Chicago Bears Week 10 All-22 Film Session: Jordy Nelson TDs
By Chad Wandell
Nov 9, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) scores a touchdown after catching a pass during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Packers made quick work of the Bears Sunday night by posting 42 points on the scoreboard by halftime with long strikes down the field. Jordy Nelson was on the other end of two of those deep touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers as he was wide open on both occasions. Let’s take a look at the All-22 film to see how Nelson managed to burn the Bears defense.
Jordy Nelson 73 yard TD catch
Game situation: 3rd down and 11 at the Packers 27 yard line (2nd Quarter 15:00 left)
Personnel: 11 (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs)
Defense: Cover 2
Offensive scheme: 2 Verticals
At the beginning of the 2nd quarter, the Packers align in a 3×1 formation with Rodgers in the shotgun and Lacy offset to his left. Rodgers checks the play before the snap as the Bears where showing a Cover 1 blitz. Briggs and the defense counter check on the play to a Cover 2 shell. The Packers receivers run Vertical routes while the TE (Quarless) chips on the DE (Young) before slipping into the Flat. It looks like the Conte is the only defensive player not to receive the check on the play as he is the deep 1/2 defender along with Vereen.
Notice the CB (Jennings) jam Nelson before releasing him up the field, and the MLB (Bostic) progressing to his deep middle drop. Therefore, you can tell the FS (Conte) is out of place roaming the short middle of the field.
With Conte removed from the deep 1/2, Nelson is wide open streaking down the sideline. Rodgers hits him in stride and then Nelson cuts inside for the touchdown when Vereen over pursues the receiver.
Jordy Nelson 40 yard TD catch
Game situation: 2nd down and 10 at the Bears 40 yard line (2nd Quarter 12:17 left)
Personnel: 11 (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs)
Defense: Cover 2
Offensive scheme: Verticals
Jordy Nelson scores less then 3 minutes later on a similar play against the Bears even though every defender is playing the correct defense this time. The Bears only rush 4 and drop 7 into coverage while Nelson and Cobb stem vertically up the field. Rodgers does a great job evading pressure in the pocket to roll to his right on the play.
Jennings releases Nelson to the safety help over the top from Mundy. However, with Cobb running up the seam, Mundy does not split the receivers and shades towards Cobb. This gives Rodgers a large throwing window as he moves to his right and strong arms the ball to the end zone.
All Jennings and Mundy can do is watch as Nelson hauls in the touchdown pass while dragging two feet to complete the catch.