Denver Broncos second-year cornerback Damarri Mathis did not have a great game vs. the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. Mathis found himself on the losing end of several matchups with Raiders wideout Jakobi Meyers.
Not only did Mathis relinquish eight receptions to Meyers on nine targets, but he also gave up two touchdowns as Jimmy Garoppolo kept going back to the well. The Raiders quarterback ended his day with an 88.9 completion percentage and a passer rating of 150.2.
Ouch...
Sometimes even the best cornerbacks are impervious to the perfectly executed play. On Meyers' first touchdown on Mathis, that's exactly how it unfolded for the Raiders.
“The first one was Jimmy [Garoppolo] and him (Meyers) communicating at the line of scrimmage," Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels said after the game. "It was a fade. I think it was Mathis, if I'm not mistaken. He was kind of tight on him. But Jakobi has incredible hands. He has good size and length. Jimmy put it in a great spot, and Jakobi went up, got it, and shielded it with his body... Jimmy put it right on the money.”
True though McDaniels' words may have been, much of what happens in coverage Mathis can control. To have a better showing against the Washington Commanders, he will have to show refinement in two key areas.
Let's break them down.
1. Press Coverage
On the first Raiders' touchdown, Meyers was quick off the line, and Mathis allowed him to get an inside release. With the inside route open, Garopollo seamlessly found the receiver for an easy pitch and catch.
Mathis needs to remain closer to the line, just inside the receiver, and focus on the hip motion, which will allow him to have inside leverage against any receiver and use his hands to jam and potentially dislodge the football.
2. Improved Technique for Hip Control
There were a few plays where Mathis was turned around easily, leading him to be oblivious to the double moves of the receivers. He needs to practice having his body stay square with the receiver to prevent the assignment from breaking in the other direction and being open at the top of the route.
The Bounce-Back Kid?
At the beginning of last season, Mathis struggled. In fact, in his debut vs. the Los Angeles Chargers, he was penalized numerous times. However, he made the necessary improvements and bounced back to have a solid rookie season.
Let’s hope the same pattern follows this season.
Broncos' CB Options
If Mathis doesn't repeat history and continues to slump, the Broncos have options behind him. Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian, Tremon Smith, and Fabian Moreau sit behind Mathis on the Broncos’ depth chart.
While Moreau and Smith saw playing time during the preseason, McMillian was the corner who stood out. The rookie Moss has also garnered excitement but has been sidelined due to injury. However, he's been a full participant in practice this week, so expect him to play in Week 2.
Although not elite, the Commanders' offense does have some firepower. If Mathis has a repeat performance in Week 2, there could potentially be a new starter opposite of Patrick Surtain II in the coming weeks.
Only time will tell.
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