Tweet
Jonah Tuls✔@JonahTulsNFL
Look at Sam follow the QB's eyes to the ball. Looks like he baited Browning into making this throw and almost created a turnover as a result. Excellent zone coverage play.
9:00 PM - Mar 25, 2018
Jonah Tuls✔@JonahTulsNFL
Chalk this one up as a crazy play for Christian Sam. Unreal read/reactionary quickness to pick this ball off. You can tell he studied this one.
10:06 PM - Mar 25, 2018
Simply put it, Christian Sam knew this play before the snap. That is how fast he reads and reacts to his keys. He trusts his eyes and converts that message to his feet, resulting in absurd reactionary quickness to make plays like this. If he did not lose his balance, this is a pick six. The most important trait for a linebacker, at least in my opinion, is the ability to diagnose and anticipate with instincts. Sam is one of the best in this class at doing that, and while he is not a premiere athlete like some others in this linebacker class, he is ready to step in and contribute at the next level more so than most of his counterparts.
Twitter Ads info and privacyPatience and discipline is the key here for Sam on this play. He stays square, mirrors the running back, and closes with burst to bring him down. Sam does not have the stopping power of someone like Tremaine Edmunds, but he plays more under control, trusting his technique in the run game. While not a flashy play, he will be asked to execute this kind of stop often at the next level.
Jonah Tuls✔@JonahTulsNFL
Sam reads screen quickly, takes it away and drills Browning with his shoulder.
9:22 PM - Mar 25, 2018
One of the biggest criticisms I see with Sam and other undersized linebackers is that they dodge blocks too often. While everyone would love to have a Reuben Foster on their team, I think block evasion is all about efficiency. Of course you want linebackers to consistently stack and shed in the run game, but this play should not be a negative on the scouting report. He gives center Coleman Shelton a bit of a hesitation move and sidesteps him to get free. Subsequently, Sam explodes with his lower body to drive the ball carrier back near the LOS. I am also a fan of team chirp after the play as well. Just an overall, fundamentally-sound play from snap to finish.
Jonah Tuls✔@JonahTulsNFL
Christian Sam is a prospect that is growing on me. Always around the ball, and he is a much stronger player at the point of attack than given credit for. Nice job of stacking and shedding this Coleman Shelton block.
8:49 PM - Mar 25, 2018
Comment