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Champ Bailey or Deion Sanders?
By Jake Bailey, TheSportsStand.com (7/1/07)

It's been a big topic of debate the last few years: Who is the greatest CB of all time? Two names stand out above all others. Deion Sanders and Champ Bailey. Both exemplify the epitome of athleticism. Both were great corners who struck fear into the hearts of opposing quarterbacks. They were both considered what are called "shut down corners". This article will be used to debate which is better.

Deion Sanders is probably one of the greatest athletes of all time. He's the only athlete to ever play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series. He played on the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins (Along with Champ Bailey actually), and a brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens. He is currently retired.

Champ Bailey is one of the most feared corners in the league. Currently, there is no doubt who the best CB in the NFL is. Champ Bailey stands above all the others in the league currently. He's played on the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos. Champ is still playing and is in arguably the prime of his career.

In terms of cover skills, it is pretty much a draw. Both get INTs, have the ability to return it for a touchdown, and are great playmakers. They literally shut down one side of the field. Quarterbacks will literally refuse to throw it their way. When they do, they pay. However, the difference between the two lies in tackling. Bailey has no problem going up and tackling the big guys. Champ is much more physical than Deion and I believe that is what gives him an edge. Believe it or not, most of Champ's tackle in '07 came specifically on run support.

That's just my analysis, however. Let's take a look at the statistics and the facts.

Deion Sanders (Career: 14 years):

419 Solo Tackles, 92 Assisted, 511 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 10 Forced Fumbles, 10 Fumbles Recovered, 123 Passes Deflected, 53 INTs, 9 TDs

Champ Bailey (Career: 8 years)

511 Solo Tackles, 54 Assisted, 565 Total Tackles,1 Sack, 3 Forced Fumbles, 6 Fumbles Recovered, 138 passes deflected, 39 INTs, 4 TDs

Analysis: There are a few statistical categories that stand out to me. Champ's played for about half the time Deion has played (A year longer than half to be exact). He already has more solo tackles and total tackles. The big thing that stands out to me is that Champ has the same amount of tackles solo as Deion does in total. That's real telling for me. Both have the same amount of sacks, but they're not going to be sent on blitzes too often. Champ also already has more passes deflected than Deion. This is all done in about half the time it took Deion.

Now a comparison of Deion's first 8 years versus Champ's current 8 years.

Deion Sanders (Career: 8 years): 255 Tackles, 78 Assisted, 333 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 8 Forced Fumbles, 6 Fumbles Recovered, 83 Passes Deflected, 34 INTs, 6 TDs

Champ Bailey (Career: 8 years)

511 Solo Tackles, 54 Assisted, 565 Total Tackles,1 Sack, 3 Forced Fumbles, 6 Fumbles Recovered, 138 passes deflected, 39 INTs, 4 TDs

Analysis: The numbers here are much more telling when comparing the first 8 years of each player's career. Champ is crushing Deion in most of the statistical categories. He over doubles Deion's solo tackle total. He defeats him in total tackles and ties in sacks. Deion however has him beat in forced fumbles recovered. Champ however has a considerable lead in passes deflected and 5 more INTs than Deion. Deion, however, has beaten Champ in TDs. I think this set of stats is probably the most important that you're going to see in this article. Champ clearly is the better CB in this one. More tackles and INTs, while only getting 2 less TDs.

Now let's take a look at Champ's projected stats over a 14 year career vs. Deion's 14 year career:

Deion Sanders (Career: 14 years):

419 Solo Tackles, 92 Assisted, 511 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 10 Forced Fumbles, 10 Fumbles Recovered, 123 Passes Deflected, 53 INTs, 9 TDs

Champ Bailey (Career: 14 years [Projected and Rounded]):

894 Solo Tackles, 95 Assisted, 989 Total, 1 Sack (I rounded down because Champ rarely blitzes), 5 Forced Fumbles, 11 Fumbles Recovered, 242 Passes Deflected, 68 INTs, 7 TDs

Analysis: When projected, the numbers are staggering. Champ will have beaten Deion in most of the categories and, most importantly, in all the major categories of CB (INTs, Deflections, and Tackles). Deion will have Champ beaten in only TDs and Forced Fumbles.

There is no doubt that Deion is a great athlete and was a great CB, but when looking at the stats, it's quite clear who the better CB of the two is: Champ Bailey. Champ also plays in an era that is more wide receiver friendly. Deion played in a more DB friendly era. There are so many rules now that hinder the play of defensive backs and, with this in mind, makes Champ's numbers even more amazing. Both are amazing CBs and athletes, and as an athlete, I'd probably have to give the edge to Deion because he also played in the MLB, returned punts and kicks, and played WR. Champ, however, has shown that he is just as athletic on the football field. Champ also played in those roles with Washington, but in a more limited way. In my opinion, Champ is the best CB currently and possibly the best ever, and barring injury, will become the undisputed best. Isn't it also coincidental that his initials are the same as the position? Champ Bailey = CB...

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