Asante Samuel and Deion Sanders: Words Hurt and Are Sometimes True

Asante is going to be upset with Primetime's assertion that he isn't a top five corner.

Deion reasoned, "You tell Tramon (Williams) to cover the other team’s best player and he’ll say, `I got him.’ 

"Left side, right side, doesn’t matter. Woodson, Williams, Revis, they’re corners, man. You tell ‘em to take this guy and they’ll say, `I got him.’  Take that guy. `I got him.’"

Asante isn't going to like that. But a little self-reflection wouldn't hurt, would it? So here is my open letter to Asante:

Dear Asante,

First off, we all know you are a great player, a superior athlete and you are an interception machine. As an Eagle, we wear your jersey and just have a general bro-mance with you.  

We don't like Deion. Never have. He was a Cowboy once. Enough said. 

But even a Cowboy can stumble on to valid points once in a while. 

Asante, if you want to be considered a top corner, interceptions just aren't enough.

They're great! Don't get me wrong. I love seeing you get a take-away. But elite corners know how to shut down the receivers in many situations. They know how to hit the receivers and make them pay for the catch.

Yes, I saw a few great hits this year. But I don't mean hits when the receiver is looking the other way and can't hit back. I mean hits! Consider how great a pair you and Dawkins made. 

You were the take-away threat and if they got a ball past you, Dawkins would knock the numbers off their jersey. You no longer have that backup. Hit someone!

Great corners know how to tackle. Even running backs. We've all watched in horror as you step aside, or conveniently trip over the hash mark. 

It's not that tough. We even see Akers doing it once in a while.

Great corners know how to play everywhere. Elite corners will take on elite receivers.  

An offensive coordinators dream is to put their number one on the field and have the least skilled corner cover him. I know its not your favorite side, but you need to take on the best to be the best.

Asante, my friend, I'm telling you all of this for your own good. No, I can't do what you do. I wish I could. 

But if you want to be elite, you have to step up. If the team goes out and gets Nmandi, the two of you will be the best corner pair in the NFL. But unless you improve these few things, that makes you the weak side. 

If you don't mind being No. 2, it's ok with us, I guess. We'd rather see you as the number one.

Your fan and friend always.