Nnamdi Asomugha had 'tough time' being linked to Juan Castillo's dismissal
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Nnamdi Asomugha had 'tough time' being linked to Juan Castillo's dismissal
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
Nnamdi Asomugha arrived in Philadelphia just as Juan Castillo took over as defensive coordinator. Part of the criticism Castillo endured, in fact, had to do with how he used Asomugha. When the news was released, Asomugha's name was often mentioned as a critic of Castillo's. After the Lions game, Asomugha openly wondered why the Eagles changed their coverage scheme in the fourth quarter of a 26-23 loss to the Detroit Lions. Asomugha said Tuesday that his remarks after the game were not intended as interpreted.
"I had a tough time when those stories come out. It's more so a character thing, and it's something I would never do as a player," Asomugha said. "There's no underlying -- this was said, but it might have meant this. I wouldn't do that to a coach, and especially Juan. Just because as far as the player-coach relationship, we had been so communicative. It wasn't a good feeling. But after speaking to him and letting him know that wasn't the case, that made it a lot better. But I don't think it had anything to do with him being let go or anything."
Asomugha also contended the notion that confidence in Castillo was eroding on the Eagles' defense. But it's a bottom-line business, and the Eagles lost fourth-quarter leads in consecutive weeks. Because of that, the issues that festered became too obvious.
"We all felt like, or feel like, we're a really good defense," Asomugha said. "We played well. I think there were moments we didn't play well. But I think just the bottom line is winning games. You win games, and none of this is talked about. It might be talked about still, but it's not going to get to the level it got to."
The Eagles returned to practice on Monday for the first time under new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles after Castillo's dismissal last week. Asomugha praised Bowles, his position coach, but also emphasized the respect he held for Castillo.
"It's part of the business of football," Asomugha said. We all respect [Castillo]. I respect Juan as a man and as a coach. He's going to land on his feet and do well. It was tough hearing it because I've seem him grow so much."
Bull, Nnamdi threw him under the bus whether intentionally or not.— Taser- Andy Reid placed Castillo on the path where the bus was coming.
- The wheels on the bus go round and round... Reid just backed the bus over Castillo and put on the parking brakes. Cant see a player being responsible for Castillos canning. He's just a scapegoat. Reids the one that fired him.— Bruddah
- Asomugha should feel terrible after all he should be the one gone not Castillo.— lonewolf 10
- Lonewolf, again your comments go to a new low if idiocy.— oharabri
- Nnmadi drew a big target on himself for 67,000 fans on Sunday. He can try to revise history as much as he wants, but he'd better be one helluva player for the rest of the year.— drbob1
- If thats the way the 67k fans are gonna react then we might wanna bring back Sheldon B or Dimitri P. Ridiculous!Reid fires Castillo and its #24's fault. Get outta here. It wouldn't be Philly if we didn't have someone to boo at for everything. Don't thinks fans even want a ring. the town wouldn't know who to boo or yell at...suddenly Castillo was a defensive guru and without struggles. Don't be fooled, Andy hired him. Know any other championship defenses playing coach??? Move on... — Philallday
- If thats the way the 67k fans are gonna react then we might wanna bring back Sheldon B or Dimitri P. Ridiculous!Reid fires Castillo and its #24's fault. Get outta here. It wouldn't be Philly if we didn't have someone to boo at for everything. Don't thinks fans even want a ring. the town wouldn't know who to boo or yell at...suddenly Castillo was a defensive guru and without struggles. Don't be fooled, Andy hired him. Know any other championship defenses playing coach??? Move on... — Philallday
- Re-read nnamdi's post game comments. The media did a helluva leap to go outta there way to say he ripped Castilo. Not buying it. #24 is a standup guy. Lonewolf 10 your name works - cause you're the only one in America with that view. haha. Doesn't even make sense - but your a Cowboys' fan so go figure.— Philallday
- i knew this lonewolf10 wasnt an eagles fan... dumb comments 24/7 equals cowgirl.— defroe
- The word you wanted there, Zach, was "contested," not "contended."— dlarsson
- Back when they need a DC Reid couldn't get anyone to come to Philly! So that is why he put Juan in as DC knowing it would not work and then not even trying to get a DC!
