Champ Bailey (1 Viewer)

[rockbottom895]

The numbers that he has produced are off the charts. The fact that he had 10 interceptions this year, 6 or 7 of which were in the red zone, while quarterbacks RARELY threw the football anywhere near him, is unheard of. As a Denver Broncos fan, watching every game, it seems that every time someone challenges Champ Bailey, Bailey comes out on top. A perfect example of this was during the Bengals game. Carson threw a rocket to Chad on a slant. Champ got up, ripped it out of his hands, and ran it back for 20 some yards. Here are Champs numbers throughout the years;

YEAR TEAM G TOT SOLO AST PD SACK FF REC INT YDS TD

1999 WAS 16 79 73 6 17 1 2 0 5 55 1

2000 WAS 16 62 59 3 14 0 0 0 5 48 0

2001 WAS 16 51 49 2 18 0 1 0 3 17 0

2002 WAS 16 68 65 3 24 0 0 0 3 2 0

2003 WAS 16 72 69 3 9 0 1 0 2 2 0

2004 DEN 9 43 38 5 5 0 0 0 2 0 0

2005 DEN 14 66 60 6 23 0 1 0 8 139 2

2006 DEN 16 86 74 12 21 1 0 4 10 162 1

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?statsId=4655 (If you cant read these numbers, here is the link to Champ's stats.)

His two years in Denver have been unheard of for a corner back. The only other corner that I can think of that was in his category was Deion Sanders for his ability to make plays, but his tackling numbers do not come close to those of Champ. Here are Deion's numbers.

YEAR TEAM G TOT SOLO AST PD SACK FF REC INT YDS TD

1989 ATL 15 39 28 11 8 0 2 0 5 52 0

1990 ATL 16 50 31 19 18 0 0 0 3 153 2

1991 ATL 15 49 35 14 14 1 2 0 6 119 1

1992 ATL 13 66 44 22 4 0 2 0 3 105 0

1993 ATL 11 34 27 7 8 0 1 0 7 91 0

1994 SFO 14 36 36 0 14 0 0 0 6 303 3

1995 DAL 9 25 24 1 8 0 0 0 2 34 0

1996 DAL 16 34 34 0 9 0 1 0 2 3 0

1997 DAL 13 33 30 3 7 0 0 0 2 81 1

1998 DAL 11 25 25 0 8 0 0 0 5 153 1

1999 DAL 14 42 40 2 6 0 1 0 3 2 0

2000 WAS 16 42 41 1 9 0 1 0 4 91 0

2004 BAL 6 6 6 0 5 0 0 0 3 71 1

2005 BAL 16 30 27 3 5 0 0 0 2 57 0

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?statsId=589 (If you can't read these numbers, here is a link to Deion's stats)

In only one season Deion has more than 60 tackles. Throughout 6 of Champ's 8 seasons, he has surpassed 60 tackles. Without question, Champ is much more effective in the run stop than Deion ever was.

Champ Bailey is only 28 years old. When his career his over, he will be by far known as the best corner back of all time. No one even comes close to the production that Bailey has given his teams over the past 8 years.

 

[Big Score]

I've said it before & I'll say it again. For my money, there's no other CB I'd rather have, than Rod Woodson in his heyday.

 

[cscmtp]

Darrell Green and Rod Woodson are both better than Champ.

 

[bez18]

Give me Darrell Green anyday

 

[Chaos Commish]

Champ Bailey is only 28 years old. When his career his over, he will be by far known as the best corner back of all time.

Agreed. He's incredible.

 

[jim k]

Deion Sanders, in his prime was the best cornerback ever.

He didn't need to tackle the wr he covered because he was never thrown at.

Then...

**** Lane

Mel Blount

Mike Haynes

 

[Hamstring]

Second verse same as the first? No way. Why do we always want to annoint the newer guys as the best ever? Can't they just be really good?

 

[raidergil]

Champ Bailey is only 28 years old. When his career his over, he will be by far known as the best corner back of all time.

Agreed. He's incredible.

