Tyrann Mathieu Displays Recognition & Range

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It can be tough to be a DB in the modern NFL. The rules are against you. You have world class athletes running precision routes against you. Mad scientist offensive coordinators are in the lab scheming up ways to manipulate your rules and create conflict. And dart-throwing QB’s are putting the ball right on the money.

But all is not lost, as Chiefs’ DB Tyrann Mathieu proves on this rep. It comes down to understanding what you are seeing, and executing proper technique.

With the Chiefs running a Cover 1 scheme, Mathieu is the single-high safety, responsible for taking away the middle of the field. As he backpedals, he tracks the WR while keying the QB. The slot receiver breaks across Mathieu’s face, triggering a reaction from the safety. He uses a gather and shuffle to redirect his momentum to intersect the receiver.

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A quick reaction and smooth transition put him in position to time up the throw and get there at precisely the right time to force the PBU. On the endzone copy, too, you can see the timing of Mathieu’s punch to knock away the ball.

This takes away what would have been a big gain from the offense. A huge win on this rep with all the credit going to the Chiefs’ centerfielder.