The Cowboys reached a long-term extension with FS Ken Hamlin before the deadline to sign franchised players before next offseason.
The Titans couldn't get anything done with Albert Haynesworth. The Ravens failed with Terrell Suggs. The Raiders struck out with Nnamdi Asomugha. So which team is hurt the most by this? I'd like to hear your thoughts.
It's not as easy as just picking the best player of the three (and that's no easy task either). Remember, each of these teams can work out an extension next season. But they can't announce a deal before then, which could hinder the teams from re-signing them down the line. It also could anger the player, who might decide to walk after next season.
Of the three, I think Haynesworth had the best 2007 season. He simply was dominant, often unblockable, when healthy. He changed the way offensive coordinators called games last season. He plays a position where players of his caliber are hard to find. And yet there's a question about Haynesworth's desire with some folks around the league, even after his finest season to date, so he's going to have to prove himself once more.
Suggs probably had the least productive season of these three players, but he was probably a little better than his stats (the five sacks stand out a little) would indicate. Still, he's a rare edge rusher with the ability to play down or up, at end or linebacker. He has expanded his game some since coming into the league and might be in good hands with John Harbaugh. He probably has the most to gain with a big season this year.
But I am going to say that the Raiders might have the most to potentially lose here. Asomugha is still not a household name with some fans, but personnel people know all about him. He's a man corner who can play physically and can hawk the ball, too. He still gives some space on receivers and was not as good in '07 as he was in '06. But with the Raiders throwing gobs of money at DeAngelo Hall -- and many other people -- this offseason, can they really afford two high-priced corners?
Don't be surprised if the Raiders not only lose Asomugha, but also lose the most of the three teams.
Let's hear your thoughts ...
Comments (5)
the reason asomugha had better stats in 06 is because only 30 balls were thrown his way last season..qbs are scared of him...u dont know what you're talking about.
Posted by manny | July 16, 2008 3:07 PM
Posted on July 16, 2008 15:07
asomugha has been simply dominant the past 2 seasons. i agree with manny, he had the deion sanders effect last year... nobody threw to his side. he automatically makes the defense that much better, being able to shade one half of the field and play on an island. he is a beast, cant wait to see what hell do this year with hall in that secondary even if just for one season.. all they have to do now is find a way to stop the run!
Posted by eric | July 16, 2008 8:06 PM
Posted on July 16, 2008 20:06
You are absolutely right about teams not throwing Asomugha's way as much. But I stand by my assessment of his play last season. He was very good -- just not as good as 2006. And it's not just the fewer interceptions. I thought it took him about 5-6 games to get back to that dominant level. By the end of the season he was there, but the first part of the year he was not as his best. Watch the Lions tape from Week One or even the Green Bay game later in the season. He still gives up some big plays, but he supports the run very well and is mostly excellent.
Posted by Eric Edholm | July 16, 2008 11:28 PM
Posted on July 16, 2008 23:28
Big plays? The only big play he allowed all season was on a broken play, in which he ran towards the line of scrimmage, Huard somehow got away from Sapp (who had his arms all over him) and completed a 54 yard reception to Bowe because of it.
Posted by Kenny | July 17, 2008 3:36 PM
Posted on July 17, 2008 15:36
Nnamdi is simply put the best damn corner in the business and he's homegrown lets be real al davis is all about corners the raiders are at their best when they have two physical man to man cover corners for Ex. mike haynes and lester hayes charles woodson and eric allen i know the money situation is tight right now but i predict that if a deal is not done next year he may be franchised again until they get cap space back why else would al put an exclusive tag on my homeboy he doesn't want another team to even speak with him because he is that important to a defense that revolves around man to man coverage he's 6'2" 210 and runs a 4.4 he's not going anywhere plus deangelo hall is a second corner anyway we paid way to much for him Nnamdi will probably get 5 years 52 or 55 mil with 26 mil garanteed. 21 Nnamdi is love
Posted by Evraider | July 21, 2008 9:41 PM
Posted on July 21, 2008 21:41