As a cornerback, the status of playing on an island is usually reserved for only an elite few. And while well deserved, the reality is that all cornerbacks will be on their own multiple times throughout a game. Even if they’re not constantly going up against a #1 receiver, he must still be technically sound or will get burned all day. A sample of what to do coming from Josh Victorian last season against Cincinnati.
Empty set for the Bengals. Steelers in Cover 3 in the Warhol-worthy illustration above.
Easy way to tell between Cover 1 and Cover 3? Shading of the corners. In Cover 1, the cornerbacks will play outside shade and force the receiver to an inside stem to the help of the safety over the top. Victorian allows an outside release so it’s Cover 3.
Bengals counter by running verticals from the #1 and #2 on the closed side, attacking the single high safety.
Slight press from Victorian off the line. Tough to see from the aerial view but one important detail to bumping receivers. Corner must use opposite hand of the receivers’ stem to punch. If he uses the same, his hips aren’t open and will get beat if the receiver breaks through.
Since Ryan Whalen is stemming to the outside, Victorian uses his inside hand to punch. It’s a small thing and relatively intuitive but still a must for any cornerback.
Fast forward to nearing splashdown (where the ball lands). Victorian is pressed to the inside hip of the receiver and sealing him to the sideline. Head is back looking for the ball. That can be tricky because there’s the risk of losing sight of the receiver but because of Victorian’s positioning, he has the luxury to do so.
If you’re not able to look back for the ball (ex: getting beat on a route). Play the pocket of the receiver’s hands. Chop though and try to break the pass up.
And finally, Victorian high points the football and tips it away. Cortez Allen dives in for the interception and swings momentum to the Steelers.
Josh Victorian is no shutdown corner. Neither is William Gay, Terry Hawthorne, or whatever cornerbacks fill out the roster. But with proper technique, you can look like an All-Star for a moment.
And keep your job on Sunday.
