BDL 2022 Week 3 - Ivory Coast Black Rhinos @ Hungary Hippos

[MD4L]

BDL 2022 Week 3

Match:  Ivory Coast Black Rhinos @ Hungary Hippos

Away Owner: @RuskieTitan

Home Owner:  @PR

Vote for who you think would win the game.

Rules:
One vote per person, duplicate accounts will be banned and action taken against those attempting to rig the results.

One vote per team involved in the match. Co-owners may vote in every match up except their own.

For members, who have been following along, and wish to vote.  Please join the conversation and maybe give a reason you voted as you did. This will alleviate any suspicions of unusual voting and will promote discussion.

Note: Players that have a (D) next to their name indicate that they are doubtful or unlikely to play. Players with (Q) are game-time decisions.

Good luck to you both

[MD4L]

Ivory Coast

QB- Aaron Rodgers
RB- Nick Chubb
WR- Terry McLaurin
WR- Chase Claypool
WR- Amon-Ra St. Brown
TE- Albert Okwuegbunam
LT- Trent Williams
LG- Danny Pinter
C- Jason Kelce
RG- Zack Martin
RT- Kelvin Beachum

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QB- Davis Mills
RB- Ezekiel Elliott
WR- Curtis Samuel
WR- Randall Cobb
TE- Noah Fant
TE- Evan Engram
OL- Josh Jones
OL- Quinn Meinerz

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DE- Khalil Mack
DT- Christian Barmore
DT- Da'Ron Payne
DE- Myles Garrett
WLB- Devin White
MLB- Bobby Okereke
SCB- Greg Newsome II
CB- A.J. Terrell
CB- Trevon Diggs
S- Eddie Jackson
S- Lewis Cine

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DE- Josh Sweat
DE- Darrell Taylor
DT- Teair Tart
DT- Jarran Reed
DT- Milton Williams
LB- Patrick Queen
CB- Samuel Womack
S- Ashtyn Davis

Hungary

 

QB: Carson Wentz

RB: Joe Mixon

WR: DK Metcalf

WR: Tyler Lockett

WR: Adam Thielen

TE: TJ Hockenson

LT: Charles Leno

LG: Andrus Peat

C : Tyler Linderbaum

RG: Gabe Jackson

RT: Trent Brown

 

RB2: James Robinson

RB3: Raachad White

WR4: AJ Green

WR5: Marquise Goodwin

TE2: Daniel Bellinger

iOL2 Brady Christensen

 

Edge: Emmanuel Ogbah

DT: Davon Hamilton

DT: Larry Ogunjobi

Edge: Carlos Dunlap

LB: Shaq Thompson

LB: Logan Wilson

CB: Casey Heyward Jr.

FS: Harrison Smith

SS: Chuck Clark

CB: Amani Oruwariye

CB: Cameron Sutton

 

Edge3: Charles Harris

Edge4: Trey Flowers

DT3: Armon Watts

DT4: Nick Williams

LB3: Josh Bynes

CB4: Roger McCreary

CB5: Emmanuel Moseley

S3: Kareem Jackson

Edited September 25, 2022 by MD4L

[MD4L]

Ivory Coast

Motivation: Beat Hungary. Murder quarterback with the pass rush, feast on his turnovers, trust Rodgers to establish lead, pound Chubb to finish.

Offense
Primary Formation: 11 Personnel Single Back:

We will primarily operate out of 11 personnel for this game, but will also have a healthy dose of 12 personnel, kicking out a receiver and bringing in another TE. Albert Okwuegbunam is starting but we’ll use all three tight ends extensively. Josh Jones is our swing lineman, operating as a 6^th offensive lineman on goal line, and when we need a fullback in the I formation we’ll drop Albert down, and leverage Noah or Evan as the primary TE. We’re going to focus on smart plays while setting up Rodgers with playaction pass off Chubb, aiming for a balanced 50-50 run-pass approach if possible, but fully prepared to step up one element if it is working well.

Running Game Focus:

Nick Chubb is going to get the bulk of the carries for this game, aiming for approximately a 75-25 split in touches between Chubb and Elliot. Ideally, we’re targeting at minimum 18 carries for Chubb, trusting that he’ll exceed 75 yards rushing. We’re trying to limit the players in the box with our 11 personnel. Majority of the snaps will be based out of single back sets, though we’ll sprinkle a few snaps lined up alongside Rodgers in shotgun with RPO. We’re not going to try and get too cute with our blocking schemes, relying on Rodgers to make the appropriate presnap read to audible to run or pass depending on what he’s seeing and focusing on double team blocks up the middle to the second level with interior runs. We’ll have a few counters once we set up the defense to commit to rushing the direction the play begins to unfold, and we’ll have the run establish the play-action pass to feature later in the game. We’re also going to throw in a couple of jet sweeps (primarily with St. Brown) to keep the defense honest.

