Nnamdi Asomugha

by Plummer's Union on Sep 30, 2009 2:45 AM MDT

I made an observation last year right before a game with the Raiders last year. Mike Shanahan said something along the lines of Nnamdi Asomugha being the "most underrated player in the NFL" (if someone could find the exact quote, that would be appreciated). Now, last year was Asomugha's sixth NFL season, and prior to that he had made the Pro Bowl one time. He was a Second-team All-Pro selection, very deservedly. That season he caught 8 of his career total 10 interceptions.

Last year he was a First-Team All-Pro selection, while only making 1 interception. A far cry from 8. Why did he make the pro bowl with one interception? I am convinced that the only reason he made the Pro Bowl last season is because of what Shanahan said. After Shanahan said that, EVERY commentator weighed in on Asomugha, heaping praise on him. Am I crazy or do Shanahan's words carry that much weight in this league?

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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I'm not familiar with Shanahan's comments about Asomugha

In support of your thesis, however, I would add that Bowe came and prior to facing the Raiders in week two and let it be known that he and Hailey were planning on throwing at Asomugha, and they did. We didn’t hide from throwing at him either. So it certainly seems possible, at least, that his one year of eight interceptions and super-stardom gave him more long-term respect than deserved.

by Alex on Sep 30, 2009 3:12 AM MDT reply actions

Namdi was only thrown at 27 times all of last season. He allowed 8 catches.

As we all know, the Pro Bowl is more about the hype a player gets than how good he is, so Shanahan’s comment certainly helped his cause, but by that time many members of the MSM were already starting to name him the best corner in football.

Mike Nolan is my hero.

by jack_ on Sep 30, 2009 4:35 AM MDT reply actions

where did these stats come from?

Jason
The Hanging Curve

by poorboywilly on Sep 30, 2009 9:37 AM MDT up reply actions

As we all know, the Pro Bowl is more about the hype a player gets than how good he is

see: Favre, Brett

by lolcopter on Sep 30, 2009 9:53 AM MDT up reply actions

Or Cutler, J.

by Velveeta on Sep 30, 2009 11:14 AM MDT up reply actions

INTs do not make the cornerback

Basing Pro Bowl selections upon INTs is how people like Deltha O’Neal and Tory James get voted in. For the rest of time, they will be referred to as “former Pro Bowlers” O’Neal and James.

by Douglas A. Lee on Sep 30, 2009 4:41 AM MDT reply actions

Yup

You got it. Hard to get interceptions when folks stay away from you. If you play in a fantasy football league that has individual defenders the last player you want is a Asumogha or a Champ. You want somebody like O’Neal that is constantly getting thrown on, getting occasional picks and racking up tackles on the receivers catching the ball in front of them (ie the poorer the cb, the better the stats)

by AKfan on Sep 30, 2009 10:28 AM MDT up reply actions

Great point

and reason 143 that Louis Wright should be in the HoF. For the most part, teams just didn’t bother to throw to his side. He was that fricken great. Best cover corner of his era.

Where will you be on October 1st, 2009 at 6:45 PM Mountain Time?

by Bob in Boulder on Sep 30, 2009 11:04 AM MDT up reply actions

Champ

Nnamdi made first team last year because Champ did not. Champ did not because he was injured last year.

by Endzone on Sep 30, 2009 6:50 AM MDT reply actions

Namdi isn't a ballhawker

He is a big (6’2) CB that shuts down WR’s. Your not gonna see him making ED Reed like picks, because that’s not who he is. I do believe he is slightly overrated, as the MSM acts like he is the best CB ever, but its hard to deny his skill level

Also, Namdi is starting the big CB trend. Look at Miami with Sean Smith and Vontae Davis, and the Jets with Darrelle Revis as some examples. Personally, I don’t think size is an issue, but Namdi’s influence in the NFL is bigger than most think

by DBroncs1414 on Sep 30, 2009 8:34 AM MDT reply actions