So they won't be showing that Jerry Porter 3TD game at his coronation ceremony?He may tackle better but I don't consider him in Deion's class for coverage.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Champ was 2nd for Defensive Player of the Year. Did any of the others win it?

 

[CalBear]

Champ was 2nd for Defensive Player of the Year. Did any of the others win it?

1975 - Mel Blount, CB Pittsburgh1980 - Lester Hayes, CB Oakland1993 - Rod Woodson, CB Pittsburgh1994 - Deion Sanders, CB San Francisco

 

[LHUCKS]

My list goes:

Deion

Champ

Woodson

A. Williams

 

[rockbottom895]

Second verse same as the first? No way. Why do we always want to annoint the newer guys as the best ever? Can't they just be really good?

Is that a joke? I watched every single snap of that game. Two of the TD's were not Champ's fault, they were in zone coverage, and the third TD Champ slipped on the snow. Do not hate on Champ because of one game.

 

[Hamstring]

Second verse same as the first? No way. Why do we always want to annoint the newer guys as the best ever? Can't they just be really good?

Is that a joke? I watched every single snap of that game. Two of the TD's were not Champ's fault, they were in zone coverage, and the third TD Champ slipped on the snow. Do not hate on Champ because of one game.

Not hating, but lets grade the guy on his whole career when its over. Best ever is a little much especially when these other cbs are SB champions as well.

 

[rockbottom895]

Deion Sanders, in his prime was the best cornerback ever.He didn't need to tackle the wr he covered because he was never thrown at.Then...**** LaneMel BlountMike Haynes

Can I teach you something? Corner back is not only about being able to cover the wide reciever. Stopping the run is also a major factor in playing defense. Regardless of your position, tackling is KEY to a defenses sucess. I agree that Champ may not be the best cover corner ever, but combined with his run stopping ability, no corner back is better than him.

 

[aposulli]

Greg Garber on Champ Bailey

Sure it's a fluff piece, but it's all true.

I'd say he's by far and away the best of his generation. Slightly better than Deion considering Sanders didn't like to tackle. Returning kicks is not a part of being a CB.

 

[rockbottom895]

Second verse same as the first? No way. Why do we always want to annoint the newer guys as the best ever? Can't they just be really good?

Is that a joke? I watched every single snap of that game. Two of the TD's were not Champ's fault, they were in zone coverage, and the third TD Champ slipped on the snow. Do not hate on Champ because of one game.

Not hating, but lets grade the guy on his whole career when its over. Best ever is a little much especially when these other cbs are SB champions as well.

I'm sorry, but this comment makes no sense at all. Yes, corner is a key position on defense, but you know that it does not affect teams to get them to the Super Bowl. There was no way Champ was getting to the Superbowl in Washington, but now he has a legit chance. In the next ten years, the Broncos will win the most Superbowls out of any other team in the league.

 

[diesel7982]

Deion Sanders, in his prime was the best cornerback ever.He didn't need to tackle the wr he covered because he was never thrown at.Then...**** LaneMel BlountMike Haynes

Can I teach you something? Corner back is not only about being able to cover the wide reciever. Stopping the run is also a major factor in playing defense. Regardless of your position, tackling is KEY to a defenses sucess. I agree that Champ may not be the best cover corner ever, but combined with his run stopping ability, no corner back is better than him.

Dont know what Jim was thinking there.Deion was often a speedbump for RBs running outside.

 

[Blick]

Second verse same as the first? No way. Why do we always want to annoint the newer guys as the best ever? Can't they just be really good?

Is that a joke? I watched every single snap of that game. Two of the TD's were not Champ's fault, they were in zone coverage, and the third TD Champ slipped on the snow. Do not hate on Champ because of one game.

Not hating, but lets grade the guy on his whole career when its over. Best ever is a little much especially when these other cbs are SB champions as well.

Yeah, because Mel Blount and Rod Woodson were horrible run stoppers..

 

[Vladislav Tretiak]

C'mon guys.

The discussion starts and ends with:

Elvis "Toast" Patterson

 

[Hamstring]

Second verse same as the first? No way. Why do we always want to annoint the newer guys as the best ever? Can't they just be really good?

