At age 32, Nnamdi Asomugha knows only certain things are under his control, and amidst comments from San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio saying the cornerback has been inconsistent at practice, Asomugha is keeping his cool and motivating himself.
"I think I've been able to progress each day," Asomugha told The San Francisco Chronicle. "I'm highly critical of myself. Highly, highly critical of myself. There is not much that someone else might say that makes me feel like I need to be motivated in a different way. Like I said, I'm a self-motivated guy. I'm probably saying worse things about myself than the next guy is saying. But I think I'll progress each day, which is the goal of this time of the year."
Fangio's assessment of Asomugha was that the corner has had some successful days in practice, but also Fangio admitted that there were days when the coaches wondered just how much he had left in the tank. Fangio even noted that Asomugha is reaching an age where a lot of players skills decline.
While Fangio may be concerned with Asomugha's skills possibly diminishing, the 6-foot-2 Asomugha insists that he feels just fine and is encouraged with how he's playing in practice.
I feel great, and I'm not just saying it for it to sound good. I feel great," Asomugha said according to The San Francisco Chronicle. When I'm watching some of the stuff I'm doing on film, it's looking good and it's encouraging."
Asomugha signed a one-year deal with San Francisco this past April after two disappointing seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles that saw his play begin to decline. In those two years, Asomugha only had four interceptions and failed to keep up with receivers in the way that he once could. Philadelphia signed him to a five-year $60 million contract with at least $25 million guaranteed heading into the 2011 season. The Eagles released him after the two sides couldn't come to an agreement on a re-structured contract amid mediocre play from Asomugha.
Rumors circulated last week that Asomugha may not be on the Niners roster when the season kicks off at home Sept. 8 in a game against the Green Bay Packers. Asomugha made the Pro Bowl in three consecutive seasons between 2008-10, but his best days could be behind him.
If he isn't cut from the team, Asomugha will make no more than $3 million this season.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.