San Francisco 49ers DC Vic Fangio likes DB Carlos Rogers’ intelligence – NFL News
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has appreciated the intelligence of defenseman Carlos Rogers, who has reportedly done well to learn Fangio’ defence scheme and perform well at his new position.
Rogers is going to play at nickel in the 2012 season. The position is tough and demands great physical strength along with speed from players.
Rogers has played as cornerback, but he seems adjusting into the new role quite nicely and this has impressed Fangio. According to Fangio, Rogers has all the techniques to play at different positions.
According to the details present on the team’s website, Fangio said of Rogers:
“He’s got the intelligence because, really, everything he learns as corner has no carry over to the nickel. He’s actually playing a linebacker position and he has the intelligence and the football instincts to be able to play all those new zones and all
new techniques that he has to play in there.”
The coach added:
“He’s got a really good understanding, as you would think a veteran would, but some guys never master it.”
Rogers, who joined the 49ers last year, has been playing in the National Football League (NFL) since 2005.
He was drafted by Washington Redskins in first round of the 2005 draft and after spending six seasons with Redskins he joined the 49ers last year.
Rogers’ performance was brilliant last year as he made it to the Pro Bowl as well. In 16 games of the regular season, Rogers posted 43 tackles and six interceptions.
49ers won majority of their games last season due to exceptional performance from the defence and Rogers’ role was certainly important in the victories.
As he prepares for even more challenging role, Rogers is finding it difficult to play at nickel, but not impossible. Acknowledging that nickel is tough, Rogers said:
“You have to know crossing routes, working with the linebackers, sometimes they take the routes deep. There’s a lot of stuff. Sometimes you’re blitzing, sometimes you may have a run gap.”
49ers have made some roster adjustments this offseason to improve their offence. With the defence also experiencing some changes, the team seems ready to surprise the opponents in the 2012 season.
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