Corner is becoming an even more critical position in the new-wave NFL, with the increased athleticism and formation versatility of tight ends. Again, it comes back to numbers. If you have a corner who can cover man-to-man without help from another defender, whether it be a safety, a linebacker or a slot corner, then you have more players available to defend the four other eligible receivers. And that corner does not have to match up to the most dangerous wide receiver. If you’re playing the Patriots for instance, you can put your best cover corner on Deion Branch and then have more bodies to play Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and/or Aaron Hernandez.
Cosell Talks: What’s at a Premium : NFL Films Blog
Interesting stuff as always from Cosell and a reason why the Pats made a concerted effort to play more man early in 2011. It didn’t work out, but their intentions were clear. It will be interesting to see what their intentions are this year, especially if they’re able to add another corner, perhaps one in the slot, who can excel at man.
