In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, linebackers are tasked with doing more than just stopping the run or rushing the quarterback. With the increase in passing attacks, linebackers are often asked to cover wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs, who are becoming faster and more skilled. This new era of football has created a premium on linebackers who can excel in pass coverage—specifically in man-to-man situations. One linebacker who has stood out in this department is Alex Anzalone of the Detroit Lions. Known for his versatility and high football IQ, Anzalone has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable linebackers in man coverage, playing the highest percentage of man coverage snaps amongst all NFL linebackers.
This unique skill set has not only contributed to the Lions’ defensive success but has also elevated Anzalone’s profile as one of the top coverage linebackers in the NFL. Playing man coverage at a high level requires a rare combination of speed, agility, football intelligence, and a keen understanding of offensive schemes. It’s a job that demands precise footwork, the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, and the physicality to match up with some of the league’s most explosive skill players.
In this article, we’ll explore how Alex Anzalone’s ability to excel in man coverage has made him a standout in the NFL, how his coverage abilities fit within the Lions’ defensive scheme, and why he’s become one of the most valuable assets on their defense. From his background and skill set to his impact on the field, we will analyze why Anzalone is setting new standards for linebackers in the modern NFL.
Alex Anzalone: A Background in Coverage
Alex Anzalone’s path to becoming one of the league’s premier coverage linebackers has been anything but ordinary. Born in New York and raised in Florida, Anzalone was a highly recruited linebacker out of high school, playing for the University of Florida. There, he quickly made a name for himself as an athletic, versatile linebacker who could both disrupt the run game and hold his own in coverage situations. Despite an injury-riddled college career, Anzalone showed the skill set that would eventually lead to him being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
In his early years with the Saints, Anzalone’s playmaking ability stood out, but it was his ability to adapt to coverage responsibilities that set him apart. Throughout his career, he was tasked with covering a wide range of players, from running backs out of the backfield to tight ends and even wide receivers in certain matchups. It was clear early on that Anzalone had the physical tools and instincts to excel in these situations, even though linebackers are traditionally known for their run-stopping duties rather than their pass coverage prowess.
In 2021, Anzalone’s career took a new turn when he signed with the Detroit Lions, bringing his coverage skills to a team that was in the midst of a rebuild. While the Lions were looking to improve in various areas, Anzalone’s ability to play in space and cover passing lanes quickly made him an integral part of their defensive scheme.
Anzalone’s Rise to the Top of the Man Coverage Metrics
One of the most impressive aspects of Anzalone’s 2023 season has been his ability to dominate in man-to-man coverage. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Anzalone has consistently played the highest percentage of man coverage snaps among all NFL linebackers. In fact, by midseason of 2023, Anzalone had taken on nearly 60% of his defensive snaps in man coverage, a figure that dwarfs that of most other linebackers in the NFL.
Why is this significant? Linebackers, by nature, have traditionally been seen as players who are best suited for zone coverage schemes, where they can keep their eyes on the quarterback and react to the play as it develops. But in modern NFL offenses, with the proliferation of fast, athletic tight ends, running backs, and wide receivers, linebackers are increasingly required to cover man-to-man against these dynamic players. Anzalone’s ability to thrive in these situations sets him apart from most linebackers, who still tend to play predominantly in zone coverage.
In addition to his high percentage of man coverage snaps, Anzalone has also been effective in these situations. According to advanced statistics, he has allowed a completion rate of just 58% on passes thrown in his coverage, which is a very respectable figure for a linebacker. Furthermore, he has been a key contributor in limiting yards after the catch (YAC), often preventing the offensive player from gaining additional yards once the ball is caught.
Anzalone’s man coverage skills are evident in his ability to match up with opposing running backs and tight ends, often shadowing them on crossing routes, seam routes, and out routes. His ability to stay with these players downfield and make plays on the ball is a testament to his athleticism and understanding of the game. This skill set has made him one of the most reliable linebackers in the NFL when it comes to man coverage.