"Here comes the Bus"— lost eagle - Whether it was Nnamdi's comments or not, it was only a matter of time before something was going to happen with the way they have been playing. It was odd to fire a position coach at mid season. Especially when this franchise consistantly gave the lack of OTA's as a reason for the poor performance last year. They cannot resort to that excuse now, so instead they shed the roster and fire coaches. I hope Lurie was watching some games yesterday, especially the NFC East teams.— watsonmr
- @phillyllday: Actually, I had no problem with firing Juan, he had plenty of chances, and he didn't get it done. My point is that most of his teammates were smart enough not to go outside the locker room with their comments about Castillo, something that isn't often done. Nnamdi felt a need to share. Well, that excuse is no longer with the organization, so since he decided to be the spokesman , he'd better produce for Todd Bowles. I didn't think my remark was all that controversial. Wasn't the article about the perception that Nnamdi threw him under the bus?— drbob1
- @drbob1 - You're right he needs to produce for Bowels. As a long time Eagles fan it urks me that we got a great corner and gave him our offensive line coach - then get mad cause he doesnt play like he used to for a real Def Coord. Our team does everything backwards. Wont run the ball with an All Pro RB etc. And since I researched Aso #24 when he signed - Eagle fans trying to make him out to be some bad guy is SILLY! He didn't get JC fired and maybe he was the only smart one that didn't like blowing seven different 4th quarter leads...We're talking about Juan like he was Wade Phillips or Dick Labeau. He had all the talent in the world, imagine where they may have been ranked w/ out him. We shall see. Just trying to curb the "over-reaction" Philly fans...lost cause. If fans deserve better play then the defense (incl. Aso) deserved a real Def Coordinator..I blame Andy alone...WHO DOES THAT??!?!?! — Philallday
- NA can still cover certain receivers with the vest of them, speed guys excluded.— oldBird
- Juan was a good guy by all accounts, but he was in over his head. Juan should have been replaced last year when the defense folded games in which they had leads and loss. Now, Babin needs to be replaced. He's pretty much shot his load on that end.— Dexter
- This team talks a good game; shame they don't play that way! Some players on this D need to start earning their money; listening NA?— JBinPA
- Nnamdi could have said that Castillo was the best coach in the world and it wouldn't have mattered. The big question is why wasn't the O-line changed up?— petergou
- My problem isn't with the Castillo firing. It's with the Castillo hiring.— ACBaughman
- Nnamdi has sucked since he came to the Eagles. To blame Juan for his lack of ability is a joke...— Bobphxville
- Starting to question my Philly fans intellect. Jonathan Joseph is a good corner made much better by playing for Wade Phillips. Revis is an elite corner made even better by playing for Rex Ryan. Philly grabs Aso #24 and tells him go play for our o-line coach????? The very fact that you say he has "sucked" since joining Philly may have something to do with who he's been listening to. Anyway guess time will tell now. Just hard to believe Philly grabbed a star corner gave him an O-line coach and complained because he didn't look as good as advertised. And now said o-line coach is fired and the new Philly slant is this former "all around good guy" and All- Pro in OAK throws coaches under the bus...Now I know why TO was on his front lawn doing situps. We Philly fans are bananas! — Philallday
- I think Asomugha is being honest and on target.— armchairGM
- The players screqw up and under achieve, then they blame the coach. Who gets paid more, so who is the one to fire|?— gatorhater
- If thats your logic then why do you want Andy Reid fired??? Please send all other TE coaches looking to coach an NFL defense for the first time over to Philly...I hear thats what all the really good NFL teams with talent do. Afterall its up to the players to make it work...Eagles just make it a little harder in Philly. Vick should throw 60 passes and McCoy needs just 10 carries a game...its up to the players to make thats work.— Philallday
- nnamdi has been a huge disappointment so far and his speedy backtracking about his comments re castillo is equally disappointing...man up dude!!!say what you mean and mean what you say...you criticized castillo-i heard and saw your comments and in no way can they be spun a week later to mean something different...castillo's firing was unfortunate but something had to be done to revive this defense...nnamdi's comments didn't get juan fired but it certainly helped grease the skids...any attempt to downplay nnamdi's role in this situation is disingenuous at best and dishonest at worst...i wish fans and players would remember that coaches coach and players play...you got a problem with the coaching staff,keep it in house,rather than blabbing to the media and trying to deflect the blame for a poor performance...kid stuff,nnamdi..we expected a lot more from you man!!!!— jabac
- Nnambi couldn't cover a burger with cheese...this guy is a waste of money and space...he should be doing kleenex commercials for all of his crying and Depends commercials for all of the games he craps himself on blown coverage...go back to the Raiders Nnambi...— true123
- Nnambi aka "Coach Killer" for sure! There is another one too ---Humm that would be "MV7 "Coach Killer #2" !!!!!!
Ya'll ready for sum "FOOTBALL" they comin to town The Falcons are comin' get those Philly cheese steaks HummmGood they are the BEST!!!!
# 7 as in WIN BABY!!!!!— TrueFalconsFan - Let me make this perfectly clear # 7 as in a row ---- there will be a 7 - 0 team come Monday 29th morning. I may jus bring back in ATL a box of Philly Cheese Steaks togo "Dont cha know" HummGood for sure - no place better!
Go Falcons --- Eaglettes MV7 next 2 by 2 = 2 fumbles & 2 ints!!!!— TrueFalconsFan
