Packers rookie CB Eric Stokes has earned ‘extra performs’ shifting ahead
Green Bay Packers defensive backs coach and passing coordinator Jerry Gray is pleased with cornerback Eric Stokes’ performance so far and the rookie’s week 2 game should keep him moving on the field.
The Packers’ first-round pick, Stokes, played 44 snaps against the Detroit Lions, delivering two pass breakups and forcing a total of three imperfections.
“I think Eric is doing a really good job right now,” said Gray on Thursday. “He makes his pieces.”
Stokes only allowed one catch in his first two NFL games. He is also the top rated rookie cornerback on Pro Football Focus.
Gray said Stokes did an excellent job finding the ball in the air, especially breaking the fourth down pass in the end zone in the second half on Monday night. He believes that a young cornerback who is able to turn his head, find the ball in the air and not panic or grab the receiver is a confident cornerback.
“Making plays builds confidence, especially if you’re a rookie and have most of the balls coming your way,” said Gray.
Stokes was tight in cover and made a 4th and 1st throw against Quintez Cephus in the third quarter, which was an incompleteness and a major turning point in the Packers’ 35-17 win.
“That’ll justify him more games,” said Gray.
The Packers brought in Stokes as perimeter cornerback by bringing Kevin King and Jaire Alexander into the slot more against the Lions. Construction could continue on Sunday in San Francisco.
The performance wasn’t perfect. Stokes and King had coverage hiatus on the Lions ‘first touchdown pass, and the rookie wasn’t in a perfect position in Quarters coverage on the Lions’ second touchdown pass.
Gray said the Lions fooled Stokes’ eyes on Jared Goff’s touchdown pass to TJ Hockenson. With better discipline and more experience, the rookie would have fallen out of cover and had a chance of an interception.
“If you’re in the quarters, you should intercept the game,” said Gray.
Good, bad, and ugly from Packers’ Week 2 beating Lions
