Note: if you’d prefer a video format, there is a video embedded at the bottom of this article covering the material, with some extras.
Last season, Mike McDaniel came out with a clear plan to exploit Alohi Gilman starting in lieu of Derwin James. Alohi set the tone for the game with a statement pass breakup against Tyreek Hill, and the defense had one of its best games of the season.
This past Sunday, Mike McDaniel opened the game just as aggressively, but targeted Staley’s scheme instead of a specific player. Below, Steven Ruiz (now of The Ringer, but this image was part of an article with USA Today), identifies the basics of how Staley operates by running two different coverage schemes on either side of the field.