(S25) - PT 1 - Opening Statements

[mithrandir]

Andrew Witten will win cornerback of the year this season. Here is why: after starting two seasons at strong safety, Witten finally moved to a starting cornerback position last season, and he had a great year, amassing 5 picks, 16 PDs, and a touchdown. His 5 picks were tied for second in the league and earned him a Pro Bowl and a nomination for cornerback of the year. Witten is poised to be even better this year. His situation is still great in New Orleans, as he plays opposite of David Rector who is one of the best players in the league. Conventional wisdom says that #2 cornerbacks tend to get better stats because QBs stay away from elite CB 1s. Witten should benefit from Rector’s play and also from Witten’s great offseason improvements. One of the top corners last year continued to improve, topping 850 TPE, while reigning CB of the year, Dermot Lavelle Jr., took a big step back in regression. Witten is off to a nice start so far, with 9 PDs through 4 games, a better indicator of future success than interceptions, and Witten already has a pick six, a great plus on his CBotY resume, as voters love touchdowns. If he can put another 5 INT season together and pass 20 PDs this year, which he is easily on pace for, he should be able to take home the award.