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Money Well Spent
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It’s been a tough week for Eagles Nation. Time to put the whole “tie” business to bed and move on. Let’s focus on one of the bright spots for the 2008 Eagles: Cornerback Asante Samuel. I was most pleased when the Birds inked Samuel to a six-year, $57 million contract back in March. Thus far the ex-Patriot has done nothing to change my opinion.
In a league severely lacking elite cornerbacks Samuel is among the very best. Along with Charles Woodson and Champ Bailey, he has separated himself from the rest of the pack. I don’t believe in so-called shut-down corners but Samuel is as close as they come. He leads the Eagles with three interceptions and has a career best 19 passes defended. His 19 PDs are six more than Woodson and fourteen more than Raiders Pro Bowler Nnamdi Asomugha.
Samuel has held Redskins receiver Santana Moss to zero catches. He also shutout Plaxico Burress after Burress caught a touchdown over Brian Dawkins in the loss to the Giants. This past Sunday he shadowed Chad Johnson and limited the Bengals’ star to four catches for 34 yards. Hines Ward? Same results: 4 for 34. Torry Holt? One catch for nine yards. His worst performance came against the Bears. Devin Hester beat him twice, once for a 20 yard touchdown, on a play in which Samuel slipped. The Falcons’ Roddy White did rack up 113 yards and two touchdowns, but most of his damage was done with Samuel not covering him.
Some high-profile free agents turn into busts. The name Jevon Kearse comes to mind. Samuel appears to be the real deal. He’s an intelligent player with excellent ball skills and tremendous closing speed. Also impressive is his willingness to tackle, something that often eludes outcast Lito Sheppard. My only criticism of Samuel would be his suspect hands; he has dropped at least four sure-fire picks. This was never a problem in New England, so maybe he’s just having an off year.
The Eagles young defense is showing a lot of promise. Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither, Trent Cole and Quintin Mikell are all enjoying productive seasons. The groundwork to greatness has been laid. Quality cover cornerbacks are a necessity for any top-flight defense. With Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel, the Birds have two of the best in the NFL.
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November 21st, 2008 at 3:45 pm