Fact or Fiction: Cornerbacks

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As part of ESPN.com's season preview package, we'll have two of our experts debate an issue everyday for Fact or Fiction. Today's Fact or Fiction question: Cornerback is the hardest position in football to play.

Fact or Fiction: Cornerback is the hardest position in football to play.

Mark Schlereth FICTION The new rules have made the position tougher, but it's still not the toughest position to play. You can be a lockdown, shutdown cornerback without having much knowledge or understanding of the game outside of your individual assignment. The toughest position is still quarterback. They have to understand the pass protection schemes, what the running backs are doing on every play and what routes the receivers are running. On top of that you have to understand blitz schemes to protect your own safety. Every other position pales in comparison to playing quarterback.

Joe Theismann FICTION Quarterback is the hardest position to play because he handles the ball on average 65 times a game and everything is dependent on his play. It's amazing how much a quarterback has to think about when he steps back to pass as compared to any other position on the field. I don't think the new rules are going to affect the good cornerbacks. They have the skills and understanding of the game to still be able to matchup and slow down receivers when it matters.

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