No. 11 runs all over the 5-11 and
shorter crowd.
In the last article, I showed that cornerbacks 6-0 and taller were much more successful holding Larry Fitzgerald to pedestrian numbers than their shorter brethren.
Although they may be faster and have all the tricks a taller CB might have, the 5-11 and under crowd let Fitzgerald run all over them.
This time, I’ll take a look at all of the less fortunate CBs who’s physical attributes put them at a severe disadvantage to bigger and stronger WRs such as Fitzgerald.
To Continue...
Analyzing the tape: 5-11 and shorter
Against 5-11 guys, Fitzgerald hauled in several jump ball touchdowns, but was also able to use his big body and athleticism to run quick slants or crosses for gimme receptions. Shorter players who were physical against Fitzgerald didn’t stand a chance, such as Eagles CB Joselio Hansen, who tried to jam Fitzgerald at the line only to be out-muscled and burned for a touchdown as Fitzgerald pushed him backwards then slanted in.
In the same game, CB Lito Shephard gave Fitzgerald a try when the Cardinals were seven yards from the end zone. He knew the short cross was coming, and even tried to cut him off, but Fitzgerald shielded him with his body, caught the ball, and shed Shephard off his back like snake skin. Warner recognized the man coverage and there was no way Shephard could defend it as they blitzed both safeties.
Moral? Never leave Fitzgerald in single coverage that close to the end zone because that cross is virtually undefendable without a safety to help out.
Against the Bills and Leodis McKelvin, Fitzgerald used his size to block McKelvin and score on that 5-yard slant play. The other time was more of the safety’s fault, who looked past Fitzgerald after McKelvin was picked by another Cardinals WR.
This is another popular move with the Cardinals, who use a lot of picks with their big, physical receivers.
This happened legally on a great play against the Seahawks week 17. Trufant was playing about four or five yards off Fitzgerald. As the play started, Fitzgerald faked into the end zone and Trufant played to the back corner. In the meantime, a screen formed with two wide receivers and the right tackle. Fitzgerald’s move created enough separation for Warner to whip it out to Fitzgerald. As he caught it, Trufant was blocked simultaneously by another WR. The play ended in a touchdown.
Overall, the 5-11 and shorter crowd performed terribly against Fitzgerald.
The next article in this series will detail the Seahawks outlook against the Cardinals
