Defensive coordinator James Bettcher

Cornerback DeAndre Baker, selected 30th overall in this year’s NFL Draft, had a rough first half the season but the game has slowed down for him here in the second half. Bettcher spoke about the progress the rookie has made as the season has unfolded.

“I think it’s just a combination of a young player starting to understand where his eyes need to be, being square at the right times,” said Bettcher. “It really falls under what I was saying with the last question. Identifying the things you need to get better at and having really good intentional work to get better at them. About two or three weeks ago, I said it in front of the whole defense. It was a Friday practice and we do some production things during the week and we put it up on the boards every day.

“He had just a great week, he had a really good week of prep and it showed up on game day. Those kinds of things, stacking one rep in practice, stacking one position meeting and for rookies in this league first, second, third-year players to develop their skills sets, I think he’s progressing in regards to that. He has to continue to get better at some things.”