The NFL’s best cornerback last week was 37-year-old Terence Newman, whose performance last week earned him the honor of NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Newman was targeted ten times last week; on those ten targets, he allowed three receptions for 21 yards and no touchdowns, with three pass breakups and two interceptions. Derek Carr had a passer rating of zero when targeting Newman. In fact, Newman played so well that even if you take away the second interception, Carr still would have had a passer rating of zero when targeting Newman.
37-year-olds aren’t supposed to play this well. 37-year-old cornerbacks definitely aren’t supposed to play this well. In fact, it was only a few months ago that the oldest rostered NFL cornerback was 31. This post breaks down the best game of his long, long career.
The Situation: Vikings up 7-0 with four minutes remaining the first quarter; first-and-ten at Oakland’s 35 yard line.
Raiders’ Playcall: Play action pass designed for either Crabtree running an In route or Cooper running a hook. Tight end and slot receiver stay back to block.
Vikings’ Playcall: Cover-2 man.
The Result: Carr pass short right intended for A.Cooper INTERCEPTED by T.Newman at OAK 45.… Article continues here