“Know your opponent.” Every NFL coach takes these three words seriously, yet the varying degrees to which coaches investigate this core principle vary drastically.
This is especially true when opponent knowledge leads to a mandate to alter on-field play. Some coaches are hesitant to change much on a weekly basis, whereas others wholly believe in the chameleon nature Bill Belichick committed to and championed with the New England Patriots.
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is a willing chameleon-type football mind who also remains true to his core principles.
When tasked to shut down Sam Darnold and the high-powered Minnesota Vikings offense in a winner-take-all Week 18 matchup for the NFC North crown, the former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator got it done.
Here’s what he did to rattle Darnold, shut down Justin Jefferson, and confuse the Vikings all night …
Glenn’s first challenge to Darnold
Interestingly, despite the Lions’ dominant 31-9 win on the scoreboard, the Vikings’ offense initially had success.
Detroit was forced to punt on its opening drive. Then, Minnesota’s first offensive play resulted in an 8-yard Aaron Jones rush on an inside zone.
After two first downs, Kevin O’Connell’s offense faced a third-and-9 situation. The Vikings motioned into a 3×2 condensed empty look, letting Darnold know he was dealing with man coverage.
Yet, Minnesota could not capitalize.
In short, Glenn challenged Darnold right off the bat. He didn’t care much that he knew man coverage was coming, as his ace on the hole was something else entirely …
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