Is Webb the best corner in the league?

[arnie_uk]

Webb has been a godsend. who would have thought a third round pick from a small school would turn out so good, so soon. This is his fourth year in the league and has been fantastic last year and this, leading some to place him in the upper echelon of elite corner backs. One of the biggest reasons for this would be the fact he hasn't let in a touchdown in 24 games, yes 24 games going back to cinci week 17 of 2009.

So i have compiled a lot of stats using Pro Football Focus' premium stats for Webb and the two other cornerbacks over the last few years that have apparently set the standard.

Plays. Pass plays. Targets. Completion percentage. Yards. Average. Td. Int. pd. QB rate

Webb

2368, 1430, 239, 54.18%, 1492, 9.73, 3, 10, 23, 61.98 rating

Revis

3379, 1879, 287, 39.5%, 1433, 11.18, 6, 13, 54, 39.6 rating

Nmandi

2856, 1567, 112, 54.75%, 858, 13.98, 6, 4, 13, 88.08 rating

Notes

Webb has been greatly improved since the 2011 season, allowing 0 tds in all 2011 and none so far, with a qbr of 42 in 11 and 46.3 so far this year, notching 8 ints last year to boot.

Revis has an anomaly this year a bit, with a qbr of only 6.3. If you ignored this year his QB for 09 to 11 would be 50.7, due to a fantastic 09 year with an qbr of 29.1, 8 ints and 2 tds. But since has declined, with a qbr of 77.4 and 45.6 for 10 and 11 respectively.

Nmandi has been targeted the least, by a long way, but when he gets beat more often and for a lot more yards than the other too. 4 more yards a completion than Webb to be in fact. He like Regis has allowed more td than Webb.

Webb lets in a td every 0.0125 targets, while Revis is 0.0209 and nmandi 0.05. Webb gets an int every 0.0418 targets, revis 0.0453 and nmandi 0.05.

So Webb lets in tds the least, whole nmandi is by the most, but he gets ints more often, with Webb second.

I have no stats for this, but I think It's safe to assume Webb is also the best inrun support, best blitzer and tackler.

Conclusion is, Webb has really emerged, and even taken over from these two as the best cb in the game since last year. Granted its only 1 and 1/4 years that he's really shone, but even over his short career thus far, he averages out just behind revis but better than nmandi and revis hasn't been the stalwart he once was. I think there is a changing in the guard.

[hawkprey]

Revis only played 2 games this year and they were against Fitzpatrick and Tannehill.
I only remember Webb giving up one or two passes so far this year. Plus he's one of the best tackling corners in the league.

Tim Jennings is having a crazy year so far but again, it's only been 3 games. There's bound to be some outliers.

And yes, Webb is the best corner. Our D sucks around him.

[Gordo52]

I think he is now. We all seen the potential he had in his rookie year, than being able to bounce back from that injury, play lights out, get a new contract. Really speaks good about him.

With Revis being older and now hurt, I think Webbs now #1.

Next CB would be Nnamdi but he got beat by Jacoby Jones twice. Webb should have like 3 more picks since the begining of the playoffs but bs calls screwed him.

[raybaby]

Revis takes on the best players night in and night out though right? That's the one that sets Revis apart. Webb really could be the second best in the league though.

[K-Dog]

FWIW I called it his rookie year.
I said he is going to be one of the best.

Just sayin'

[T3hRaven]

Webb is a good defensive football player, but he's good because of his versatility. He plays the Charles Woodson role on the defense, it's not a fair or valid comparison to put him against guys like Revis. Even then, from a pure cover corner perspective Revis is still the best. Webb is very good, but he's not on that level.

[Tiz]

[quote name='T3hRaven' timestamp='1348879006' post='1172738']
Webb is a good defensive football player, but he's good because of his versatility. He plays the Charles Woodson role on the defense, it's not a fair or valid comparison to put him against guys like Revis. Even then, from a pure cover corner perspective Revis is still the best. Webb is very good, but he's not on that level.
[/quote]

Thinking the same.
Webb blitzes frequently, attacks running backs, shifts down to the slot and just flys to the ball. He isn't going to be the best cb because he is trying to be the best defensive back period.

