Vernon Hargreaves is good now

Three weeks ago, Vernon Hargreaves looked like one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL. He was giving receivers free access to anywhere on the field, playing so far off them that they could dance the salsa before catching the ball, and he routinely gave up big catches to everyone who lined up from him.

Unsurprisingly, that got last year’s first-round pick benched last week. Or at least, demoted to nickel cornerback, with veteran Robert McClain taking over his spot on the outside.

Somehow, that benching was the start of Hargreaves actually living up to his promise, at least if we can believe our eyes, and Pro Football Focus’ tracking.

Those are some impressive stats, and against the Panthers they came as a starter, too: Hargreaves had to step in because both McClain and Brent Grimes missed the game with injuries.

Now all he’s missing is some interceptions. Oh, and maybe a sample of more than two games against somewhat struggling quarterbacks. That’d be nice too.