[BostonCard]

I certainly agree with almost all you statement. I would amend the "Sometimes using size. Either works." to say "Getting separation always works, if you can get it. Using size sometimes works when you don't get separation. Against USC it mostly did.". Fortunately, we didn't have to totally rely on size (and skill and heart) working.

Sure, getting separation always works, but fast receivers who get separation through sheer speed against slower DBs might struggle against faster (or smarter, in the case of a guy like Richard Sherman) DBs.  Likewise, scheming open players can work against an inferior defensive scheme, but might fail against a more well-designed or more disciplined scheme.  Likewise, while size works against small fast receivers, it will struggle against some schemes (sandwiching the receiver) or against larger, stronger defensive backs.

That being said, as they say in basketball, you can't teach height, and there are very few defensive backs who are going to be anywhere near the 6'6" receivers that we have.  It won't work 100% of the time, but we should have an advantage (possibly a substantial one)  against most teams.  The best coaches exploit the mismatches you have, instead of the ones you wished you had.

BC

[BostonCard]

I certainly agree with almost all you statement. I would amend the "Sometimes using size. Either works." to say "Getting separation always works, if you can get it. Using size sometimes works when you don't get separation. Against USC it mostly did.". Fortunately, we didn't have to totally rely on size (and skill and heart) working.

Sure, getting separation always works, but fast receivers who get separation through sheer speed against slower DBs might struggle against faster (or smarter, in the case of a guy like Richard Sherman) DBs.  Likewise, scheming open players can work against an inferior defensive scheme, but might fail against a more well-designed or more disciplined scheme.  Likewise, while size works against small fast receivers, it will struggle against some schemes (sandwiching the receiver) or against larger, stronger defensive backs.

That being said, as they say in basketball, you can't teach height, and there are very few defensive backs who are going to be anywhere near the 6'6" receivers that we have.  It won't work 100% of the time, but we should have an advantage (possibly a substantial one)  against most teams.  The best coaches exploit the mismatches you have, instead of the ones you wished you had.

BC