Chris Johnson: Part of a Dynamic Duo

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Oakland Raider have historically have favored big corners with speed and athleticism to match any wide receiver. This has been a trade mark of the Raiders for decades.

In the '70s it was Willie Brown and Skip Thomas. The two of them wrecked havoc on quarterbacks and frustrated receivers to no end. Willie Brown and Skip Thomas revolutionized how the corner position was played.

So much so that Brown's bump-and-run coverage technique caused the NFL to change the way corners covered receivers. Still Brown still managed to have a Hall of Fame career while helping his partner on the other side get some interceptions thrown his way.

In the 80's the Raiders next corner-back tandem would pick up where Brown and Thomas left off. Mike Haynes another Hall of Famer came to the Raiders as a free agent from New England. Haynes was also a tall corner with a impressive vertical who with the help of his partner would lead his defense to a Super Bowl victory in 1983.

Lester Hayes a bit smaller than Haynes, had ball skills that even receivers would envy.  However abuse of a system caused controversy to how good he actually was. The abuse of stickum may influence voters from Hayes being a Hall of Famer himself.

The most recent tandem was in the '90s, with first round pick Charles Woodson and veteran Eric Allen. These two tried to live up to the cornerback tradition that the Raiders took so much pride in.

Unfortunately this tandem could not last long as Eric Allen would retire and an enlarged ego from Charles Woodson would separate the two.

In 2006, an unknown corner Nnamdi Asomugha had a breakout year with eight interceptions. Drafted as a Safety, Al Davis saw the makings of a big speedy corner, and encouraged Asomuga to make the transition. Ever since, Nnamdi would be considered to the best at his position and the Raiders have been looking for his partner.

Fabian Washington had the speed, but not the size or instincts to be feared by any QB. On paper the Raiders had the most feared duo when they signed Deangelo Hall. However Hall's lack of man-to-man coverage caused a change to the Raiders secondary as he was cut during mid-season.

The emergence of Chris Johnson arose as Hall's replacement. At 6'1 and 200 pounds, Johnson excelled in man-to-man coverage. A highlight of his season was against Denver in week 11. As Cutler destroyed Hall in week one, Cutler tried to do the same in week 11 yet was denied.

Chris Johnson is now Robin to Asomuga's Batman. With a new Contract, he needs to prove that he can keep up with No. 21 and be that dependable corner that the Raiders have been looking for.

Al Davis has never been satisfied with just one corner, lets hope Johnson can live up to expectations.

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