The Cornerstones

The two greatest cornerbacks to ever play the game of football, Deion Sanders and Champ Bailey. How can you not appreciate what I believe to be one of the most difficult positions to play in the game of football?

Deion and Champ define what a cornerback should be in their own ways. Deion being the best shut down corner to ever play the game while Champ, the stud that he is, the definition of the complete corner.

Neon Deion aka Primetime is a freak among freaks. Arguably the fastest player ever, no receiver could outrun him. He was always a step ahead and no quarterback would throw his way. What more could you want out of a corner? The only weaknesses that Deion possessed were his turf toe and tackling. He missed several games, and from one season to the next, he became average in a hurry, but this was towards the end of his career and shouldn't take away from his career as a whole and collection of rings.

Champ Bailey is Mr. Consistent. A 10 time pro bowler which is a record for any cornerback and just knows the game of football. I'd vouch that his best season is better than anyone elses that has played the game. In 2006, Champ got tested 35 times only allowing 4 catches for an estimated 40 total yards, zero touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Those numbers are unreal from any standpoint. The only thing that eludes Champ at the moment is the ring, and I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see him getting one in his career and it truly is a shame.

If you asked me what corner I'd rather have on my team, I wouldn't know how to decide. What bothered me about Deion were his "business decisions" aka lack of interest in tackling. Sanders made up for it in other ways with his shut down skills and punt return capabilities, but not being able to tackle in todays game worries me. Champ on the other hand is the best tackling corner the game has seen and one of the best tacklers of all time. Deion did however have better cover skills, but not by much. I just don't know.

In terms of the new generation of corners, I'm interested to see how Patrick Peterson's career is going to pan out. The man has all the skills to be the next best thing and I'm looking forward to seeing him. I'd like to see my beloved Broncos take him, but I don't see it happening. I like Darrelle Revis, but the man is slightly overrated thanks to his coach. I'd take Nnamdi Asomugha over Revis if given the chance and I am excited to see where he ends up.

Hooray for football.