Passing Game Focus:

Rodgers will be balling out this game, showcasing the young receiving talent on the roster. We’re going to use our three primary receivers frequently, allowing Rodgers to dissect the defense using crossing routes and rub routes against man coverage, with flood concepts when we’re seeing lots of zones. We will frequently use trips formations with two of the receivers and one of the tight ends, allowing Rodgers to read the defense post-snap and get the ball to the open man. We’ll frequently send a receiver in motion to try and tip the defense pre-snap, with all receivers getting snaps throughout the game; our top two receivers in this game will be Scary Terry and St. Brown. St. Brown will be the primary operator out of the slot, though as mentioned motion will allow different players to come into the slot and also perform the role. Rodgers will be set up with the play-action pass to take some more deep shots later in the game.

X-Factor on Offense: Amon-Ra St. Brown:

St. Brown is starting to develop into a serious weapon, and we want to leverage his touches to maximize his output. We’ll be creative with how we use him in motion as well as getting him the ball on some quick jet sweeps and out into space.

 

Defense
Defensive Formation: 4-2-5 Defense:

Anticipating 3 receiver sets, we will come out in a 4-2-5 formation. Payne and Barmore will man the middle, with Garrett and Mack on the edges. We’re going to have Devin White and Bobby Okereke as the off-ball linebackers, and run a trio of AJ Terrell, Greg Newsome II, and Trevon Diggs. We’re going to use Diggs and Terrell as our boundary corners, with Newsome II manning the slot. Terrell will be shadowing their primary receiver, but we’re perfectly satisfied with any of our corner assignments. If Hungary wants to go with 2 receivers or fewer, Trevon Diggs will come out, and Patrick Queen will come on to take the weakside linebacker spot, with Bobby Okereke taking the strong side and Devin White holding the middle. Jackson and Cine will operate at the safety spots, with Jackson being the primary deep safety. For dime situations (4 receivers) we’ll have Bobby Okereke come out and bring in Samuel Womack. If they ever go 5 wide, we’ll play a mixture of zone coverages rather than take out one of the four down linemen with a 4-1-6 personnel.

Against the Pass: 70-30 Man-Zone with Cover-1/2/3 Over the top:

We plan on using many different coverage schemes. In Cover 1 shell over the top both Cine and Jackson alternating playing deep to disguise coverage, and having the other drop closer to the line of scrimmage post-snap, chipping in by either covering the back and coming in to pass rush if he sees he’s blocking, or playing zone in the middle to take away the middle of the field. However, we’ll limit the amount of times we play Cover 1 with man under. In cover 2 we’ll usually get more bump and run, and jamming at the line with our corners in man, but we’ll throw zone to counter them when they aren’t expecting it and we’ll see great success with our ballhawks. Our cornerbacks are skilled enough to leave in man coverage, though we’ll still sprinkle in some elements of zones to mix it up. We want our defensive line and pass rush to get to the quarterback and give our secondary chances to make plays, so the pure zone coverages are to disrupt what they are expecting. We know that Chase and others will get theirs, but we like our corners and secondary to hold up and win enough battles that the defensive line and pass rush get there early and often. Sweat will be heavily featured in the pass rush rotation and on long down situations. We’ll limit the amount of jamming at the line, but will play up tighter as needed to eliminate quick passes.

Against the Run:

The defensive line will be focused on stopping Mixon and company from gaining yards after contact. We’re going to rely on the speed and athleticism of our linebackers to help plug up any holes in the running game. We won’t be afraid to drop a safety closer to the line of scrimmage post-snap to help out in the box. We will maintain discipline and counter anything Hungary throws at us, both prepared and on the fly. Our corners will be ready to make plays on the perimeter.

X-Factor on Defense: Lewis Cine:

Our safeties have been dropping like flies and this week we turn to rookie Cine to make his first start with us. We’re going to have him working primarily in coverage over the top alongside Jackson, and using man underneath with our corners to ensure he’s not exposed one on one. In Cover 3 full zones he’ll be responsible for the middle, so we avoid any blown assignments over the top.

Hungary

Offensive Strategy 

Run/Pass: 50/50

We will look to open this game with a fairly pass happy approach as we expect Ivory to be more concerned with stopping the run, and want to get Wentz "warm" as soon as possible. To beat Aaron Rodgers we will need points and that's not going to happen running a conservative offense like last week. Wentz is capable of high level play, he's just the furthest thing from consistent, but we will make the gamble and do our best to get him comfortable and in rhythm right out of the gate. Play action passes, screens and quick timing based concepts will be our friend. As the game develops and their defense is no longer anticipating the run, we will settle into a more balanced approach as we certainly don't want to abandon the run game with our talented backs and large OL.

