It all depends on the scheme. There was nobody over the top. I find it hard to believe that you want him turning around to find the ball when simply playing the man and defending that pass would have likely turned that into an incompletion.
I am not going to pretend to know all there is to know about playing CB, but I can tell you that simply watching the game on TV and screaming "fucking turn around you idiot" is one of the dumbest things I can think of. You can't possibly turn your head and find the ball AND run at the same speed you were before. It just doesn't work that way. It's the reason there is the term about looking at your opponent during a race. Look at the finish line and you will get there, look at your opponents and you will watch them beat you." Riq did what every beer drinking Couch Coach wants him to do, and paid for it.
He shouldn't have stopped his feet, but all that did was create MORE separation than there would have been already because he turned around without over the top help. That ball was completed because he turned around. He has terrible technique, and made that play even easier. But even if he continues to run? He would have lost enough momentum for that catch to be made. But? At least he would have turned around on the sidelines in man coverage and tried to play the ball, like everyone that ISN'T coaching DBs in the NFL wants him to do.
Again, only Seahawk fans would watch the disgusting bullshit offense we ran on Sunday, and blame the CB who gave up two completions for the loss. It's fucking ridiculous. Score pointS. It's the fucking game of football in 2025, and we played 58 and a half minutes of football before we broke 100 yards.....PASSING! And a fucking Corner is public enemy #1.You shouldn't turn to find the ball as a cornerback in man coverage because it slows you down and puts you out of position, allowing the receiver to gain separation. Instead, you should maintain focus on the receiver's hips and react to their breaks to stay with them. When the receiver's hands go up, you should use your outside arm to get in between their hands and the ball to disrupt the catch.
Why a Head Turn is Detrimental
Loss of Speed and Momentum:
Turning your head slows you down by a precious half-step or more, which can be the difference between making a play and allowing a completion.
Disrupts Position:
The head turn causes you to lose the receiver's hip pocket, increasing the distance and allowing the receiver to create separation.
Risk of a "Fake":
A receiver can fake a look back, or the ball may not be in the air yet, leaving you in a vulnerable and out-of-position state if you turn your head prematurely.
The Correct Technique: Eye Discipline and Reaction
Watch the Receiver's Hips:
Keep your eyes locked on the receiver's waist or hips to read their every move and anticipate their route breaks.
Stay Tight:
Maintain a tight position, matching the receiver's movements, which minimizes the quarterback's window to throw the ball.
React to the Receiver's Hands:
When the receiver's hands go up to catch the ball, that's your cue to become a "ball hawk".
Disrupt the Catch:
Instead of looking for the ball, turn your outside arm into the receiver to get between their arms and the ball, preventing them from catching it. This is often called a "strip" or "pin" technique.
