MINNEAPOLIS -- For years, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn has been telling anyone who will listen about the value of the nickel corner in the modern NFL. Give them Pro Bowl consideration, he's said. Pay them like starters, he's added. And during the playoffs, Munnerlyn's cause got as prominent an endorsement as it could have.
During an interview on ESPN during the playoffs, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick estimated his team is in nickel or dime packages 80 percent of the time. Munnerlyn was paying close attention.
"I was like, "Yes -- that's right, Bill!