Burrow's greatness: Manipulating defenders with his eyes

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The ability of a quarterback to manipulate defenders with his eyes is a critical component to playing the position. When you see a QB display this trait, it illustrates that they have a mastery not only of their own route concepts, but the defensive coverages they face and what they need to do to execute on the route designs called in the huddle. It is often a difficult trait to truly master, but if you watch players like Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes, you will see this mastery in action. Seeing it from Burrow this season has me believing in his ability to excel at the next level.

The route Burrow wants to throw here is the post to Jefferson. Against a Cover 2/Red 2 look that is a perfect read, as the middle of the field is open (often termed a MOFO read). But Burrow needs to be concerned with the safety shaded to Sullivan’s side of the field. If that backside safety jumps Jefferson’s post route, a throw in that direction could be dangerous.

So Burrow manipulates him with his eyes. Watch this play and pay particular attention to Burrow’s eyes.

The QB takes the snap and opens to Sullivan’s side of the field, which influences that safety. With the QB looking in that direction, that safety cannot poach the post route from Jefferson. At the last moment, Burrow brings his eyes to the middle of the field and throws the post route for the touchdown.

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