Why Anzalone is Uniquely Suited for Man Coverage
To understand why Anzalone has been so successful in man coverage, it’s important to break down the physical attributes and mental skills that contribute to his effectiveness.
Athleticism
First and foremost, Anzalone’s athleticism is what enables him to excel in coverage situations. Standing at 6’1” and weighing 235 pounds, he has a solid frame that allows him to hold up against bigger tight ends and running backs. But what really sets Anzalone apart is his agility and quickness, which are key to staying with fast, agile pass-catchers. His burst off the line of scrimmage and ability to change direction on a dime allows him to mirror players running intricate routes and provides him with the ability to recover quickly if he initially gets beaten.
Anzalone’s speed is particularly valuable when it comes to covering running backs out of the backfield. In today’s NFL, running backs are often used as pass catchers, with many running wheel routes, option routes, or flat routes. Anzalone’s quickness allows him to stay step-for-step with these players, limiting their opportunities to make big plays in the passing game.
Football IQ and Anticipation
Another key to Anzalone’s success in man coverage is his football IQ. He has a keen understanding of offensive schemes, allowing him to anticipate routes and recognize tendencies in opposing offenses. This mental acuity enables him to position himself in a way that allows him to stay in tight coverage while reading the quarterback’s eyes to anticipate where the ball is going.
Anzalone’s anticipation is critical when he is tasked with covering tight ends or running backs who can create separation with their athleticism. He understands route concepts, and his ability to read the eyes of the quarterback allows him to be one step ahead in coverage, which gives him an advantage when competing for the ball.
Physicality and Tackling Ability
While speed and agility are essential for man coverage, physicality is equally important. In man coverage, linebackers are often tasked with getting physical with their assignments to prevent them from making clean catches. Anzalone is not shy about engaging with the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage or when the ball is in the air. His tackling ability is also a major asset, as he is capable of bringing down elusive players in space, preventing big YAC gains.
His physical play in coverage also translates to his ability to break up passes. Whether it’s using his length to get his hands in the passing lane or timing his jumps to swat down passes, Anzalone is effective at preventing completions, even when he’s in tight coverage.
How Anzalone’s Coverage Ability Complements the Lions’ Defense
Anzalone’s ability to cover tight ends and running backs in man-to-man situations has made him an invaluable part of the Lions’ defense. With defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn implementing a variety of coverage schemes, Anzalone’s man coverage skills give the Lions the flexibility to deploy their defense in different ways.
For instance, in certain defensive alignments, Anzalone can be used to neutralize an opposing tight end or running back who might otherwise be a mismatch for the Lions. With Anzalone shadowing these players, the Lions’ defensive backs and pass rushers are able to focus more on other threats. This dynamic creates a more balanced and cohesive defensive strategy, allowing the Lions to exploit offensive weaknesses.
Additionally, Anzalone’s effectiveness in man coverage has allowed the Lions to play more aggressive defensive schemes, trusting that their linebackers can cover key players in tight spaces. This trust enables the Lions to send extra rushers after the quarterback or play more exotic blitz packages without worrying about leaving passing lanes wide open.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Anzalone and the Lions’ Defense
As the Detroit Lions continue to build a competitive defense, Alex Anzalone’s importance will only grow. His ability to cover in man-to-man situations is a rare and valuable asset, making him one of the most unique linebackers in the NFL. His performance in 2023 has set a new standard for what linebackers can do in coverage, and as more teams look for versatile linebackers, Anzalone’s value will only increase.
In the coming seasons, the Lions will likely continue to build around their strong defensive core, and Anzalone will play a crucial role in their success. His coverage ability, leadership, and football IQ are qualities that make him indispensable to the team’s long-term aspirations. Whether the Lions are looking to shut down an elite tight end, neutralize a dynamic running back, or play a more aggressive defensive style, Anzalone will remain a key player to watch.