Has Chiefs’ Marcus Peters become the best corner in football?
Chiefs defensive back Marcus Peters has played just 19 NFL games, yet it’s hard not to call him the best cornerback in football. With 12 interceptions in less than a season and a half, Peters is on a historic stretch, and not just for a second-year player. Peters won the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the year in 2015 and is on pace to have an even better year.
Most people will tell you interceptions are an overrated statistic when assessing a defensive back. Certain players dominate the position and never put up those gaudy interception totals. The great corners rarely get tested and therefore don’t get as many opportunities to make those types of plays.
That is why — despite 8 interceptions as a rookie — not as many recognized Peters as an elite corner. He wasn’t perfect as a rookie and can still occasionally get burned. However, when you get 8 interceptions in one season you’re going to be on opposing team scouting reports.
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There’s no question it helps that the Chiefs have one of the most talented front-sevens in football. When you get pressure up front it makes it significantly easier to cover. The Chiefs’ secondary is balanced enough that you really cannot avoid any person or area of the field, which has Peters thrive thus far. On Sunday alone, four other Chiefs players got interceptions.
Sure, Peters is a product of a great defense, but name a top corner who didn’t make their name on a great defense? Richard Sherman first got exposed playing on the “Legion of Boom” in Seattle. Panthers star corner, Josh Norman, was a no-name in the NFL until his team achieved success. Good corners make their defense better and vice versa.
All you can judge a guy by is his ability to make plays when they have a chance. If you don’t block for a running back, they won’t be able to run the ball well. If you don’t have a quarterback, it’s hard to have success as a wide receiver. But, that doesn’t mean Calvin Johnson was only great because of Matthew Stafford, or Adrian Peterson because of the Vikings’ offensive line.
Peters has made plays consistently before and after he received national acclaim. While he’s likely to slow down at some point when teams completely stop throwing at him, for now, he’s making the most his chances. Twelve interceptions in 19 games pretty much says all there is to say. Marcus Peters is as good as any defensive back in the NFL. Follow Matt Urben on Twitter @MattUrben88
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