8. Marcus Peters, Baltimore Ravens
Peters is the ultimate boom-and-bust cornerback of his era, and nobody else comes close. Since his rookie season, he has outpaced the rest of the league with 29 interceptions, but he’s also allowed 26 touchdowns. In 2018 for the Rams, he allowed six touchdowns to three interceptions, and for the Rams and the Ravens following an October trade, he allowed five touchdowns to his five interceptions. Yes, he gave up just 46 catches on 80 targets for 534 yards, 212 yards after the catch, and an opponent passer rating of 72.6, his relative consistency allowed Baltimore to retain its status as the NFL’s most blitz-heavy team, and the Ravens set their faith in Peters’ future potential with a three-year, $42 million contract extension in December, but one wonders what Peters would be if he freelanced a bit less and adhered to the system a bit more. Perhaps he’d have fewer explosive plays, but would also be a more efficient defender in a down-to-down sense.
Marcus Peters has 29 interceptions since 2015. No other defensive player has anywhere near that many in that time, because Peters can make plays like this.
However… pic.twitter.com/AkOWqDR3GA
— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 13, 2020
…you also have too many plays like this, where I picture Peters while ZZ Top's "Waiting For the Bus" plays in my head. If he ever matches his acumen to his athleticism, he'll be unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/3TTr1HNARj
— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 13, 2020