Cornerback Nate Wiggins welcomed the challenge of shadowing a likely future Hall of Famer on Sunday.
In the week before facing the Rams, Wiggins asked Ravens Sr. Defensive Assistant/Secondary Coach Chuck Pagano and the Ravens’ coaching staff to follow wide receiver Davante Adams.
Pagano was impressed with that confidence from the former first-round pick.
“What we saw was this unbelievable sense of urgency, focus, detail – everything – because he wanted that challenge, and accepted that challenge because he’s a prideful guy,” Pagano said. “He cares what he puts on tape.”
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Wiggins held Adams to just one catch for eight yards on four targets. Overall, Adams had four catches for 39 yards, his lowest single-game production of the season.
Pagano thought Wiggins wanted some plays back, but overall, “held his own” against Adams. Wiggins was flagged for a 30-yard pass interference penalty while guarding Adams.
Among all NFL cornerbacks who have played at least 80% of their team’s defensive snaps, Wiggins has the 10th-highest grade on PFF. He’s ahead of some other top cornerbacks such as the Jets’ Sauce Gardner and Broncos’ Pat Surtain II, who was the Defensive Player of the Year last season.
“Everybody is looking to have a guy like Nate, a true No. 1 corner that when you face guys like Adams or whoever – we’re going to face some great ones coming up – the guy is willing, No. 1, and No. 2, he’s got the capability, the athleticism and the skillset to go do it,” Pagano said.