Really wouldn't surprise me to see him play some fs if reed retires next year.

[flynismo]

Webb is unquestionably the most complete CB in the league. That is not up for debate.

As a pure cover corner, in my biased opinion, only Revis is better in coverage. And not by very much.

Since Revis has been making Pro Bowls before Webb entered the league, he gets the edge...but now that he is out for the year, I think it goes to Webby.

We need a cool nickname for him!

[-Truth-]

Well, I wouldn't call Revis' allowed QB rating of 45.6 a decline in the traditional sense, as that's still a terrific number and his 2009 season may never be duplicated again. In addition, he did grade out as PFF's best CB through 16 games, although Webb took over the spot during the Playoffs on good reason. So I don't see how Revis isn't reliable, especially considering his start this season. With that being said, Webb is absolutely one of the best. I tend to shy away from getting into ranking the absolute best because it's almost impossible at times, but he's definitely somewhere at the top.

[-Truth-]

Well, I wouldn't call Revis' allowed QB rating of 45.6 a decline in the traditional sense, as that's still a terrific number and his 2009 season may never be duplicated again. In addition, he did grade out as PFF's best CB through 16 games, although Webb took over the spot during the Playoffs on good reason. So I don't see how Revis isn't as reliable as he was before, especially considering his start this season. With that being said, Webb is absolutely one of the best. I tend to shy away from getting into ranking the absolute best because it's almost impossible at times, but he's definitely somewhere at the top.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

Thanks for the stats, I hope he gains the national attention he deserves this year

[beasy2487]

I'd say in the conversation of best cornerbacks you have to include Webb early and often, but I don't think he's the best. I like the sentiment that in the end he'll be an amazing all around defensive back, but Webb just doesn't have the prototypical size to do what a Revis does or what Nnamdi and Champ used to do.

I think the perfect example is the Greg Little drop. Webb's advantage is he has amazing technique and blazing game speed, so smaller receivers can't beat him with quickness (See: Julian Edelman) and he can beat bigger receivers in the body position game (see: Braylon Edwards). However when going against a receiver like Little, who is bigger and as fast, Webb can be beat. Not to say those other guys can't, but Webb is at a disadvantage in that situation.

All that said, if Webb truly reaches that Charles Woodson level and starts dominating 3 different positions, I think that's much better for us anyway.

[cobrajet]

Just look at it this way......What corner would you trade Webb for?

Answer: NOBODY!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='cobrajet' timestamp='1348920180' post='1172926']
Just look at it this way......What corner would you trade Webb for?

Answer: NOBODY!
[/quote]

Nothing against Webb at all, but I'd trade him for Joe Haden, Patrick Peterson or Morris Caliborne, primarily because of age.

[arnie_uk]

Claiborne has done nothing thus far! Can't even comprehend how you mentioned him in the same breath as Webb

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1348921913' post='1172934']
Claiborne has done nothing thus far! Can't even comprehend how you mentioned him in the same breath as Webb
[/quote]

He's been a key contributor on one of the stingier defenses in the league, albeit it's three games into his career Regardless, I'm entitled to my opinion. Long-term, I think he's going to be among the best defensive players in the league.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1348923512' post='1172942']
I'm entitled to my opinion, aren't I? Long-term, I think he's going to be among the best defensive players in the league.
[/quote]

Yeah, Peterson is the only CB in the league I'd consider trading Webb for.

[flynismo]

[quote name='beasy2487' timestamp='1348919320' post='1172917']but Webb just doesn't have the prototypical size to do what a Revis does or what Nnamdi and Champ used to do
[/quote]

Webb might already be the best run stuffing CB in the game, and despite his lack of size, he has not given up a TD pass since 2010. So......I disagree with this sentiment that his size is some sort of detriment.

