Even though Julius Peppers came out and accepted blame for Larry Fitzgerald’s back-breaking 75-yard catch and run, defensive coordinator Dom Capers said it wasn’t Peppers’ fault.
Capers placed the blame squarely on rookie cornerback Damarious Randall.
“I think (Randall) knew the call,” Capers said. “But you have to evaluate how shallow the crossing route goes on that. If it goes under your underneath defenders than you have the ability to come off of that. If it goes over the top of him then you have to carry it.
“He just needed to carry (the coverage) further across the field.”
Peppers ended up blitzing on the play, vacating the zone Fitzgerald ended up in. His responsibility on the play was running back David Johnson.
Johnson stayed in the backfield to block on the play and that gave Peppers the option to rush, which he did.
Randall was supposed to follow Fitzgerald across the field and, well, you saw what happened there.
Another wasted season.
Tackling……Tackling…..Tackling…….*@$/#&
Gotta love the angle that the Packers all-pro, walks-on-water LB took on Fitzgerald. I haven’t played the game for 40 years and I still remember that ‘you use the sidelines like another defender’.
Morgan Burnett should be gone on his effort on this play alone.
Has he ever made a play?
Nickname suggestions: Zero Impact, Mr. Invisible
This makes more sense- a scheme that has Peppers covering Fitz downfield is flawed. I hope JP comes back for one more season.
Even in defeat Peppers is a boss
Ed Zachary
Rookie mistake at the worst possible moment to end an extremely promising rookie season. It always has to be something each year, at least they keep it new and exciting.
Another wasted season? I feel bad for you. That’s all you’ll ever remember about this season. No Super Bowl. Well, I got news for you. Get ready to be dissapointed ..a lot. No firings, trades, or FA signings is going to change any of that. So get off your high horse and enjoy the journey instead of the destination. You might find yourself a whee bit happier.
Oh, who am I kidding. You’ll always be a miserable prick!