Ehlinger on third down

[ProdigalHorn]

The Athletic's a pay site, but I'd recommend it. Really good content. This one's on Sam's success on third down this year.

Video review: Third-and-long for Texas? No problem, thanks...

Early in the second quarter, the junior QB sailed a deep pass over the head of receiver Brennan Eagles, who was closely covered by Tigers defenders. The incomplete pass forced UT into third-and-10 from its own 45.

Ehlinger wanted to push the pace, going into hurry-up as he barked out the next play.

“That was something that we were doing,” he said. “We knew on third down they like to sub in different packages, and we were doing that to prevent them from getting their packages on the field and disturbing that, because when they get in the perfect call, perfect situation, they’re so athletic, it’s hard to stop it.”

Ehlinger got what he was looking for.

The Longhorns kept their same personnel grouping in, hustling back to the line of scrimmage. LSU attempted to substitute nose tackle Tyler Shelvin. As the change took place, Tigers linebacker Michael Divinity Jr. slid down and lined up along the edge, replacing him on LSU’s defensive front. Safety JaCoby Stevens, who had guarded tight end Cade Brewer in the flat on the previous play, lined up in a linebacker depth.

But no one filled Stevens’ vacated deeper spot, leaving Grant Delpit as the lone safety over the top. Brewer lined up uncovered in a wide split next to Eagles.

About 15 seconds after Ehlinger’s previous pass had fallen incomplete, the Longhorns snapped the ball. They caught LSU with only 10 defenders on the field and dialed up a four-verticals play.

As Delpit raced down from his deep depth to guard Brewer, Eagles and cornerback Kristian Fulton were left one-on-one down the deep right side.

“We talk about it all the time,” UT head coach Tom Herman said later. “One-on-one is not covered. With timing and ball placement from the quarterback, we should be able to complete balls versus one-on-one. And I think (Ehlinger’s) bought into that.”

Ehlinger, under duress from Tigers star pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, fired a pass toward Eagles. Fulton mistimed his jump, allowing Eagles to make an acrobatic, leaping grab. He kept his balance, and with Delpit behind the play, he walked into the end zone.

 

[ProdigalHorn]

Here's another for the "Sam's a good QB because of his running, but he's not very accurate" crowd:

"Three games into his junior season, Ehlinger continues to elevate his play. He entered Week 4 with 956 total pass yards, which ranks eighth nationally. He’s one of two in the top 10 of the category who have yet to throw an interception. Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa is the other.

According to Sports Info Solutions, Ehlinger is 9-of-22 for 297 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions on passes thrown 20 or more yards downfield. Only four players have had more attempts thrown with 20 air yards or more, and only five have more completions. His clean-pocket passer rating of 141.1 ranks seventh nationally (minimum 50 dropbacks), per PFF.

Herman attributes Ehlinger’s development to his experience in the offense. Ehlinger has direct input in the game plan, filtering out plays he likes and dislikes ahead of games. During games, he’s granted autonomy, allowing him to shake off and audible into plays.

“Completion percentages are great and all that stuff,” Herman said. “But knowing where to go, getting us out of bad plays and into better ones and being on time with his throws, it’s a testament to him.”

The Longhorns lean on Ehlinger, not only for leadership but also, and especially, in high-pressure moments. His reliability is perhaps best demonstrated by his numbers in third-and-long situations. UT entered Week 4 ninth in the nation in third-down percentage (56.8). The Longhorns are one of four teams ranked in the top 10 of the category that have faced 44 third downs or more.

Ehlinger’s numbers when facing third-and-7 or longer have been eye-catching. He’s completed 10-of-10 passes for 158 yards. Nine of those completions have resulted in first downs, including two touchdowns. He’s also carried four times for 16 yards. He’s been sacked once and has gained one first down in such situations."

 

[diverdown]

Thanks for posting. Sam is a special player/leader. I love how he handles both the pressure and the success.