The Curious Case of Bashaud Breeland

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Sep 23, 2021
Bashaud Breeland

We are entering week 3 of the NFL season, and one thing is evident for the defensive side for the Vikings — Bashaud Breeland has struggled. 

Breeland, who signed a one-year deal worth up to $4 million on June 4th, is part of the celebrated free-agent class signed this offseason. So far, Breeland has underwhelmed and can be chalked up as the worst of the free-agent bunch. Breeland has posted a paltry Pro Football Focus grade of 29.3 through two games in 2021. Comparatively, from 2017-2020 he posted PFF grades of 68.8, 58.5, 48.3, and 67.7 over those four years. Per PFF rankings,  he is considered an average to above-average cornerback from that timeframe. 

This begs to question, what the hell is going on?

All Things Covered

A lot of what has transpired with Breeland can be attributed to the opposite side of the field. Through two weeks, Patrick Peterson has been a shutdown corner. Peterson’s PFF grade won’t reflect it as he was credited with some catches that were the result of blown coverages — and Peterson was the closest man. Peterson has passed the eye test as the true #1 he has been throughout his career. 

Why does that matter, and what does it have to do with Breeland? Those are likely your questions right now. When defenses have a shutdown corner, the opposite corner is often “picked on.” There’s been a lot of that this season. Breeland drew matchups against Tee Higgins and AJ Green primarily the first two weeks. He is credited with surrendering 124 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions (nine targets) in Week 1 and 54 yards with one touchdown on two receptions (two targets) in Week 2. Not great.

Moreover, Breeland is allowing 22.3 yards per reception and has a target rate of 24.4% on the year. Quarterbacks looking for a boost in passer rating are looking his way as he’s allowing 160.4% when being targeted along with a 72.7% catch rate allowed. What is most concerning — his burn rate of 2.222. Burn rate is the percentage of targets allowed in which the defensive back’s assigned receiver gained more than five yards of downfield separation. 

None of this is good. Thankfully, Breeland recognizes and acknowledges it.

Old Before He’s Young

Since signing with Minnesota, Breeland has been dealing with different varieties of nagging injuries. He entered camp nursing a shoulder injury which limited him early on. In the second half against the Cardinals, Breeland exited with a back injury after surrendering a 29-yard reception to Green. The back injury caused a limited practice on Thursday.

What is interesting — Breeland popped up on the injury report with injuries to the back and shoulder. Breeland may still be dealing with the effects of post-surgery recovery. In a position that requires a lot of jamming and twisting, stress can quickly build in the shoulders. 

Breeland would probably be the first to decline the notion injuries are the root of his poor play, but they are at least worth noting. 

One thing will hopefully remain valid throughout the year: Whoever lines up across from Peterson should continue to get picked on by opposing quarterbacks. That indicates Peterson still is a true shutdown corner. One should recognize this and not come down too hard on Breeland, Cameron Dantzler, or Mackensie Alexander. These guys will give up plays and get penalized due to the sheer volume of passes they will see, especially in this pro-offense, pass-happy league. 

These guys are pros and often their own worst critics. They hear you. They will continue to grind to get better.

See.