"Eberflus, much like Minter, relies heavily on disciplined zone concepts, pattern-matching coverages, and defensive backs who play with high football IQ. He prioritizes corners who can read the quarterback's eyes, anticipate routes, and keep plays in front of them - exactly the type of player Samuel has proven to be."
"During his time with the Chargers, Samuel became known for his spatial awareness and anticipation. He wasn't a pure man-to-man press corner; he was a technician who thrived with vision on the quarterback. His ability to drop into space, bait throws, and trigger downhill made him a reliable zone defender capable of flipping momentum with timely interceptions and pass breakups."
"According to Pro Football Focus, Samuel ranked among the top defensive backs in forced incompletions and coverage snaps per touchdown allowed during his final full season in Los Angeles. In Eberflus' defense, those same strengths would shine."
Asante Samuel Jr. offers a natural schematic fit for the Dallas Cowboys secondary because of his success in zone-heavy systems under coach Jesse Minter with the Los Angeles Chargers. He excels in disciplined zone concepts, pattern-matching coverages, and reading quarterback eyes to anticipate routes and keep plays in front. Fully healthy, Samuel's spatial awareness, anticipation, and ability to drop into space, bait throws, and trigger downhill created timely interceptions and pass breakups. Pro Football Focus data placed him among top defensive backs in forced incompletions and coverage snaps per touchdown allowed in his final full Chargers season. Those strengths align with Matt Eberflus' defensive priorities.
Read at Inside The Star
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