Nnamdi Asomugha gets chance to shine, will play both sides at CB
Darrelle Revis is holding out because he feels he’s the best cornerback in the league and should be the highest paid player at his position. Nnamdi Asomugha currently holds the title as the highest paid cornerback in the NFL and if Revis misses this season, Asomugha will get a chance to show how great he is. More eyes will be on him and that’s one chance he hasn’t gotten as his talents are often taken for granted.
Asomugha signed a three-year deal with the Raiders last year worth $15.1 million a season, a number Revis wants to pass. Asomugha benefits salary-wise from having the team run by Raiders’ owner Al Davis who has shown that he’s willing to pay stars a large amount.
Many have questioned whether Asomugha deserves that much and many do not see him as the league’s best cornerback. He will be looking to change that belief this season as the team has decided that he will no longer have to stay on the right side, but he will cover the opposition’s best receiver no matter where they’re lined up. That gives him a better opportunity to shine and he can prove that he’s the best in the league by his performance in his increased role.
At 29 years old and with two Pro Bowl appearances, Asomugha was regarded as the league’s best defensive back after he accumulated eight interceptions in the 2006 season. This is a change in philosophy and strategy for the Raiders and Asomugha will have plenty of opportunities to make an impression in man-to-man coverage.
"Every year there are times when it happens but this year I just think it will happen more because we're doing it in practice more and they're allowing it to happen more," Asomugha said. "Me being able to play in the slot on third down ... I've wanted that for a while."
Asomugha has been so good that quarterbacks have virtually given up throwing the ball in his direction. In 2009, only 28 passes were thrown Asomugha’s way whereas 111 passes were thrown Revis’ way. That gave Revis a better chance at making an impression while Asomugha very quietly shut down opponents. The eight-year veteran is somewhat frustrated over the lack of recognition he gets for his consistent efforts going unnoticed.
"There are so many times when I feel like I'm having the game of my life and no one knows it," Asomugha said. "That's rough. No one sees it. The offenses see it, the people that watch film see it but the fans don't see it."
It is a shame that fans cannot see how valuable Asomugha is to the Raiders defence. Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly may get more attention, Asomugha quietly does his job well and commands respect both on and off the field.
Asomugha hasn’t commented on Revis’ desire to make more money than him. Instead he’s just doing his job well and getting set for the season. With Revis possibly not playing this season, Asomugha may get a chance at receiving more recognition by fans, recognition that he deserves. He can prove why he’s the highest paid cornerback in the league and in his new role he’ll get a much bigger chance to prove his value.
“Some of it is just being able to get him comfortable on both sides because of all the slot formations and corner over [the top]," Oakland coach Tom Cable said. "Some of it has to do with him maybe lining up on the best receiver.”
Asomugha was drafted in 2003 which coincided in a playoff drought for the Raiders. Since their loss in Super Bowl XXXVII to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Raiders have not made the playoffs. Asomugha hopes that the team’s fortunes could change this season. That would really give him the chance to have the games of his life with everyone taking notice.
“We're doing more things, and I love it," Asomugha said. "I've been inside I've been outside, both sides. It looks like it won't be a thing that's selective based off who we're playing. It's just going to be a thing that we can do whenever we want ... and that's great. It gets me more involved.”
The pieces are in place for Asomugha to prove how great he is. Now he must show it on the field and fans must take notice.
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