Asante Samuel has himself quite the predicament.
The Philadelphia Eagles' star cornerback, he of the 17 interceptions in the last two seasons, has found himself hanging out to dry. He feels like he isn't getting the respect that his resume says he deserves.
Via Philly Sports Daily:
When asked if he felt like he [Asante] was wanted, he said ?It?s probably 50-50.?
Now listen, this doesn't mean that Samuel is demanding a trade. Quite the contrary, as the piece goes on to explain that Asante has not yet asked to be traded.
But the feeling remains the same.
With the addition of Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency, and the trade for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from the Arizona Cardinals, Samuel has a sinking feeling that he may be the odd man out. One way that the Eagles may change his mind is by moving the cornerbacks around by featuring Asomugha in the slot, a la Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers.
Take a look, again Via Philly Sports Daily:
[Philadelphia Eagles'] Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo gave a peak behind the curtain of his thinking at his Monday press conference. As of right now, Asomugha is the leading candidate to play nickel.
?Nnamdi is a special guy. He wants to make plays. I think he respects [Charles] Woodson. I think he would love that role, being able to blitz ? big, tall guy like that coming off the edge, then all of a sudden in press coverage on the slot guy.?
That sounds awesome, but would it actually work?
Yes and no.
It would work in the sense that Nnamdi absolutely could play the Charles Woodson role. He has more than enough talent, plenty of athleticism, and is one of the most highly regarded corners in the NFL.
Two issues could arise, though. Firstly, what happens when a team comes out with only two wide receivers? Does Nnamdi cover the tight end? Do they send one of the corners to the bench? If so, do they send DRC or Asante (because they sure as hell aren't sending Asomugha)? Does Nnamdi cover the tight end?
That's a lot of questions that need to be answered in that situation.
The other problem is the fact that Asomugha and DRC are both man-to-man cover corners, whereas Asante has always been known as a better zone defender.
I'm not saying he can't play man-to-man, I'm simply stating that DRC might be a better fit for that role because that's what he did in Arizona. Maybe Philadelphia is trying to switch to a more man-to-man style, and therefore are looking to deal Samuel to fill some gaping holes in their linebacking corps?
No one could say for sure.
Either way, Philadelphia should try their best to work it out with Asante. He is one of the best defensive players in the NFL and has tons of playoff experience.
On a team as ready to win right now as the Eagles are, it wouldn't make much sense for them to deal him. Unless, of course, they could get a star linebacker in return.
Cameron Diaz Cameron Richardson Camilla Belle Carla Campbell
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