After Saturday, you may be convinced I'm smoking teh cracks when you read the following. But, trust me, I never break out the pipe until after 5:00..on Tuesdays...uuunnless it's my birthday...oorrrr, I'm stuck in traffic.
I really believe Neiko Thorpe is going to be one of the top corners in the league by next season. Yes, they threw at and burned the guy numerous times Saturday, but I noticed something. It looked like virtually every time someone caught a pass on him, he was in perfect position. He just didn't finish, for lack of a better term.
Conversely, the few times they tested McFadden, a grizzzzzled veteran, not only was he in position, but was able to "Chicken fight"...push his body into the receiver...time his jump correctly in order to make the play. I think this comes strictly from experience. I recall McFadden being put in the Vanderbilt game late a few years ago. They F'n torched his ass long..twice. Now, that ain't happenin'. You see him making that little tug on the arm and that perfectly timed leap into the body of the receiver to screw it all up.
I can recall 4 passes specifically where I saw Thorpe in perfect position, but he just couldn't do any of the above, which in my mind, is more than half the battle. It's one thing to be able to run, back pedal, cut and be in position. It's another altogether to have the experience and presence of mind to do those little things that finish the play. I have never played DB anywhere other than David Dunbar's back yard and I certainly don't know how to coach the position.
Does anyone see the same things or do you just think Thorpe is teh sux? Anyone play the position? Input from the "Experts"?
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