Jerraud Powers is easing the pain of losing Antonio Cromartie
The Arizona Cardinals lost Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie in free agency to the New York Jets. Most teams that lose their starting cornerback would be in serious trouble the following season, but the Cardinals are in that rare situation where the guy waiting to take over might be even better at this point in his career.
When head coach Bruce Arians was asked about replacing Cromartie this season, he said it was an easy decision to go with Jerraud Powers.
"That was easy," Arians said, via Everything Alabama. "(Powers) probably played better in pass coverage than Cro did, and he's a better tackler."
Powers understands he has big shoes to fill stepping in for Cromartie. Powers had a tremendous year last season for the Cardinals, but is aware he is not the well known name that the fans know.
"Cro's a household name," Powers told the Cardinals' official web site. "He's done a lot in this league, and it's a tribute to him, as far as Pro Bowls and making a name for himself. I've always been an under-the-radar type."
Even though Powers is the most likely candidate to take over for Cromartie, Arians says this team has so many options and so much flexibility that Powers may be moved around to play different positions on the inside and outside.
"We've got so many guys," Arians said. "Ty and Tony (Jefferson) and (Alfonzo) Dennard, and we've got a bunch of nickels. (Safety) Deone (Bucannon) has looked really good a couple of times, especially on tight ends. So we have great flexibility. And Justin (Bethel) can play outside, and Jerraud can play inside."
No matter what Arians decides, Powers can be sure he will be on the field and ultimately that is all that matters to the seventh-year defensive back.
"I don't know what the situation is going to be," Powers said. "Whatever they want me to do, I can do it. As long as I'm on the field, you won't hear me complaining."
(h/t Everything Alabama)
