By FRANK WARD
DailyPhiladelphian.com Editor

He may not be the most artistic tackler in NFL history. He’s not going to blow people up like Sheldon Brown or Rod Woodson. He may not even tackle some weeks. Still, Asante Samuel is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and people must take notice if they haven’t already. Haters be damned. And, you know who you are. (Yes, I have ripped him in the past and admit it.)

There is no qualifying statement or phrase to add. He is simply one of the best. No need to say one of the best “off-corners” like Prime Time said last week.

Last summer, reports had the Eagles trying to deal Samuel or even flat out releasing him. Rumor had it the Eagles brass was tired of his seemingly laid back personality and his lack of aggressiveness as a tackler. He took too many chances despite his nine interceptions.

Asante Samuel was missing from the Eagles defense on Sunday. The secondary looked lost without their leader.

Today, we got to see the Eagles defense without Samuel. Cutler, who had ten picks entering today’s game, tossed four TDs and no balls into the Eagles hands. Trent Cole, Brandon Graham and Co. pressured Cutler and racked up four sacks, all in the first half. Usually, if you pressure a signal caller like that, you’ll force turnovers.

Problem is, the Eagles turnover machine, the guy responsible for the Birds entering the day a league best +15 in turnover differential, was back in Philly. Injury kept him off the plane to Chicago.

The man who has picked off both Manning boys twice this season, the man who has seven picks this year already, couldn’t help. And, the Eagles failed to force a turnover without him. Yes, he may not tackle, but he gets turnovers that can change momentum. Change games.

Samuel is valuable and maybe the haters will realize what they have in No. 22.