Is that a joke? I watched every single snap of that game. Two of the TD's were not Champ's fault, they were in zone coverage, and the third TD Champ slipped on the snow. Do not hate on Champ because of one game.

Not hating, but lets grade the guy on his whole career when its over. Best ever is a little much especially when these other cbs are SB champions as well.

I'm sorry, but this comment makes no sense at all. Yes, corner is a key position on defense, but you know that it does not affect teams to get them to the Super Bowl. There was no way Champ was getting to the Superbowl in Washington, but now he has a legit chance. In the next ten years, the Broncos will win the most Superbowls out of any other team in the league.

Ok, the best cb ever is not even in the playoffs this year. Hows that? If you want to annoint the guy the best at his position then go ahead. I'm just saying no way. I bet there are 10 threads similar to this one is XXX the best qb ever? Is XXX the best rb ever? I don't even think Champ is in the Hall of Fame right now.

 

[Vladislav Tretiak]

Willie Brown

Roger Wehrli

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

My list goeseionChampWoodsonA. Williams

I love you including A.Williams. In his day he was lock-down. I remember loving the Cowboy games he ALWAYS put the lock down on Michael I.

 

[rockbottom895]

Second verse same as the first? No way. Why do we always want to annoint the newer guys as the best ever? Can't they just be really good?

Is that a joke? I watched every single snap of that game. Two of the TD's were not Champ's fault, they were in zone coverage, and the third TD Champ slipped on the snow. Do not hate on Champ because of one game.

Not hating, but lets grade the guy on his whole career when its over. Best ever is a little much especially when these other cbs are SB champions as well.

Yeah, because Mel Blount and Rod Woodson were horrible run stoppers..

Rod Woodson averaged 68.4 tackles a season through 17 years. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?playerId=37Right now, Champ Bailey is averaging 68 tackles a season through 8 years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?statsId=4655

Champ is only getting better. His tackling numbers have increased ever since landing in Denver, and Champ was a MUCH better cover corner than Rod Woodson ever was.

 

[LHUCKS]

My list goeseionChampWoodsonA. Williams

I love you including A.Williams. In his day he was lock-down. I remember loving the Cowboy games he ALWAYS put the lock down on Michael I.

He was overshadowed by Deion, but he was the 2nd best corner of his era.He whent to something like 6 straight pro bowls...everybody forgets about him because he played for the Cards.He would be going to the HOF had Deion never existed.

 

[aposulli]

Second verse same as the first? No way. Why do we always want to annoint the newer guys as the best ever? Can't they just be really good?

Is that a joke? I watched every single snap of that game. Two of the TD's were not Champ's fault, they were in zone coverage, and the third TD Champ slipped on the snow. Do not hate on Champ because of one game.

Not hating, but lets grade the guy on his whole career when its over. Best ever is a little much especially when these other cbs are SB champions as well.

I'm sorry, but this comment makes no sense at all. Yes, corner is a key position on defense, but you know that it does not affect teams to get them to the Super Bowl. There was no way Champ was getting to the Superbowl in Washington, but now he has a legit chance. In the next ten years, the Broncos will win the most Superbowls out of any other team in the league.

Ok, the best cb ever is not even in the playoffs this year. Hows that? If you want to annoint the guy the best at his position then go ahead. I'm just saying no way. I bet there are 10 threads similar to this one is XXX the best qb ever? Is XXX the best rb ever? I don't even think Champ is in the Hall of Fame right now.

The Broncos had the one of the best defenses in the league this year. Their pass rushers are mediocre at best.Calling one player overrated because his team hasn't won the Super Bowl or in this case made the playoffs for just one year is silly.

FOOTBALL IS A TEAM SPORT.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

. Bailey's numbers aren't unheard of- just because you haven't heard of others who put up similiar numbers.How about saying he is the best corner you have ever seen.

