Michael Nania reviews Pierre Desir‘s standout 2018 season for Indianapolis. Can he recapture that magic in New York?
With the 127th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns took a chance on cornerback Pierre Desir, a product of seldom-known Division II school Lindenwood University.
Thus began a long journey for Desir on his path to putting together a quality 16 games as a starting cornerback. After playing only five games in his rookie season (starting one), Desir became a key reserve for the Browns in his second season, starting six games over 14 appearances throughout the season. He struggled, allowing a 125.7 passer rating and 11.0 yards per target on throws in his direction.
Desir was waived as part of the Browns’ final cuts ahead of the 2016 season. Shortly after, he was claimed by the San Diego Chargers. He only played 22 defensive snaps over five appearances as he bounced on-and-off the active roster.
Midway through the 2016 season, the Seattle Seahawks signed Desir to their practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the team after the season. Desir stuck with Seattle throughout the 2017 offseason, but once again was waived as part of final roster cuts.
Desir played in three games over the first seven weeks of the season, starting one, but he finally got his break towards the middle of the season. With the release of Vontae Davis, Desir became a starter in Week 8. He struggled over five starts, allowing 8.8 yards per target and three touchdowns, until he was put on season-ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
Indianapolis signed Desir to a one-year deal, and he yet again had to battle his way onto the roster throughout the offseason. Desir made the roster and was promoted to the starting lineup in Week 2, playing a featured role on the Colts’ defense throughout the season.
Desir was a pleasant surprise for Indianapolis. He wound up having one of the best seasons among cornerbacks in his first season as a full-time starter.
In 2019, Desir was not nearly as effective. He missed four games with a hamstring injury suffered early in the season, which hampered him throughout the majority of the year.
Joe Douglas and the Jets are hoping Desir can stay healthy and replicate his impressive 2018 season. Let’s dig into some of the things that Desir showed he can do at a high level during that breakout campaign.
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