You’ve probably seen the aftermath of this play numerous times by now as DK Metcalf took exception to this interception. Baker times up the first step well, making it very hard to diagnose. This is a little further back than most attempts but it helps disguise the defensive play call. The Cardinals like their defensive backs to get in on the pass rush and Budda Baker gets his fair share of opportunities. As soon as the ball is handed off he’s flying toward it. Baker is inching back in case it’s a pass. This time, Budda Baker is the first person to the ball carrier and Tua Tagovailoa wisely slides. Here’s another quick diagnosis in an ambiguous situation followed by weaving through traffic and crashing hard to the play. Baker crashes low, which stops most of the momentum and then he wraps up the leg in case help is late. Baker’s delay means he’s in the right gap, but after there’s a head of steam coming his way. Ideally a lineman or linebacker can clog up a lane but the Miami Dolphins have this blocked well.
Baker is on a slight delay, which means the positive yardage is hard to hold against him. Further, these have to be weighed on snaps where the player might not be as directly involved as other positions. This is a bit longwinded but the premise is that for the safety position I try to rely more on reaction time, play diagnosis, speed, and tackling ability. Defensive backs are typically part of the 100% club for their team and do a lot of running “just in case” they’re needed. I also like this play because it shows the endurance/athleticism needed for the position. The line is drawn at the stop to give an idea of the sightline issues a safety might experience in diagnosing a play. As the deep man he has a lot of field to take in but it all starts with the ball. There’s still a lot to take in for Baker here though. Budda Baker isn’t the first player to the ball. What I’m getting at is that this means there’s a whole lotta snaps where it doesn’t really look like much is going on. Primarily this is because a main role is keeping your head on a swivel and cleaning up after the play develops.
We’ll take the gamble because Baker brings All-Pro potential* into the mix when he’s on the field.Įven with the All-22 angles, trying to get a handle on safeties can be a chore. Lower body injuries are problematic for all players, but especially so for positions that rely on sudden changes of direction. I’m taking a bit of a gamble this week as Budda Baker is expected to play but isn’t a certainty this week following a groin injury.
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