[BostonCard]

[quote author=Boston Card link=topic=9515.msg83500#msg83500 date=1391819194]
The one thing that I loved about Alexander is that he looked back when the ball was in the air.  If there is one thing that I think our cb's have struggled with, it is looking back for the ball.  It can be taught, but there is a degree of instinct to it.  I'd be interested in Gary Cobb's take.

BC

I think corner backs are taught to look back when they are step for step with the receiver on long balls. And, they are taught that when you have been beaten on long balls your opportunity to catch up and make a tackle is when the receiver looks for the ball. On short and medium routes, if a corner back looks back the reciever has an opportunity to change direction. If this is the design of the play it could mean 6 ponts.
[/quote]

Just like linebackers can be "taught" how to time the snap, just when to turn around is a little bit teaching and a fair bit of instinct... the roar of the crowd, where you are in the route that's being covered, the receiver's eyes; there's a lot that goes into timing of a look back.  Do it too early, and the receiver can gain a step.  Do it too late and it can be a pass interference.

BC

[BostonCard]

[quote author=Boston Card link=topic=9515.msg83500#msg83500 date=1391819194]
The one thing that I loved about Alexander is that he looked back when the ball was in the air.  If there is one thing that I think our cb's have struggled with, it is looking back for the ball.  It can be taught, but there is a degree of instinct to it.  I'd be interested in Gary Cobb's take.

BC

I think corner backs are taught to look back when they are step for step with the receiver on long balls. And, they are taught that when you have been beaten on long balls your opportunity to catch up and make a tackle is when the receiver looks for the ball. On short and medium routes, if a corner back looks back the reciever has an opportunity to change direction. If this is the design of the play it could mean 6 ponts.
[/quote]

Just like linebackers can be "taught" how to time the snap, just when to turn around is a little bit teaching and a fair bit of instinct... the roar of the crowd, where you are in the route that's being covered, the receiver's eyes; there's a lot that goes into timing of a look back.  Do it too early, and the receiver can gain a step.  Do it too late and it can be a pass interference.

BC