I disagree with your assessment of the play, Wilson immediately crosses the LOS so a pass is no longer an option Hayward does well leaving the WR because Wilson can't pass but instead of running towards Wilson to tackle him he stays put at his position and as you say does some baby steps to the sides. If Wilson runs towards Hayward with decision the play might be a TD for Seattle, logically he assumed he was going to get downed and just slided in front of Hayward.
You can say Hayward didn't over commit, but I see he was afraid of contact, once again.
I'd give him an A in coverage and an F for fear.
Anyway I really appreciate that you took time to look at the play I'd like to go over many other Hayward plays with you or anyone to decide what kind of player Hayward really is. I think it is an interesting exercise.
Originally Posted by: luigis
I took another look! Wilson is 3 yrds behind LOS when he tucks the ball and starts to run and Hayward breaks off his coverage almost instantly. When Wilson is 1 yard behind LOS Hayward is almost fully squared to take on Wilson and Kearse is a half yard behind Hayward, but running [do a freeze frame here]. If Wilson stops and throws, Kearse will be 10-15 yards past Hayward before he can recover.
Side thought: When Aaron Rodgers does this, he's always lumbering, trotting, kinda skipping looking downfield ready to throw, until he decides to run. But, if he tucked the ball and ran head down like Wilson, the DBs would be more inclined to leave their men, then Aaron Rodgers could just stop set his feet and throw a TD. I think this would work a few times.
"F for Fear"...š quite funny!
Notwithstanding that I believe this play shows Hayward executing near perfect technique, I do know what you're talking about Luis. I dont know that I'd express it as "fear;" I do think its safe to say Hayward is not a "hitter" and maybe go so far as to say he avoids as much contact as he can; but this is not a bad thing and it may be what he's told to do. Like telling the QBs to get some yards; but get yer a$$ down BEFORE you get hit!
Example: Assuming on this play, Hayward knew there was help behind him and he aggressively charged to make the tackle, he'd probably try to do an ankle nab where Tramon would lower his shoulder and really hit 'em. Sometimes I wished Tramon was more of an ankle nabber, his hitting caused him to be injured alot [Tramon-was a tough dude, the guy played through injuries and pain like few others] and this affected his play negatively. But compared to Tramon, Hayward is a wisp of a man. If Hayward "laid the wood" on Lynch, he'd look like the Scarecrow on the Wizard of Oz after those flying monkeys tore him apart. š To stay healthy, Hayward has to play the way he's playing.