Nnamdi Exposed

After the Eagles lost to the Arizona Cardinals, many fans and experts were bashing Juan Castillo for not playing man coverage against Larry Fitzgerald.  Given the talent that the Eagles have at the corner position, many would have preferred the high price free agent signee Nnamdi Asomugha to cover Fitz through out the game; and rightfully so.  Asomugha is supposed to be one of the best corners and he should be able to take a big time player like Fitzgerald completely out of the game.  But very simply Asomugha is NOT one of the best corners in the game and on Sunday night it really showed.  Click the link below for proof.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d82451979/Manning-hits-Cruz-for-24-yard-TD

As you can see from the video, Asomugha was lined up one on one against Victor Cruz and he got badly burned.  If Asomugha can't even handle Victor Cruz, how do you expect him to do against Fitzgerald who is arguably one of the game's best receivers?  The point is Asomugha clearly is not one of the game's top corners and he shouldn't be trusted in man coverage.

Asomugha definitely has his strengths.  He is great at bumping receivers at the line and using his height and length to make plays.  But he isn't a lock down corner like Darrelle Revis who completely removes big time receivers from games.

People are too enthralled by the name Nnamdi Asomugha.  He played for a very bad Oakland team and the only reason teams didn't throw his way is it was just easier to throw to the corner opposite Nnamdi who was probably even worse.  Teams didn't throw Nnamdi's way and everyone thought he was this amazing corner.

But in 10 games with the Eagles, Asomugha is being exposed as a below average corner.  He is getting beat, he is missing tackles, and he is getting called for stupid penalties.  If Asomugha had the talent to play man coverage, Castillo would certainly utilize him to take big receivers out of games.  But he can't play man and Castillo in turn is trying to use the prized free agent as best he can.

I typically don't like to bash players especially a guy like Nnamdi who does so much for the community off the field.  But when you are getting paid 60 million and you can't even cover Victor Cruz something has to be said. I really hope Asomugha finds his place in this defense and figures out a way to be effective.  But as of right now Asomugha continues to get exposed week after week and is definitely not living up to his contract.