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I was talking to another media member during the Chiefs 24-20 victory over the Seahawks and noted that it seemed like you noticed De'Anthony Thomas every time he was on the field. That wasn't necessarily because he was touching the ball every play it was because he was in motion or lined up in such a way that the defense had to take notice. He was exactly what you hear analysts talk about when you draft a player like that -- he can affect the play whether he touches the ball or not.
Ben Fennell who runs the Twitter account of @TheXOsOfLife had several great examples of how DAT affected the game even when he didn't touch the ball. This is one of the best breakdowns of the DAT effect that I've seen. Next time you watch the Chiefs game, check out how DAT is used when on the field, especially early on.
#Chiefs D'Anthony Thomas - played 16/48 snaps. 4 touches for 32 yds. Big influence without ball. Other 12 plays - team had 145yds, TD..
— Ben Fennell (@TheXOsOfLife) November 17, 2014
#Chiefs averaged 11.06 yards per play with D'Anthony Thomas in the line up v. SEA... 177 yds, TD on 16 snaps. @KCChiefs
— Ben Fennell (@TheXOsOfLife) November 17, 2014
#Chiefs De'Anthony Thomas effect. Jet sweep motion - keep SS Chancellor outside, WLB hesitates.. Big lane for Charles pic.twitter.com/b9kfyuUmHn
— Ben Fennell (@TheXOsOfLife) November 17, 2014
#Chiefs De'Anthony Thomas effect. Bubble motion - defense flows just a step.. Opens hole for stick throw to Kelce. pic.twitter.com/wsLBs6FAKL
— Ben Fennell (@TheXOsOfLife) November 17, 2014
#Chiefs De'Anthony Thomas effect. Bubble motion v. man to man.. Opens slant window for Bowe (Yep-a WR caught a pass!) pic.twitter.com/T94rd4dNMj
— Ben Fennell (@TheXOsOfLife) November 17, 2014