We don't expect Wentz to be upright all day as we face a dangerous pair of edge rushers, we will just have to accept some hurries and sacks. However, we're not overly concerned by the big name edge rushing duo as our veteran tackles will not get embarrassed. They'll need help, especially against Garrett, so Mixon and Robinson will play a big role as we'll rarely empty the backfield. Both experienced and capable pass blockers, they will split the snap load to stay fresh, and be there to chip the edge rushers or stay back on obvious passing downs. Read option plays will be sprinkled in to keep the edges a bit more honest. Wentz is not Lamar Jackson, but he's fast enough that with his big frame he can rack up the yardage if is coaches are willing to deploy him that way and the edges keep pinning their ears back. We trust our 4 weapons, 2 of which have been around a long time and understand opposing coverages very well, to get open if given enough time by 6 blockers, and Wentz can fit the ball into tight windows. Ivory probably feels confident with their defensive talent and won't look to gamble in the form of blitzing often, and without blitzing it will be harder to get to our QB with the consistent extra blocker (which will vary between Mixon/Robinson or Hockenson).

DK will be a priority target if Terrell is not shadowing him, as we think he will win many of his matchups against Newsome or Diggs. We love DK's downfield ability and Wentz has been connecting on the deep ball lately. 

 

 

Defensive Strategy 

Run/Pass: 40/60

We'll primarily operate out of nickel as we expect Ivory to once again use 11 personnel. Our DL will be heavily rotated and 8 deep this game, as we don't want to blitz Rodgers, but don't necessarily trust any 4 linemen to consistently win up front. To compensate for this talent gap, we will continually throw fresh bodies in the trenches, with a very occasional blitzing defensive back. We'll incorporate a lot of zone on the back end, mainly in an effort to prevent chunk plays. Keeping the offense in front of us all day and preventing big plays, even if it means letting up more underneath stuff, will be a focus.

Chubb and Elliott behind a very good OL will be a challenge, no other way to put it. However, an offense can only put up so many points through the ground, and we are choosing to focus on slowing the pass game over the run game. Unless the offensive formation calls for it, we won't ever be bringing more than 7 defenders in the box, and will rely on our quality run defenders at LB to keep Chubb from eating too much.

Harrison Smith will be the x factor, as he will be deployed in a variety of ways across the formation. We trust him in single high, in the slot, and in the box, and as arguably our best defender we will look to him to make plays and have Rodgers left guessing what he will do next.

 

 

This isn't an offense we can "stop", but if we can slow them down enough that they score under 28 while we break open a few big plays on offense behind a good day from Wentz, we feel we can eek one out at home against the heavily favored Black Rhinos.

Edited September 25, 2022 by MD4L

[Scoundrel]

I know you have to play him but your defensive X factor has 1 defensive snap this season. Not quite an X factor 

[Scoundrel]

On 9/25/2022 at 10:57 AM, MD4L said:

We know that Chase and others will get theirs

There’s so much recycling in this plan. Even from week 1 to week 2 in our gameplan I just didn’t mention it. But this one made me chuckle. 

[Scoundrel]

On 9/25/2022 at 10:57 AM, MD4L said:

Harrison Smith will be the x factor, as he will be deployed in a variety of ways across the formation

And then this X factor didn’t even play. At least yours Ruskie played special teams snaps this week and is healthy, as both played no defensive snaps. 

[RuskieTitan]

6 minutes ago, Scoundrel said:

I know you have to play him but your defensive X factor has 1 defensive snap this season. Not quite an X factor 

It wasn't to highlight a superstar player, just someone i think would be key this game (since Adams and Dugger have gone down) and going into more detail on how we aren’t going to leave him on an island. He's arguably the "weakest" link right now, so that's why I chose him. St. Brown on the other hand is breaking out, and I highlight that.

[Scoundrel]

I’m going IC. I like the Hungary plan, I think it was the right plan to counter what IC was focusing on. I think they keep this game close but this is just a matchup where health and oline play are a detriment to the Hungary team. 

[Scoundrel]

Just now, RuskieTitan said:

It wasn't to highlight a superstar player, just someone i think would be key this game (since Adams and Dugger have gone down) and going into more detail on how we aren’t going to leave him on an island. He's arguably the "weakest" link right now, so that's why I chose him. St. Brown on the other hand is breaking out, and I highlight that.

Makes sense 

[RuskieTitan]

8 minutes ago, Scoundrel said:

And then this X factor didn’t even play. At least yours Ruskie played special teams snaps this week and is healthy, as both played no defensive snaps. 

I saw Smith confirmed out and hoped it'd give Cine more snaps lol.

[LAOJoe]

I'll definitely need more time on this one. There are many variables here.

[VigilantZombie]

There are several games I'm going to have to come back to and this is one of them I like both game plans I like both offenses overall I like both defenses overall but but the biggest difference for me is at quarterback and quarterback and as someone who preaches about looking at Linux as a existing video I have got to decide whether or not the the quarterback position is a determining factor for me

[VigilantZombie]

So I think Carson Wentz is a big handicap for Hungary. I think hes going to continue to struggle to be effective offensively so despite the weapons Hungary has a joke as I just don't see their offense being effective

[Blue]

If there's one thing I simply do not want to do if I'm Hungary, it's rely on Wentz to "get warm"

[SirA1]

I think the Rhino's go into the Hippodome and wreck face. IC 35-13