Asomugha: Philadelphia experience 'not even close' to what he hoped
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Asomugha: Philadelphia experience 'not even close' to what he hoped
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
Nnamdi Asomugha said his experience with the Eagles is "not even close" to what he anticipated when he signed a lucrative contract before the 2011 season.
"I didn't know anybody, but everybody was on the same page that we were going to get it done first year out of there," Asomugha said. "Then we saw that we had to jell. Then we started to jell at the beginning of the season, things were on a roll, and we started losing, and that momentum went the other way around for us. I'm mentally strong because I haven't had the success in the league I've wanted since I was a rookie, so mentally, I've been able to deal with that and know, or believe, that it's going to turn around."
Asomugha said he's "fine" mentally and maintains belief that it will turn around. But Asomugha has been a source of frustration for fans who expected an elite cornerback when he signed. That hasn't always been the case in Asomugha's 1 1/2 seasons with the Eagles. He said fans are "just" in expecting from much him and being disappointed in the result, and that he holds himself to a higher standard than anyone else.
"If a fan has an issue with [how things have gone], they're not going to get me saying that's wrong," Asomugha said. "As a fan, I can look back to teams that I've liked, and when a player I've liked comes in, and expecting things to just change, and getting upset about that. So I can't be that guy and look at them and say, 'you can't be upset that we haven't won even though I haven't Superman on the field,' even though that's what's expected of me."
Asomugha said Philadelphia is where he wants to be, and that he does not regret coming to the Eagles. He said he does not wonder whether he'll be let go if there are changes in the organization, even though he's an aging player with an expensive contract. He emphasized his faith in things working out for him, although he hopes it happens in Philadelphia.
"I want to be around for this turnaround that I know is going to happen," Asomugha said. "My mind isn't there for, 'are you going to see it through?', what's going happen. It's just not there. But I definitely want to be here for it turning around, because I know it will."
Look for more in Saturday's Inquirer.
This comment has been deleted.— waterdog- Is this what Asante Samuel meant when he accused Roseman of playing "fantasy football"?!?
Rosemen and Reid equally share the responsibility for what the Eagles have become, however the absentee owner Laurie shares the MOST responsibility for taking his hands off the wheel of real leadership when he promoted Roseman and concentrated power in Reid.— Professor1982 - Nice reference to Asante's fantasy comments about Howie. — watsonmr
- 24 should look at 'hisself' - and ask the question:
What have I done to earn this money?
What have I done to help this team (win)?
What have I done to gain the respect of fans here, and be a leader?
What have I done to have that 'better experience in Philly?
24, when you answer these questions, you'll feel better especially if you take most of the responsibility. We've seen the loafing. The laughing. The lackadaisical play. The blaming others. You sir, of the big contract, you should be ashamed of yourself.
24, you are a man to man guy, now put in a zone defense by a tragi-comedy of a defensive coach, now confused by a decent d-backs coach elevated to coordinator. We're sorry for this experience.
But the rest is on you, babe.— 24sDad - I would add, we're embarrassed by your play. And you should be too.
Now, you should be embarrassed by your comments. You are not a leader dude, but a whining crybaby. Man up and play to the best of your ability and earn the contract.
Too many talkers on this team. No heart. No guts. Therefore, no glory.— 24sDad - Had me confused for a moment; I though you went nuts and were talking to yourself, lol. Good questions.
— verve - Hey can't play..... let him go.— stevejones
- "I'm mentally strong because I haven't had the success in the league I've wanted since I was a rookie, so mentally, I've been able to deal with that and know, or believe, that it's going to turn around."
huh?— Bradley85 - Assomusha is considered an intellectual because he talks in incomprehensible circles. just like thw way he covers receivers.
— COskier 
Get the F%#@ out!- He obviously "hoped" to play defense. Because what he's doing is "not even close".— richojr
- He cannot tackle. He cannot cover. He cannot anticipate. Besides that, he was a brilliant signing. Pee Wee Roseman, Jeff Lurie, Gold Standard...what could possibly go wrong with the level of brain power running the team. Times yours.— kelprod2-freemarket
- He couldn't cover a chair if he was sitting in it!This guy can handle "LOSING" .WELL I CAN'T !!!— evenmix
- It's the safety's fault— bababooey2yall
- How did we end up with such a heartless bunch of clueless losers? Oh, I forgot, that would be due to Andy and Howie. HIRE JAWS!— bentlip
