Why is coach Fox so stubborn?

[CRA]

Can Gamble win the battle with a number one WR more often than not? I know it was a while back, but I keep thinking of the game in Cincinnati where we had them at a fourth and one, and they threw a bomb to Ocho Cinco in single coverage with Gamble, and we all probably remember what happened on that play. I'm sure there have been more good than bad, but that's the one I remember most.

Gamble is our best CB but he isn't a shutdown corner. Prior to last year, there were too many games to count where he got beat badly. He improved last year but I think a large part of that was teams just saw how bad Lucas/Godfrey worked together and attacked them. Right now, I say Gamble is an above average corner. Shutdown corners is a term used too loosely. If Gamble did work exclusively on the #1's we would have to accept the fact he is then going to give up a decent number of big plays....we play some pretty good #1's this year and he just isn't a younger Champ Bailey or Asomugha.

[OneBadassCat]

Can Gamble win the battle with a number one WR more often than not? I know it was a while back, but I keep thinking of the game in Cincinnati where we had them at a fourth and one, and they threw a bomb to Ocho Cinco in single coverage with Gamble, and we all probably remember what happened on that play. I'm sure there have been more good than bad, but that's the one I remember most.

I remember that play. It looked like Gamble half assed it to me. But that was when Lucas was the better corner. Gamble is athletic as hell and I think its great that we are going to let him take it to the next level, he can be among the best.

But what I'm wondering... If we let Gamble play man, and the rest of the D plays zone, won't that leave a a nice open spot for opposing WR's to make plays? Unless of course, Gamble doesn't get safety help.

[firstdayfan]

I think it boils down to defensive strategy more often than not. Fox is a conservative guy and when you have a corner play the best receiver you are kind of showing your hand in a way. It lets the offense dictate where that guy is at all times rather than the other way around. By letting Gamble shadow that player it essientially takes the best DB out of the game. I'm not saying I agree with this tactic but that it may be why Fox doesn't use it that often.

[Johnny Rockets]

I am hoping to see Desean Jackson and Gamble line up in week one. That would be a fun matchup to watch.

[hank pimple butt]

i dont think shut down corners exist anymore, way to many rules now to prevent cbs from shutting wrs down.

[mmmbeans]

Can Gamble win the battle with a number one WR more often than not? I know it was a while back, but I keep thinking of the game in Cincinnati where we had them at a fourth and one, and they threw a bomb to Ocho Cinco in single coverage with Gamble, and we all probably remember what happened on that play. I'm sure there have been more good than bad, but that's the one I remember most.

if i recall that play correctly that was an amazing catch by johnson and short of jumping on him and risking interference there wasn't much gamble could've done.

[Fireball77]

Honestly I don't see much downside in certain situations in just doing the PI if the guy will score anyway. At least it gives the D another shot to stop the O.

[koolkatluke]

if i recall that play correctly that was an amazing catch by johnson and short of jumping on him and risking interference there wasn't much gamble could've done.

Thank you beans!!!

I remember that play Johnson made a hell of a good catch diving with his finger tips. Gamble was less then a inch from tipping that ball away he even dive with Chad. Not too mention it was 4th and 1 and they threw a bomb it was a great play that he didn't get fooled for a TD. He was step for step with Chad. I know alot of fans want too hate but Gamble has been good for a while now. You need too look at the tapes. The last 3 years Gamble hasn't been the one giving up alot of big plays too WR.

[Mr. Scot]

Last year, prior to the Arizona game, Darin Gantt wrote an article that stopped just a hair short of saying "for the love of all that is good and right and holy, PLEASE put Chris Gamble one-on-one with Larry Fitzgerald" :sosp:

Narturally, Trgovac didn't do it, and Fox didn't take over and adjust. The rest is (sad, embarrassing) history.

I've read a fair amount about Ron Meeks, but haven't seen any speciifc statement as to his philosophy about corners. My guess (and it is just that) based on what I know of the systems to which he adheres, is that he will not slavishly follow the "you're on the left, you're on the right" method that Mike Trgovac did.

But until the games start, who knows?

[beastson]

I only remember like 2-3 times Gamble was burned, just him last year

You also have to understand, teams hasnt been attacking him as they used to earlier in his career. So they kinda catch him off guard. He has to stay on point all the time and dare them to attack him.

If you keep Gamble on a reciever a whole entire game, you can best believe it's not going to be easy by no stretch

[panthers55]

Honestly things are not so simple that you do the same thing all the time in pass defense. Nor does Fox like to tip his hand at all. If he were going to play more man and put Gamble on thier best guy, you wouldn't know it until the game started.