Cromartie shines in Bolts victory

Sunday, Oct 28, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

The question in Norv Turner’s postgame news conference came from a reporter, but the Chargers’ Head Coach joked that he was sure cornerback Antonio Cromartie prodded the writer to ask it.

The reporter asked if there was a chance Antonio Cromartie will soon see action returning kicks and punts for the Chargers.

“I know he asked you to ask that question,” Turner said through a smile.  “I get that question at least three times a day.  I try to avoid him regularly.”

Turner went on to say that Cromartie definitely has the skills to serve in that capacity, but he’d prefer his second-year cornerback focus on continuing to make plays on defense.  The reason why the return question came up Sunday was because Cromartie had an opportunity to show off his return skills after a couple defensive plays.

Cromartie shined early and often Sunday as he unquestionably had his best game as a pro.  He scored a touchdown on a 70-yard interception return and scored another touchdown when he fell on an errant snap in the end zone.  Had Cromartie been able to make one more man miss, he likely would have had a third touchdown return following a second interception.

“It’s pretty much a consensus that he’s the fastest player on the team,” cornerback Drayton Florence said.  “When he gets in the open field, look out.  We practice returns every week because every time we get a pick, we want to score.”

Teammates teased Cromartie following the game, saying he was lucky to be in the right place at the right time on multiple occasions.  Linebacker Stephen Cooper, who also recorded an interception against Houston, thought Sunday must have been Cromartie’s birthday. Truth of the matter, Cromartie credits additional preparation and his continual growth as a player.

“Last week during the bye, I stuck around and watched a lot of film,” Cromartie said.  My biggest thing was wanted to get ahead.  I’m getting a lot of opportunities.  I just want to take advantage of them like I did today.”

That attitude has shown both in practice and on Sundays.  Two weeks ago against Oakland, Cromartie delivered his first interception of his career.  He’s gotten better as a tackler and has been given chances to show the ball skills and instincts that made him a first round pick last April.

“I think he’s one of our most improved guys,” Turner said.  “That’s not to say he had a long ways to go.  He’s a very good young player who hasn’t played a lot of football.  Every time he gets to go practice he gets better.”

The last time Cromartie scored two touchdowns in a game was in high school when he was playing both cornerback and wide receiver for Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida.  He wouldn’t discount what Sunday’s game would do for his psyche.

“It’s a big deal,” Cromartie said.  “It gives me a lot more confidence.  Just going out there a lot more comfortable and having trust in my teammates.  My biggest thing is just to come in and play within the defense and make plays within the defense.”

And any opportunities on special teams are just icing on the cake.