My guess is that you never saw **** Lane play. I know I didn't. I have heard of him. You can't say with any certainty that Bailey is better or will be considered far better ever.Lane was voted the best corner in the first 50 years of football. Lane's first 3 years he played in 35 games (12 game seasons)- he had 27 picks, 3 fumble recoveries and 3 td's. Through 5 years, he had 40 picks- which is more than Champ has now. Despite playing in shorter seasons, he still holds in single season INT record and was a ferocious hitter who used to tackle opponents by the head and neck. He has a tackle named after himself- the Nighttrain necktie. We don't know how many tackles he had, because it didn't become an official stat until the 80's.

Ronnie Lott was a tremendous corner in his early career, earning pro bowl honors every year he played corner: 2001-2004. He was moved to safety where his hitting and tackling could better affect the run game, and he could terrorize all of the opposing wr's.

Rod Woodson was unbelievable. Haynes was dynamite as well.

Bailey is great and has been unbelievable the last two years.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Champ is only getting better. His tackling numbers have increased ever since landing in Denver, and Champ was a MUCH better cover corner than Rod Woodson ever was.

This is absurd. He is going to get worse, unless his career is completely ended by significant injury. He may not get worse this year, maybe not next year, but almost every player has a couple seasons at the end of his career where is a shadow of his former self.Also, tackles are not an objective stat like yards gained or touchdowns. They are completely subjective, and every team determines tackles on its own. Just bringing up numbers doesn't tell the story either. Woodson was a feared hitter. That changed how wr's played. Bailey is not feared. He is a very competent effective tackler, but he is not an intimiator.

 

[Bankerguy]

Give me Deion on my team.

He's the better corner and he returns kicks and can play WR.

 

[aposulli]

Champ is only getting better. His tackling numbers have increased ever since landing in Denver, and Champ was a MUCH better cover corner than Rod Woodson ever was.

This is absurd. He is going to get worse, unless his career is completely ended by significant injury. He may not get worse this year, maybe not next year, but almost every player has a couple seasons at the end of his career where is a shadow of his former self.Also, tackles are not an objective stat like yards gained or touchdowns. They are completely subjective, and every team determines tackles on its own. Just bringing up numbers doesn't tell the story either. Woodson was a feared hitter. That changed how wr's played. Bailey is not feared. He is a very competent effective tackler, but he is not an intimiator.

While you make some great points, you cannot guarantee that Bailey is automatically going to decline this season.This year was arguably his BEST.And he has been great for much longer than 2 years.

 

[(HULK)]

Champ Bailey is only the 3rd best CB the Redskins have ever had, so I doubt he is the best ever.

 

[TME]

Maybe it's been a while and people do not remember or never saw, but Deion took away an entire half of the field in his prime. He did not just lock down the top WR. Teams generally did not even throw to his direction. It was insane. No defensive player was ever more schemed around. Offenses literally worked on half a field to avoid the Prime Time.

Not too mention the fact that Super Bowl rings just seemed to follow Deion around during his prime. Whever he was, that team was winning Super Bowls.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Champ is only getting better. His tackling numbers have increased ever since landing in Denver, and Champ was a MUCH better cover corner than Rod Woodson ever was.

This is absurd. He is going to get worse, unless his career is completely ended by significant injury. He may not get worse this year, maybe not next year, but almost every player has a couple seasons at the end of his career where is a shadow of his former self.Also, tackles are not an objective stat like yards gained or touchdowns. They are completely subjective, and every team determines tackles on its own. Just bringing up numbers doesn't tell the story either. Woodson was a feared hitter. That changed how wr's played. Bailey is not feared. He is a very competent effective tackler, but he is not an intimiator.

While you make some great points, you cannot guarantee that Bailey is automatically going to decline this season.This year was arguably his BEST.And he has been great for much longer than 2 years.

I am not undestanding your reply. The original poster said his two years in Denver were unprecedended and off the charts. I pointed out that they were not off the charts. I know that he was very good before denver, and an elite player in Washington. I also didn't say he would get worse this year. In fact, I specifically said he might not get any worse for a couple years. However, the sentiment that he is only going to get better is silly. He might get better, but he won't just keep getting better and better. At some point, it is extremely likely that his skills will decline. Almost every player whose career doesn't end with significant injury has a couple of crappy/injury filled years at the end. No one is going to reminisce about Jerry Rice at the end unable to crack the Broncos, Montana with the Chiefs, or Deion being a nickel/dime corner with the Ravens.

