Concerning Defensive Backs Playing the Ball

[pbmax]

smartfootball on Nick Saban:

Smart Football @smartfootball 1h
Lots complaining a/b their DBs not looking for ball. Saban coaches not to look if not even ("in phase") w/ WR; never from w/in 10yds to goal

Smart Football @smartfootball 1h
If DB is even/ahead, he becomes WR. But if not he must play WR, and in red zone happens too fast to turn head and DB must play the WR.

Smart Football @smartfootball 1h
.@InTheBleachers I forget if it was Saban or Smart or someone else in a clinic who said DB is like offensive line in importance of technique

[swede]

Is this a paradigmatic shift or a clash of ideologies?

[pbmax]

I think its mostly public perception, though I am not aware of other techniques that are taught. Never was a DB.

Its makes sense but I think a lot of people judge DB from the same criteria. A safety ranging over to contest a deep throw is watching the ball. A DB in coverage who gets a pass completed past his earhole is obviously just not paying attention. Not sure anyone thinks he is coached to play the man and then knock the ball down after it arrives.

Makes me wonder about all the complaints about Bush never locating the ball.