The Eagles Last “Great” CB: Asante Samuel
Whether it be Darrius Slay, Byron Jones, or Logan Ryan, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to upgrade the Cornerback position during this upcoming Free Agency Frenzy.
The Birds’ decisions to bring in reinforcements over the years has not quite panned out the way the signings were intended to, bringing in names such as Byron Maxwell, Bradley Fletcher, and maybe most notably Nnamdi Asomugha.
The Eagles have not had sustainability at the Cornerback spot for nearly a decade. Some suggest the Eagles are simply cursed at Cornerback.
In 2008, the Eagles were actually able to cash in their chips when Asante Samuel came to town from the New England Patriots.
Samuel spent his colligate career with UCF, bringing in eight interceptions over his three year time with the Knights.
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The fourth-round pick quickly established himself as one of the top Defensive Backs in the league, snagging 22 interceptions during his five-year career with the Pats. Prior to his play in Philly, Samuel had already won two Super Bowl’s as a starter (one against the Eagles), making him one of the most sought after Free Agents at the time.
“I just want to get back to the Super Bowl,” Samuel said during his signing day in Philadelphia, which took place exactly 12 years ago today.
Happy Leap Year, everyone!
Known for his incredible instinct as a ballhawk, Samuel feasted on his ability to excel in zone coverage. This allowed Samuel to maximize his strengths by keeping a close eye on the opposing Quarterbacks, in anticipation of picking them off.
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Over his four-year tenure, Samuel intercepted 23 passes, forced and recovered two fumbles, and also added a pair of defensive scores to his Eagles resume. Samuel’s breakout season as a member of the Bird’s came when he jumped in front of a league-high nine passes in 2009.
The year prior, Samuel elevated his play in the postseason as well, returning an INT to the house against the Minnesota Vikings. The following week, Samuel picked off Eli Manning in a Divisional Round win against the New York Giants. Samuel always seemed to get inside the heads of the Manning brothers, picking them both off on numerous occasions.
Despite excelling in a zone scheme Samuel sometimes played the ball too aggressive, leaving him susceptible to double moves and pump fakes. Furthermore, he was not the best in run support.
The Eagles dealt the four-time Pro Bowler to the Atlanta Falcons in 2012 after an inconsistent and injury-riddled season.
Samuel has been eligible for the NFL Hall of Fame since the 2019 season. Over an 11-year span, Samuel intercepted 51 passes on three different teams, ranking 32nd all-time amongst defensive players. His seven interceptions during playoff-time rank fifth-most in NFL history, adding another accolade to Asante’s achievement book.
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Samuel’s son (Asante Samuel Jr.) currently plays Corner at Florida State University. Maybe the Birds can possibly pursue Samuels son in the 2021 draft. With the luck they’ve been having, the Eagles may be in play to draft another CB next year as well.
Fellow Philly fans are praying for the next Free Agent (or rookie) to step in and make an immediate impact. The acquisition of Asante instantly made the entire Eagles team better, clinching three consecutive playoff berths after his signing.
12 years later, the secondary of the Philadelphia Eagles has never fully recovered from Samuel’s absence. The teams secondary has been in shambles season after season.
The rumor mill has been turning heavy as the Eagles are anticipated to pick up a CB within the next few weeks.
Despite the horrific CB signings Philly has endured over the previous decade, the Birds are poised to right their wrongs this Free Agency period, and acquire a Cornerback of Asante’s caliber.
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