One Man Bracket: Are You Mental?, MEG, Slot Fade Defense and More

Hey Defender of the Airways,

What’s the Deal?

• Get 101 DB Tips Soft Cover version at 20% - get E-book version free at checkout - This Deal Ends on Sunday - Click here to Get it Before it is GONE

DB Yoda

Fans and observers of the game love to get caught up in the physical characteristics of a player. They get captured by a player’s speed, his great strength, tall stature, or long arms. It is to be expected, as that is what is right in front of their eyes. However, the mental aspect of playing defensive back is of utmost importance.

Every defensive back class at every level is littered with physically talented players that don’t make plays and are soon to be an ex-player. You ever wonder why that happens? It’s simple: the mental aspect of the game has escaped them.

Your mentality as a DB is everything. Show me a DB without confidence, and I will show you a DB either on or on his way to the bench. Confidence comes from your preparation—and that doesn’t just mean running or lifting. It means studying the game, knowing your opponent, and being sure about what you need to do on the field.

Playmaking defensive backs are loaded with confidence. How will you build up yours? Put in the time and effort in developing an extremely high football IQ. Develop a thirst for knowledge on how the game works and watch how your playmaking ability takes off.

You Didn’t Know this But

A study of recent NFL seasons found that a team's secondary (Cornerbacks and Safeties) is directly responsible for generating approximately 60% of all defensive turnovers (interceptions and forced fumbles)—despite only accounting for about 45% of defensive personnel on the field.

This means that high-level defensive back play is disproportionately valuable. If your unit can master ball skills, run fits, and technique, you are immediately boosting your team's chance of winning by creating the extra possessions that define the game. You don't just stop plays; you change the outcome of the game.

What’s in the Shop?

The Ultimate 7on7 Defensive Playbook" equips you with defenses meticulously crafted to handle dangerous receiving threats, unconventional offensive formations, and the myriad of potential route combinations unique to 7on7 - Get 10% Off - Today Only - Click Here

Ask Chad

Q: I see the term “MEG” used in a lot of playbooks when talking about coverages. Can you tell me what it means?

A: MEG is a pass-coverage call that means a defender has a specific receiver in pure man coverage with no help—he takes that man everywhere he goes. You’ll hear it most in Quarters/Match systems to define rules on a side.

How it’s used

• In a 2-on-2 set (e.g., CB and Safety vs. #1 and #2), a staff might play:

  • CB: MEG on #1 (true man on the outside WR)

  • S: MOD/MAN on #2 (rules-based help on the slot), or S can also be MEG on #2 if you want both covered in pure man.

• It’s common as a “no-swap” rule versus motion/bunch: if you call MEG on #1, the corner keeps that receiver through shifts and motion unless a separate “switch/lock” check is made.

What Are We Talking About

Recent topics and posts in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area that you mind find interesting.

• Get Vertical and Keep Your Space - Pat Surtain II
• If You Are Struggling as a Safety on the Hash and in the Post, Use These Drills
• Stop Motion Leverage Routes with a Push Call
• 1 Robber Example - Detroit Lions

Hella Technique

How to Defend the Slot Fade - Brian Branch

✅ Widen the Release
✅ Run to his Face
✅ Get in his ⭕️
✅ Look through Him for the Ball

More technique breakdowns with deep analysis in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area

Unlock Your Playmaking Potential Instantly!

Stop leaving interceptions and tackles on the field because you lacked the critical knowledge. The 101 DB Tips Book is your complete blueprint for immediate skill and scheme mastery, compiled from over 20 years of coaching NFL-level talent.

What You Get: The Snapshot of Benefits

• ✅ Anticipate Like a Pro: Learn the film study hacks to read the quarterback and break on the ball early.

• ✅ Master the Man: Get specific tips to perfect your press technique, footwork, and mirror skills.

• ✅ Fix the Flaws: Instantly correct common errors in zone drops, hip rotation, and open-field tackling.

The Proof is in the Play:

Don't wait for your coach to hand you the answers—get the knowledge that changes careers. - Find Out More Here

Since You Like Watching Stuff

Oh That’ll. Fix it

W Drill Still remains as one of the best drills for DBs of all ages. It incorporates two of the most used facets of a DB’s game…. The back pedal and the break. Running it in drill sessions can both help discover deficiencies and sharpen core skills that are of great importance to a DB. Trouble getting out of your breaks? - W Drill

Many more great drills in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area Drill Library

I Can’t Call It

What are you struggling with? Drop me a line and tell me what is giving you trouble as a player, parent or coach. I will respond with an answer - chances are have been there…. twice. email: [email protected]