For NFL quarterbacks, opposing rookie cornerbacks are usually like chum in ocean waters for sharks - there to be devoured.
When Chad Pennington looks across the line of scrimmage tomorrow when his Dolphins play his former team, the Jets, he'll likely be staring at rookie corner Dwight Lowery.
Pennington, though, should heed a word of warning: Lowery is not your ordinary wide-eyed rookie corner shivering in his cleats at the thought of playing in his first NFL game.
Lowery, by all accounts, is a special, mature, seasoned player - as evidenced by the fact he likely will start at corner for the Jets opposite last year's No. 1 draft pick, Darrelle Revis.
All it takes is a chat at Lowery's locker to realize this 22-year-old rookie possesses wisdom beyond his youth.
"Football very similar to life," Lowery said. "Things happen to you and it's really how you respond to it. That's what's going to make you the player or the person you're going to be."
Huh? Dude, you're 22 and a professional athlete for the first time. Aren't you supposed to be confidently talking about how many picks you'll have this year, who you'll bring to the Pro Bowl with you and how much bling you'll be wearing to the parties?
But that is not Lowery's deal. Being humble and level-headed are what he's about.
His path to starting his first professional game tomorrow in Miami was an improbable one.
Lowery played his college ball at San Jose State after a two-year stay at Cabrillo College, and was drafted in the fourth round in April as a player many figured might contribute on special teams and be a project corner.
"I put myself into this position because of maturity," Lowery said.
Preparation and innate balls skills have led to an inordinate amount of interceptions for Lowery dating back to high school. He has had 46 interceptions in his various stops since then, plus one against the Browns in preseason. So Pennington might be smart to stay away from him.
Lowery seems undaunted by the task that faces him.
