Michael Davis wasn’t even supposed to be on the field this much this season.
After a down 2021, the Chargers signed J.C. Jackson, a seemingly obvious replacement for Davis, given second-year corner Asante Samuel Jr.’s progress on the opposite side. Like Davis, Jackson is a corner who excels playing press, but the former Patriot is also a ballhawk. Once Davis officially lost his starting gig to Samuel in the preseason, it seemed like he’d be a clear-cut candidate to open the 2023 offseason.
Then, Jackson ruptured his patellar tendon. 43, you’re back up.
Davis came out swinging from the jump with a series of solid to good games, but his performance against Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins was his best yet. It shouldn’t be a surprise if you’re familiar with his game: Davis has always been the Hill shadow dating back to the speedster’s time in Kansas City.
Let’s head to the film to see what made Davis successful on Sunday.
Michael Davis (top of screen) had a phenomenal game against the Dolphins, primarily as a press cover man. sticking with Tyreek is no easy feat but Davis brings the clamps in Round 1 here pic.twitter.com/zCYxeoAuF0
— alex katson (parody) 🇯🇵 (@alexkatson) December 14, 2022
Right away, the Chargers’ defense came out playing fired up. The play before the above was a pass deflection from Derwin James’ replacement Alohi Gilman on a deep shot targeting Hill. Tua Tagovailoa went back to Tyreek on second down, trusting him to beat Davis on an intermediate crossing route. Instead, Davis stayed in phase all the way through and didn’t let the former Chief get any space, sticking his arm in for the PBU to force a third down and keep the energy going.
Davis at the bottom of the screen this time – another great rep in press against Tyreek. stays patient on the release and has enough quick twitch to hang around and get the PBU pic.twitter.com/NhV1QUwgeK
— alex katson (parody) 🇯🇵 (@alexkatson) December 14, 2022
You’ll notice a theme as this film room goes along: Davis played Tyreek Hill about as physically as you legally can. On this slant in the shadow of Miami’s goal line, the corner stays patient as Hill makes his release, already a critical factor in limiting football’s fastest player. Feet lie, hips don’t. Davis does a great job staying at home as Hill tries to sell an outside route before breaking back in. From there, it’s about staying connected, which Davis can do without garnering a flag before…
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