re: Thoughts on where we've been and where we need to go.

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I'm still unsure why the DB's sometimes give their receivers a cushion.

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Cushion is okay if used properly and in moderation. We just do not do either.

On 3rd and 10 our CB's start at the first down marker and then backpedal when the ball is snapped. It is one of the dumbest things you can possibly do.

You work your tail off to force a 3rd and long and then just gift wrap them a fresh set of downs.

I get forcing an underneath throw...that makes sense.

It does not make sense to give a throw underneath that allows the receiver to build up full speed, cross the marker without being immediately met upon completing the pass, and now forcing your CB into having to make an open field tackle to prevent a bigger play.

A cushion should give you just enough space to not be beat off the line no matter how explosive a receiver may be.

A 5-6 yard cushion is pretty standard and makes sense if you play it straight up off the snap.

A 10 yard cushion makes sense if you attack the receiver once the ball is in play and try to anticipate the throw.

A 10 yard cushion that starts off with a back pedal creating a 13-15 yard window is just stupid. That similar strategy is what got us annihilated against Atl in the air a year ago.