BCSP Notes . . .
DRC making his mark
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is definitely making his mark in his first year in the NFL.
The former Tennessee State defensive back was taken in the first round, 16th overall in last year's NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. That high selection is paying off now with the Cardinals in the playoffs and about to host an NFC final Sunday vs. Philadelphia.
All the 6-2, 190-pounder has done lately is get an interception in
both playoff wins over Atlanta and Carolina, giving him picks in three
straight games. He now totals six interceptions in his rookie season and he
didn't break into the Cardinals' starting line-up until eight games ago.
For good measure, he returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown against St. Louis and is the only rookie this season to block a kick. Against Carolina Saturday, he lined up against dangerous wideout Steve Smith and held him, with the help of his teammates, to two receptions for 43 yards and one touchdown. He had ten tackles, nine of them solos, vs. Atlanta.
For good measure, DRC also lined up three times on offense vs. Carolina. Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt likes the rookie's ball skills and speed and believes he can also be an impact player on offense. He should get some consideration for defensive rookie of the year.
"Obviously Dominique's play has been a big part of this too, his ability to play some of the better receivers and still make plays on the ball and get interceptions," Whisenhunt said. "The one play against (Steve) Smith where he ran it down and jumped up and made a play on the ball. That's what the really good corners do and he's progressed well."
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