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- Mar 19, 2019
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— The first-team defense opened up 11-on-11 drills in their base defense, featuring: Al-Quadin Muhammad (LDE), Margus Hunt (NT), Tyquan Lewis (DT), Kemoko Turay (RDE), Bobby Okereke (LB), Anthony Walker (LB), E.J. Speed (LB), Pierre Desir (LCB), Quincy Wilson (RCB), Malik Hooker (FS) and Khari Willis (SS).
— The team's first-team nickel package featured: Al-Quadin Muhammad (LDE), Margus Hunt (NT), Tyquan Lewis (DT), Kemoko Turay (RDE), Bobby Okereke (LB), Anthony Walker (LB), Pierre Desir (LCB), Quincy Wilson (RCB), Nate Hairston (nickel CB), Malik Hooker (FS) and Khari Willis (SS).
— The team's first-team dime defense featured: Al-Quadin Muhammad (LDE), Margus Hunt (NT), Tyquan Lewis (DT), Kemoko Turay (RDE), Bobby Okereke (LB), Pierre Desir (LCB), Rock Ya-Sin (RCB), Quincy Wilson (upback), Nate Hairston (upback), Malik Hooker (FS) and Khari Willis (SS).
— Rather than designate linebackers as MIKE, WILL and SAM, we're listing them just as LBs today, as there were several players switching back and forth between two or three of the spots throughout the 11-on-11s.
— Sunday brought even more important first-team reps for rookie defenders Bobby Okereke (MIKE/WILL), E.J. Speed (SAM), Khari Willis (SS) and Rock Ya-Sin (RCB). These guys appear to be getting a legitimate shot at earning roles in the defense. They may not be depended upon to perform immediately like last year's rookies, but they're already impressing enough to earn those snaps.
— Right away in the first 11-on-11 session, Turay fired into the backfield, and as Jacoby Brissett rifled off his pass, Turay swatted the ball. In general, the defensive line did a good job of getting its hands into passing lanes, swatting down at least a few passes at the line of scrimmage. This led to a couple of near-interceptions.
— With the pads back on today, the defense decided to crank up the physicality. Early in 11-on-11s, nose tackle Grover Stewart came through on a run play and shoulder-charged Jonathan Williams, knocking him to the ground and forcing a fumble which was picked up by cornerback Jalen Collins. Williams was evaluated by team trainers after the play.
— That wasn't the only standout effort made by either Stewart or Collins on the day. Shortly after, quarterback Phillip Walker threw a pass about 15 yards toward the left sideline, and Collins laid out for it and broke up the pass. Not long after, Stewart powered through the trenches to sack quarterback Chad Kelly for a would-be safety.
— Defensive end Carroll Phillips was very active today. I first noted his presence during positional pass-rushing drills, and then he came up with a couple of would-be sacks later on in 11-on-11s, just a few plays apart.
— On one of the positional drills, defensive backs and linebackers joined forces as they backpedaled roughly 10 yards and then shot forward toward a hypothetical target. This drill practices the ability to stay with your man in coverage and immediately drive to the ball when thrown.
— Shortly after the previous drill, the cornerbacks continued working on this in greater detail. The drill would start with the cornerback hitting (with both hands) a simulated receiver in press coverage. Defensive backs/cornerbacks coach Jonathan Gannon instructed, "Hit him before he's ready to be hit." They had markers 15 and 20 yards downfield, angled toward the sidelines that the corners had to backpedal/shuffle toward, while keeping their eyes forward, and then fire forward when they hit the marker. At the top of the backpedal before making their cut forward, Gannon would continually shout to the corners, "Tighten it up!"
(via Jake Arthur/Colts.com)