Oakland Raiders Defensive Back Breakdown: Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown
Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes a touchdown catch against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown (25) during the second quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Tarell Brown (#23)-
Equally important to the development of the Oakland Raiders defensive backfield’s identity is Tarell Brown. The difference is, Brown has been brought in to be one of the starting CB’s opposite either Hayden, Rogers, or maybe someone else? Brown stands at 5’10” and weighs in at 193 pounds. His leaping ability is what gives him his advantage over taller receivers. Plus, he is able to run with most any NFL Receiver in the game still. This will be very helpful against the fast WR’s on the Denver Broncos, San Deigo Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs. Not to mention the other teams we play throughout the year.
Drafted in the 5th Round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Brown began his role within the San Francisco 49ers defense immediately. Initially in a role with Special Teams before scrapping his way into the starting lineup. In Brown’s 8 years of experience, he has combined for 240 tackles (214 solo), deflected 55 passes, intercepted 11 passes, scored a touchdown, and recovered one fumble. As a member of a dominant defensive force with the 49ers, Brown provided that punch, when necessary, to exact his wrath upon opposing receivers and quarterbacks.
Brown’s chip on his shoulder is due in large part to the fact that the 49ers didn’t offer him a contract worthy of his skills. Although Brown was a 5th Round draft pick, he quickly elevated himself to the starting lineup, beating out Shawnte Spencer in 2011. In the last couple of years, Brown’s efforts have helped to put the 49ers in the playoffs and a Super Bowl. However, the 49ers loss/stupidity is the Raiders revitalization. Brown will look to prove himself worthy of a very good contract for his future, and, ultimately, for the future of the Raiders defensive backfield. His abilities to be a solid cover corner will push pass attempts away from his side, and his good tackling ability will force running backs to cut away from him. His lead-by-example attitude will work wonders for the younger CB’s on the Raiders.
This will be an exciting year in Oakland Raiders football full of surprise to the rest of the football world. I say to the rest of the football world, because it will come as no surprise to Raider Nation that their team, the Oakland Raiders, have become a contender in not only the AFC West, but the entire NFL. A big part of this improvement will come from the secondary of the Oakland Raiders. A secondary led by both Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown.