio contributor Mark Schofield showcases Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and his ability to remain calm in the cauldron. During the run-up to the 2016 NFL draft, our fearless leader Mr. Waldman put together a video on then-USC quarterback Cody Kessler, who is now the starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Like…