 

[Gr00vus]

Maybe it's been a while and people do not remember or never saw, but Deion took away an entire half of the field in his prime. He did not just lock down the top WR. Teams generally did not even throw to his direction. It was insane. No defensive player was ever more schemed around. Offenses literally worked on half a field to avoid the Prime Time.Not too mention the fact that Super Bowl rings just seemed to follow Deion around during his prime. Whever he was, that team was winning Super Bowls.

Although I don't remember Atlanta winning anything.Deion was one of the most dominant defensive players I've ever seen.Eric Allen was pretty good as I recall, maybe not up in the Night Train's (thanks for bringing him up, great player, possibly the best sports nick name ever) class, but pretty good.

 

[rockbottom895]

Give me Deion on my team.He's the better corner and he returns kicks and can play WR.

Champ played offense at Georgia, and was used by the Broncos last year in a few offensive packages. He also has the ability to return kicks, but they gave the job to Quincy Morgan is who more talented at the position.

 

[parasaurolophus]

Deion without a doubt IMO. I remember being so mad when Dallas signed him in 95. I knew I had to wait one more year for my Packers to win the super bowl. He was such a benefit for a team to have on defense. Depending on how a DC used him they could either eliminate the other teams best wideout, or eliminate half the field in the passing game. Thats pretty special.

 

[TME]

Maybe it's been a while and people do not remember or never saw, but Deion took away an entire half of the field in his prime. He did not just lock down the top WR. Teams generally did not even throw to his direction. It was insane. No defensive player was ever more schemed around. Offenses literally worked on half a field to avoid the Prime Time.Not too mention the fact that Super Bowl rings just seemed to follow Deion around during his prime. Whever he was, that team was winning Super Bowls.

Although I don't remember Atlanta winning anything.Deion was one of the most dominant defensive players I've ever seen.Eric Allen was pretty good as I recall, maybe not up in the Night Train's (thanks for bringing him up, great player, possibly the best sports nick name ever) class, but pretty good.

He didn't. I was referring to the mid-90's when Sanders was playing his best ball, and was most feared.

 

[Gr00vus]

He didn't. I was referring to the mid-90's when Sanders was playing his best ball, and was most feared.

Hmmm I think his best years (individually) were in Atlanta myself, then Dallas. But he was great in SF too.

 

[Slum Lord]

As a Denver Broncos fan, watching every game,

This is exactly what i thought i'd see after reading the topic headline. Is he the best, or the best you've ever seen? How long you've been watching football? 10 years? The only guy you can think of is Sanders? I'm not saying Champ isnt a great CB, but the bias is blatant.

 

[Bankerguy]

Give me Deion on my team.He's the better corner and he returns kicks and can play WR.

Champ played offense at Georgia, and was used by the Broncos last year in a few offensive packages. He also has the ability to return kicks, but they gave the job to Quincy Morgan is who more talented at the position.

There is no better CB than Deion.There is no better returner than Deion.We can call the WR abilities a push.Honestly, it's not even close.

 

[ChampBailey24]

Give me Deion on my team.He's the better corner and he returns kicks and can play WR.

Champ played offense at Georgia, and was used by the Broncos last year in a few offensive packages. He also has the ability to return kicks, but they gave the job to Quincy Morgan is who more talented at the position.

There is no better CB than Deion.There is no better returner than Deion.We can call the WR abilities a push.Honestly, it's not even close.

Champ's really good to. Maybe not as good as Deion but saying that it's not even close is not right. And I'd argue that Devin Hester might become a better returner than Deion. He had six touchdowns as a rookie so he should only improve.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Deion Sanders, in his prime was the best cornerback ever.

He didn't need to tackle the wr he covered because he was never thrown at.

Then...

