ILB · Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears · 70 graded snaps
Replacement
Blake Cashman delivered high-impact splash plays near the goal line, but frequent struggles shedding climbing blockers against the run limited his day to a 69.4.
Cashman made several crucial plays in high-leverage situations, highlighted by a red-zone A-gap blitz sack (Q4 07:42) and a 3rd-down goal-line pass breakup (Q4 00:06). When free to flow, he diagnosed runs quickly and finished tackles near the line, including a tackle for no gain at Q2 15:00. However, his run defense grade was held down by repeatedly getting sealed inside by climbing linemen and tight ends, particularly on a 15-yard gain at Q3 13:27. Inconsistent drop depth in middle hook coverage also conceded completions to keep his overall grade just beneath solid.
Strengths
Downhill trigger on blitzes and quick throws
Scraping over traffic against inside runs
Red-zone coverage awareness
Weaknesses
Shedding climbing blocks on zone concepts
Zone drop depth in intermediate coverage
Plays that moved the grade
+1.5Q4 00:06, 3rd & 2Read the quarterback's eyes and broke up a pass intended for Colston Loveland in the end zone to prevent a score.
+1.5Q4 07:42, 1st & 6Timed the snap perfectly on an A-gap blitz to drop the quarterback for an unblocked sack.
+1.5Q2 15:00, 2nd & 8Diagnosed the run instantly, scraping over traffic from the backside to fill the C-gap for a tackle for no gain.
Every graded snap · 22 wins or losses, 48 routine
-0.5Q1 09:42 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseSlow to read the run and gets sealed inside by the climbing left tackle.
+1Q1 09:07 · 2 & 3 · Run defenseReads the run quickly, scrapes cleanly over the defensive line, and fills the gap to make the tackle for a short gain.
+0.5Q1 07:36 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseReads the run quickly, steps downhill into the hole, and takes on the climbing guard to clog the running lane.
+1.5Q2 15:00 · 2 & 8 · Run defenseDiagnoses the run instantly at the snap. Scrapes cleanly over the top of the traffic from the backside to fill the C-gap and make the tackle for no gain.
+1Q2 07:30 · 2 & 8 · CoverageReads the quarterback's eyes perfectly, breaks quickly on the hitch route, and secures a sure tackle in space to limit yards after catch.
-0.5Q2 04:59 · 2 & 12 · Run defenseUnable to scrape cleanly to the play side, getting sealed inside by the climbing left tackle.
-0.5Q2 03:02 · 1 & 10 · Pass rushDrops into the middle hook zone but leaves too much space behind him, allowing the completion to the tight end.
-0.5Q2 00:20 · 1 & 10 · CoverageFails to get enough depth or awareness to wall off the crossing route, allowing an easy completion in front of him.
-0.5Q3 14:50 · 2 & 10 · Run defenseSlow to diagnose the play and gets swallowed up by the climbing left guard.
+0.5Q3 14:15 · 1 & 10 · CoverageDrops into a middle hook zone, reads the quarterback's eyes, and closes quickly on the drag route to contest the catch point.
+0.5Q3 14:10 · 2 & 10 · Run defenseReads the QB scramble from his zone drop and rallies to the sideline to make a solid open-field tackle.
-1Q3 13:27 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseFlows playside but gets caught inside by the climbing tight end, unable to scrape over the top to fill the alley.
-0.5Q3 12:13 · 2 & 6 · Run defenseGets caught up in the wash and sealed inside by the climbing left guard, unable to fill his gap effectively.
+1Q3 10:55 · 2 & 12 · Run defenseReads the toss immediately and flows fast to the playside. Fills the alley perfectly inside the edge setter to make the tackle.
+1Q3 05:49 · 2 & 13 · Run defenseReads the run well, steps up to meet the tight end in the hole, sheds the block effectively, and makes the tackle.
+0.5Q3 01:02 · 2 & 1 · Run defenseReads the pulling guard, steps up aggressively to fill the hole, and takes on the block.
+0.5Q4 09:59 · 2 & 10 · CoverageDiagnoses the swing pass quickly, triggering to the sideline to make a solid tackle in space and limit the gain.
+0.5Q4 08:30 · 4 & 1 · Run defenseReads the run quickly, steps up into the hole, and assists on the tackle to limit the gain.
+1.5Q4 07:42 · 1 & 6 · Pass rushTimes the snap perfectly and shoots the A-gap unblocked for an immediate sack.
+0.5Q4 07:18 · 2 & 6 · CoverageDisplays good eye discipline against the play-action fake. Flows to the flat and assists on the tackle.
-0.5Q4 00:54 · 2 & 4 · CoverageDoes not get enough depth in his zone drop, allowing the receiver to cross behind him.
+1.5Q4 00:06 · 3 & 2 · CoverageReads the quarterback's eyes perfectly, drops into the passing lane, and breaks up the pass intended for the tight end in the endzone.