Akeem Ayers: The Pass Rusher (Film Study)

[nazz45]

 
Ayers made his Patriots’ debut against the Chicago Bears in Week 8 and we did catch a glimpse of how Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia can use Ayers. He contributed on special teams and also logged a cleanup sack near the end of the first half on his second defensive snap of the game.
 
Ayers was used almost exclusively as a pass-rusher in the Patriots nickel defense. With a one-sided score in favor of New England, Ayers played more than he or Belichick likely expected, especially given the short amount of time the linebacker had to get acclimated to a new defensive system.
 
By looking at his 2013 season, we can put together a more complete picture of what Ayers can potentially bring to the Patriots defense.

 
Ayers was limited to mostly designated pass rusher duties in his New England debut. By reviewing his 2013 season, we get a better idea of what the linebacker can bring to the table as a pass rusher, against the run and in coverage. Continue here for Part 1.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Great stuff. Hurry up w part 2. Slacker.

 

[soxfan121]

Great stuff. Hurry up w part 2. Slacker.

 
He's not the slacker. 

 

[GBrushTWood]

Fantastic stuff....I feel like this should be paid content. I'm looking forward to read how Ayers might fare against the run.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

He's not the slacker.

Ah.

Wait.

(It's me, isn't it?)

 

[soxfanSJCA]

Football central is essentially my dream website. It is amazing and commendable how quickly it has been populated with high quality content. 
 
Thanks for all the superb content, i have gotten a lot from it.
 
 
It would be a good time for Ayers to "become a patriot" this Sunday  :q:

 

[nazz45]

Part 2 is up, focusing on Akeem against the run and in coverage.
 
Just for the sake of completion, here's a link to a video of Ayers (#56) and his spin move. This is probably a secondary/counter move once he knows he isn't going to win taking it wide, but you can see how his footwork just leaves him spinning in place. He also needs to get his inside arm on the inside arm/back shoulder of the tackle so he can get leverage once he goes into the spin - almost like trying to stab the blocker in the back and then spin off him.