Cason leads the way on day of takeaways

Mamba · Sep 20, 2010

Antoine Cason’s first interception Sunday will be replayed all week, praised on highlight shows and offered up as proof of his athleticism. The leaping, over-the-shoulder grab was, indeed, a play almost worthy of the freakishly talented man Cason replaced.

It was, however, in the seconds before the interception and on the many plays afterward that might prove to be the reason the Chargers are in more-than-capable hands.

“I loved watching young Cason grow up today,” veteran cornerback Quentin Jammer said. “That was the most exciting part for me, watching Cason go out and dominate.”

Cason, in his second game as the Chargers’ starting opposite Jammer at right cornerback, played eight-year veteran David Garrard for a fool in getting the first of his two interceptions Sunday.

As the Jacksonville quarterback looked downfield to see Tiquan Underwood streaking toward the end zone, Cason purposely lagged, baiting Garrard.

“Yes, I did,” Cason said, smiling.

That’s called confidence.

“Yes, it is,” Cason said, smiling.

Questions about whether Cason could be the playmaker Antonio Cromartie was at one time for the Chargers and has so far been for the New York Jets were answered over the course of 20 minutes Sunday.

Cason had two interceptions and forced a fumble to end three of the Jaguars’ first four series.

“He showed what he’s capable of,” safety Eric Weddle said. “Now we’re not going to let that go. We’re going to expect that week in and week out.”

Not that the quietly, unmistakably assured Cason would shy from such a scenario, but Weddle was laughing.

Seriously, though, it wasn’t too much of a stretch to say Cason almost single-handedly kept the Jaguars from actually getting in Sunday’s game, giving the Chargers’ offense a chance to stop messing up and actually finish drives en route to a 38-16 rout.

“It was a group effort,” Quentin Jammer said. “It wasn’t just him, but when he had the opportunity, he made the most of (them).”

True on both counts.

Cason’s second pick came off a ball deflected high into the air by Shaun Phillips. Cason’s forced fumble was scooped up by Kevin Burnett, who later had a leaping interception of his own. Linebacker Brando Siler also had a pick. And Antwan Applewhite knocked a ball loose that Paul Oliver scooped up.

The Chargers’ six takeaways were their most since Dec. 16, 2007 against Detroit. Just five times in their history have the Chargers created more turnovers.

“We didn’t have any turnovers last week,” Jammer said. “We made up for it this week.”

While disappointed they allowed a long touchdown drive late in the game, the defense used the turnovers to build on a first game in which they allowed the Kansas City Chiefs just 197 total yards. The Jaguars had just 156 passing yards through three quarters, before exploiting the Chargers soft “prevent” defense when it didn’t matter anymore, and they totaled just 71 rushing yards all game.

“We know what the offense is going to do,” said defensive end Jacques Cesaire, who had a sack and tackle for loss. “We’ve got Hall of Famers over there, man. We just have to stop the other team.”

They did that, following Cason’s lead.

Even when he was finished stealing the ball, Cason remained level, which might be the most refreshing of Sunday’s developments, considering the fire and ice play of Cromartie.

“He impressed me with his concentration, because some people after getting two picks that’s a day,” Jammer said. “He kept his focus and kept his mind in the game, and continued to make plays.”

Cason’s reach-in breakup on the first pass of the second half was one of two he would have in the final 30 minutes.

“The most important thing is keeping focus, playing your technique and doing the things I did to get in position for those first two (interceptions),” Cason said. “I have the ultimate confidence in my abilities, and I’m going to go out there and show it.”
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http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/sep/19/cason-leads-way-day-takeaways/

Mamba · Sep 20, 2010

He's been solid since training camp. I'm glad he's getting his chance to shine. He baited Garrard into throwing that pick down field by intentionally slowing down on his cover skills. It was fucking incredibly smart.

Don't miss Cromartie at all.

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Cason leads the way on day of takeaways

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Cason leads the way on day of takeaways

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