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1348923512' post='1172942']


He's been a key contributor on one of the stingier defenses in the league, albeit it's three games into his career Regardless, I'm entitled to my opinion. Long-term, I think he's going to be among the best defensive players in the league.
[/quote]they have he no.1 defence thus far yet he hasn't done much from what I've seen. Giving up over 100 qbr, 90% of his targets are completed, for on average over 10 yards. He's been poor on a good defence so far.

I also don't think he will be as good as Webb or Peterson ever, or joe haden who you also mentioned.

[Militant X 1]

Webb is awesome!

~Mili

[display name]

I honestly think he is the best cornerback in the league. He missed a couple tackles last game due to a lingering ankle injury.

[display name]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1348920695' post='1172929']
Nothing against Webb at all, but I'd trade him for Joe Haden, Patrick Peterson or Morris Caliborne, primarily because of age.
[/quote]
Age?! This is only Webb's 4th season! He should be in his prime right about now.

[display name]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1348884971' post='1172784']
Webb is unquestionably the most complete CB in the league. That is not up for debate.

As a pure cover corner, in my biased opinion, only Revis is better in coverage. And not by very much.

Since Revis has been making Pro Bowls before Webb entered the league, he gets the edge...but now that he is out for the year, I think it goes to Webby.

[b]We need a cool nickname for him![/b]
[/quote]
[url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/46877-hilarious-webb/"]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/46877-hilarious-webb/[/url]

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1348931068' post='1173011']

Age?! This is only Webb's 4th season! He should be in his prime right about now.
[/quote]hes three years older than haden, possibly 4 I can't remember

[display name]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1348931692' post='1173018']
hes three years older than haden, possibly 4 I can't remember
[/quote]
Oh OK but still...

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1348925596' post='1172955']
they have he no.1 defence thus far yet he hasn't done much from what I've seen. Giving up over 100 qbr, 90% of his targets are completed, for on average over 10 yards. He's been poor on a good defence so far.

I also don't think he will be as good as Webb or Peterson ever, or joe haden who you also mentioned.
[/quote]

Didn't know about those numbers. I was still impressed with him on opening night and his long-term potential is through the roof in my opinion. We'll see if he capitalizes on it.

Do you have numbers on how often Webb has blitzed this season?

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1348932283' post='1173021']


Didn't know about those numbers. I was still impressed with him on opening night and his long-term potential is through the roof in my opinion. We'll see if he capitalizes on it.

Do you have numbers on how often Webb has blitzed this season?
[/quote]them numbers are from pff premium stats. I'll check that now and get back to you. Gimme a minute

Edit. Only three CBs have made this list. Deangelo hall, perish cox and Webb. Out of 175 pass attempts Webb has rushed 13 times for 7.4 percent, compare to halls 14.4 and coxs 20 although he has only seen 45 passing snaps.

Webb has one QB hit, and that one that was flagged but it doesn't count obviously, whereas hall has 1 sack, and 4 hurries of his 17 rushes.

[BloodRaven]

It amazes me how good he is now especially considering where he was drafted and his shaky play before tearing his ACL.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1348935735' post='1173040']
them numbers are from pff premium stats. I'll check that now and get back to you. Gimme a minute

Edit. Only three CBs have made this list. Deangelo hall, perish cox and Webb. Out of 175 pass attempts Webb has rushed 13 times for 7.4 percent, compare to halls 14.4 and coxs 20 although he has only seen 45 passing snaps.

Webb has one QB hit, and that one that was flagged but it doesn't count obviously, whereas hall has 1 sack, and 4 hurries of his 17 rushes.
[/quote]

Thanks. Interesting. I have a feeling Pees is going to continue sending him and Pollard until Suggs returns and/or the pass rush improves. Hopefully, Cary and Jimmy improve as well.

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1348937235' post='1173057']


Thanks. Interesting. I have a feeling Pees is going to continue sending him and Pollard until Suggs returns and/or the pass rush improves. Hopefully, Cary and Jimmy improve as well.
[/quote]pollard has rushed 13 times, 1 sack, 1 hit, 1 hurry

I don't like Webb blitzing because he's then not in coverage, I'd rather pollard blitz