**** Lane

Mel Blount

Mike Haynes

Can I teach you something? Corner back is not only about being able to cover the wide reciever. Stopping the run is also a major factor in playing defense. Regardless of your position, tackling is KEY to a defenses sucess. I agree that Champ may not be the best cover corner ever, but combined with his run stopping ability, no corner back is better than him.

Rod Woodson was better at both

 

[LHUCKS]

Deion was so much faster than everybody else that he routinely baited the QB he was up against. I've never seen another corner be able to do this at the NFL level to the extent that Deion did. You see plenty of baiting in college and a little in the NFL but Deion tried to bait on almost every play...because he was just so damn fast and quick he could get away with it. He also could jump a short route, miss it and still get back in time to break up the double move route...sick recovery speed.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Rod Woodson:

Woodson recorded 71 interceptions, 1,483 interception return yards, 32 fumble recoveries (15 offensive and 17 defensive), 137 fumble return yards, 2,362 punt return yards, and 15 touchdowns(12 interception returns, 1 fumble return, 2 punt returns). He holds the league record for interceptions returned for touchdowns with 12, and is tied with 11 other players for the record for most fumble recoveries in a single game(3). His 1,483 interception return yards are also an NFL record.

Defense Stats YEAR TEAM G TOT SOLO AST PD SACK FF REC INT YDS TD 1987 PIT 8 20 15 5 0 0 0 0 1 45 1 1988 PIT 16 88 78 10 18 1 1 0 4 98 0 1989 PIT 15 80 67 13 18 0 4 0 3 39 0 1990 PIT 16 66 54 12 16 0 1 0 5 67 0 1991 PIT 15 71 60 11 16 1 1 0 3 72 0 1992 PIT 16 100 85 15 17 6 4 0 4 90 0 1993 PIT 16 95 79 16 30 2 2 0 8 138 1 1994 PIT 15 83 67 16 20 3 3 0 4 109 2 1995 PIT 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1996 PIT 16 71 62 9 19 1 0 0 6 121 1 1997 SFO 14 48 45 3 21 0 1 0 3 81 0 1998 BAL 16 88 80 8 16 0 0 0 6 108 2 1999 BAL 16 66 54 12 18 0 0 0 7 195 2 2000 BAL 16 77 68 9 10 0 2 0 4 20 0 2001 BAL 16 76 58 18 12 0 1 0 3 57 1 2002 OAK 16 82 72 10 16 0 0 0 8 225 2 2003 OAK 10 51 42 9 3 0 0 0 2 18 0 Career 238 1163 987 176 250 13.5 20 0 71 1483 12

If you cant read that, in 1992 Rod had 100 Tackles, 85 of them solo, 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 4 INTs. He also returned a punt for a TD that year. (but had zero of his NFL record 12 INTs returned for TDs in 1992)

 

[aposulli]

Rod Woodson:

Woodson recorded 71 interceptions, 1,483 interception return yards, 32 fumble recoveries (15 offensive and 17 defensive), 137 fumble return yards, 2,362 punt return yards, and 15 touchdowns(12 interception returns, 1 fumble return, 2 punt returns). He holds the league record for interceptions returned for touchdowns with 12, and is tied with 11 other players for the record for most fumble recoveries in a single game(3). His 1,483 interception return yards are also an NFL record.

Defense Stats YEAR TEAM G TOT SOLO AST PD SACK FF REC INT YDS TD 1987 PIT 8 20 15 5 0 0 0 0 1 45 1 1988 PIT 16 88 78 10 18 1 1 0 4 98 0 1989 PIT 15 80 67 13 18 0 4 0 3 39 0 1990 PIT 16 66 54 12 16 0 1 0 5 67 0 1991 PIT 15 71 60 11 16 1 1 0 3 72 0 1992 PIT 16 100 85 15 17 6 4 0 4 90 0 1993 PIT 16 95 79 16 30 2 2 0 8 138 1 1994 PIT 15 83 67 16 20 3 3 0 4 109 2 1995 PIT 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1996 PIT 16 71 62 9 19 1 0 0 6 121 1 1997 SFO 14 48 45 3 21 0 1 0 3 81 0 1998 BAL 16 88 80 8 16 0 0 0 6 108 2 1999 BAL 16 66 54 12 18 0 0 0 7 195 2 2000 BAL 16 77 68 9 10 0 2 0 4 20 0 2001 BAL 16 76 58 18 12 0 1 0 3 57 1 2002 OAK 16 82 72 10 16 0 0 0 8 225 2 2003 OAK 10 51 42 9 3 0 0 0 2 18 0 Career 238 1163 987 176 250 13.5 20 0 71 1483 12

