Rogers That!

Coming into the 2011 NFL off-season, the 49ers knew they needed to do something about their secondary.  Their best secondary player had a total of 3 INTs in 2010, with many teams having two or even three defensive backs with more each.  And, Nate Clements is slow, aging, and not agile enough to go up against the athletic, powerful receivers of today.  When the 49ers were searching for a new cornerback to lead their secondary along with their only other solid backfield playmaker, free safety Dashon Goldson, they were clearly looking for someone agile and quick.  They've found that and more in Carlos Rogers.

While in Washington for the 2010 season, I could see his incredible physical talent combo of speed AND strength.  He could keep up with the likes of fierce NFC East wide receivers like the Giants Hakeem Nicks, the Eagles Jeremy Maclin, and even the Cowboys' cowboy Miles Austin.  And yes, while Rogers only had 2 interceptions in the 2010 season, his tight enforcement of his island vs. receivers kept quarterbacks thoughts of throwing near him at bay.  With an almost Revis-like body type, Rogers played with the tenacity and confidence of a young superstar.

Carlos Rogers snags an interception away 

from WR Victor Cruz.  He had two on the day.

Now, with 5 interceptions on the year already, he IS a superstar, and has been a major factor and veteran leader in the 49ers terrifying young defense that it has become today- the 49ers secondary has allowed the 2nd fewest passing yards to quarterbacks with the acquisition of Rogers, as well as ex-Bill Donte Whitner.  This is now a defensive backfield to dread going up against each week.


UPDATE(06/26/12): Carlos Rogers was recently ranked #69 on NFL.com's Top 100 Players of 2012.