Sharper wants to play in a Cover 2

[Dpantherman]

Posted by Mike Florio on March 1, 2010 5:44 PM ET

With little more than three days to go until he hits the free-agent market for the second time in two offseasons, veteran safety Darren Sharper made a case on Monday for a return to the division in which he spent 12 years of his career.

The NFC North.

Appearing on ESPN Radio's The Waddle & Silvy Show in Chicago, Sharper initially said of his next move, "Anywhere's an option."

But then he focused on the Bears.

"Coach Lovie Smith, I have the utmost respect for him," Sharper said, via the Chicago Tribune. "I've played against him for so many years and seen how he's built that program in Chicago. I'm a firm believer in what he's doing up there. I love the Chicago fans. Wherever I go, I want to go to a great fan base, and Chicago has one of the best fan bases of all the teams in the NFL. . . .

"I went to a Pro Bowl in a Cover 2 system in Minnesota, and I feel like I've proven I can be successful in any system," he added. "Any system of defense you can play I think I've played it, and I think I've been pretty successful in doing it.

"As far as playing the Cover 2, I think the numbers as far as interceptions won't be as high as compared to the system I played in under [saints defensive coordinator] Gregg Williams. I'm able to play a lot more areas of the football field. In the Cover 2 system, you're in one spot most of the time and if the ball doesn't come your way, you can't go get the ball. But you can still be successful in the Cover 2."

Sharper's attitude toward the Cover 2 has changed considerably. In only a month.

"Playing in the style that I played in at Minnesota last year, I was more of a protector, as far as being a guy that kept everything in front of us to try and prevent a big play," Sharper said on the first day of Super Bowl week. "I think [New Orleans defensive coordinator] Gregg Williams' style of defense allows me to be a playmaker and trust my instincts, to attack the football."

"It's two different worlds . . . last year compared to this year."

Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com concluded based on Sharper's comments that the Bears are likely out of the mix.

The difference a month later? Even if Sharper isn't really interested in returning to the Cover 2, he needs at least two teams to want him in order to drive up his price tag.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/01/sharper-warms-up-to-the-cover-2-again/

i didn't think i had to say this, but This does NOT mean i want him here. its the offseason you know.....

[davos]

As mentioned somewhere else, I think we have a solid safety unit thats young with lots of potential. The only way I can see getting a veteran is if we get rid of Godfrey and need someone with experience to mentor Martin. But thats highly unlikely.

[CatMan72]

That's nice, I hope he finds a team that needs him.

[2jakefansinva]

Translation...........I'm open to playing in any type of defense. I just want a pay check, and a nice one at that.

[scpanther22]

lol...I remember at somepoint last year.Sharper said that him being out of the cover two was the reason he is playing so great.Now he wants back in?

[skarbar001]

He's chasing the $$$$$$$. NO is smart letting him walk, kind of like Peppers here in Carolina. Too old, too expensive.