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The Perfect Cornerback Would Have Vontae Davis Competitiveness

By Luke Schultheis

Sep 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) celebrates after a stop during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) celebrates after a stop during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, the perfect cornerback would have Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis competitiveness among his other exemplary characteristics:

"… the competitiveness of Vontae Davis.Everybody who plays this position gets burned on a fairly regular basis. After all, a “good” burn rate — that is, the percentage of passes thrown in your direction that are successfully completed — is in the low 40s, which is to say, you’re still getting beaten nearly half the time. No other position on the field requires players to be able to forget things as quickly, save for the left tackle spot. Good cornerbacks must have the competitive drive to take each moment as it comes and bounce back after giving up a big gain or touchdown to make a play on the next opportunity.Classic example: Jimmy Johnson."

The 8th-year veteran is coming off somewhat of a down season for the Colts after playing at an elite level in 2014; however, he still managed to make a consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.

Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) reacts after making an interception catch during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) reacts after making an interception catch during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Having had foot surgery this offseason, Davis may not have been at full strength last season, which may have negatively impacted his play on the field.

The Colts cornerback was banged up a bit throughout last season and may have been battling injuries more than initially let on.

Despite the injuries, Davis started in all 16 games for the Colts. He was still one of the league’s better cornerbacks, but allowed 7 touchdowns in coverage–having not given up a single touchdown just a season prior.

In order to get back to his “elite” level of 2014, consistency will be key for Davis going forward:

"“Consistency,” answered head coach Chuck Pagano during OTA’s when asked what Davis could improve upon. “Down after down after down after down. Game after game after game after game. Week after week. Consistency. No rollercoasters.”"

However, Davis competitiveness is one of his exceptional attributes that could go a long way toward achieving such consistency.

There’s no question that Davis has played through injuries in the past for the Colts, but still manages to give it his all despite often matching up against some of the league’s best wide receivers.

His competitive fire burns deep, and hopefully it shows on the field this upcoming season, as Davis returns to being the elite cornerback Colts fans know he can be:

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