Of all the matchups we analyze, scrutinize and pick apart each week, one will almost always get more attention than others: the marquee wide receiver against the shutdown corner.
There's a sense of isolation on both sides that creates the purest form of one-on-one sparring football has to offer. The receiver is there by himself on the outside, and he stares at the man assigned to keep the ball out of his grasp. That man stares back, knowing safety help isn't coming because it's better used elsewhere. He can seal off this side of the field.
Then, often every physical tool that makes NFL players astoundingly versatile athletes is on display in a few quick seconds.