How Ross Cockrell and the Panthers were ready for Houston's trick play

[Sir Purr]

Cornerback Ross Cockrell remembered that play. He said it ran through his head when the Texans threw what looked like a screen pass to Hopkins.


"The only thing I could think about was Odell (Beckham) and Saquon (Barkley) from last year," Cockrell said.


Last year against the Giants, the Panthers were in a 3-4 look and linebacker Jermaine Carter was the backside defender on the play. Safety Mike Adams covered the tight end and Carter's eyes took him toward Beckham, leaving a wide open space for Barkley to run into.


This year against the Texans, the Panthers were in their nickel look with four down linemen. Safety Eric Reid was down in the box with the linebackers. Cockrell was the backside defender and he was initially running with the tight end, which is what Deshaun Watson said the Texans wanted. But Cockrell, remembering what the Giants did, reversed course as soon as Hopkins pulled up. As you can see, he was waiting for the pass to Hyde.