If you cant read that, in 1992 Rod had 100 Tackles, 85 of them solo, 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 4 INTs. He also returned a punt for a TD that year. (but had zero of his NFL record 12 INTs returned for TDs in 1992)

Sorry if this was mentioned already, but Didn't Woodson play 8 of those years at Safety? Obviously his best years were behind him at that point.

 

[aposulli]

I think all this bickering is pointless... I think we can all agree Woodson, Bailey and Sanders are AMONG the top CB's of all time. And any can have a case made depedning on the criteria.

Better question: Best season in the past 20 years by a CB? (not including Special Teams play)

 

[TME]

He didn't. I was referring to the mid-90's when Sanders was playing his best ball, and was most feared.

Hmmm I think his best years (individually) were in Atlanta myself, then Dallas. But he was great in SF too.

Yeah...he was playmaking electrifying in Atlanta. Some of his best highlights were in black. But, the fat part of that sick respect he received from OC's (as far as avoiding his HALF of the field) was in that SF and Dallas years. Thinking back that was just crazy...half the field off limits for QBs. I've just never seen anything else like that.And as far as the speed people mention, it was unfair. The guy was world class...like 4.2 The guy was an incredible athlete. Three sport star at FSU and of course two sport professional.People have mentioned a lot of great corners in this thread, but Deion is the benchmark.

 

[Gr00vus]

Thinking back that was just crazy...half the field off limits for QBs. I've just never seen anything else like that.

Me either, it was crazy. I know the focus here is real football, but I was playing FF back then, even when he was in ATL, and if you had a #1 receiver not named Jerry Rice playing against his team you pretty much were guaranteed a 0 from that guy and had to bench him. Like I said, Deoin was one of the most dominant defensive players ever at any position.

 

[Borat]

Sorry, but numbers really don't say a whole lot about how good a cornerback is. You have to watch the games, and even then, the cornerbacks aren't even on the screen enough to really get an accurate picture of just how good they are (which is just one reason why I'd love to watch every game from the coach's camera, but that's a topic for another thread).

Anyway, from what I've seen, Champ Bailey is definitely not the best cornerback of all time.

 

[Koya]

Deion Sanders, in his prime was the best cornerback ever.He didn't need to tackle the wr he covered because he was never thrown at.Then...**** LaneMel BlountMike Haynes

It amazes me how many people are entralled with Deion's cover ability to the point where they utterly ignore a HUGE hole in his game. The fact is, how can you name someone as the greatest EVER, when they have a glaring weakness that other teams could totally exploit?Deion if ANYthing might be the best cover guy ever. But his real inability to tackle and the ability for the other team to explout that big weakness renders him eliminated from "best ever" talks, period.I would probably have to go with Night Train. His numbers, in a non passing era with less games in a season are simply ridiculous, and he was supposed to be a bruising hitter that absolutely disrubpted a game in many ways.From those I have seen? I can see Deion coming close, even with the huge minus in his tackling/run support, but there are good enough options to put them ahead of Deion as best CB of their time. I would probably have to put Woodson there but Bailey needs to enter the conversation, I suppose.

 

[Rovers]

Sanders also used his speed to run away from RB's who ran to his side. He was one of the worst tacklers I've ever seen. He was however, a guy who could take over a game with his ability to ball hawk and jump routes, coming from out of nowhere.

Night train Lane was the best ever.... just as dangerous as Sanders, but hit like ... well, a train. I once saw a special on him. The guy was ridiculous. He practically dominated every game he played in.