What’s Age Got To Do With It?

Friday night at Invesco Field is Senior Citizens night. Ok, not really, but I think it should be considering four of the two team’s starting cornerbacks have 10 plus years of experience in the NFL. Not only do they have the experience, but they are arguably the top four corners in the league. Champ Bailey and Dre Bly are entering their 10th year while the Packers’ Al Harris and Charles Woodson are entering their 11th year. Combined the four have 128 interceptions and wisdom beyond their years.

These guys still believe that while they may have lost a step (physically), they make up for it with the knowledge they have about the game and additional work in the film room.

Bailey even has a hard time admitting that he’s lost some speed:

"“I’m a little heavier, maybe, than I was when I came in, but I’m a lot smarter. I don’t know if I’m as fast as I was, but I’m still fast as hell. Back then I had young, fresh legs, but I know where I’m going now and it makes all the difference in the world. Even if I’m not quite as fast – and I think it’s pretty close – I play a lot faster because I know what I’m looking at” (Rocky Mountain News)."

It’s amazing to watch these four guys at work. They are going up against the likes of Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Brandon Marshall – big, strong, and fast receivers. What’s even more incredible is that they counter the strengths of the receivers with strengths of their own. They focus in on flexibility, more reps with lighter weights, and a different approach to recovery.

So when the Broncos play the Packers on Friday, I hope that fans are smart enough to know how lucky they are to be watching these four great corners dominate at their position. Even if it is just preseason.

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