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Be The GM: Asomugha Vs. Rivers

Authored by Andrew Perna - 22nd August, 2009 - 11:22 am

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Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha torments Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers twice a year with the two AFC West rivals meet.

Rivers has been the full-time starter for San Diego for three seasons, and Asomugha has intercepted the quarterback once – in Week 12 of the 2006 season. The Chargers won the battle though, winning the game 21-14 as Rivers went 14-for-31 with just 133 passing yards.

Both players are among the best at their position, which should make for a good battle.

Why Asomugha Is A Franchise Player

Asomugha is the best cornerback in the game today, but his statistics aren't eye-opening because so few quarterbacks dare to test him. He intercepted eight passes and recorded 19 pass deflections in 2006, but has just two picks since due to a lack of chances.

His abilities aren't limited to defending the pass either. He's strong in run support, allowing him to maintain strong tackle totals despite the small amount of balls he sees thrown to his side of the field.

He has been featured in a few national stories, on both television and in print, raising his popularity this summer. Oakland could use a strong leader, especially one that has a strong head on his shoulders, and Asomugha is perfect for the role.

Why Rivers Is A Franchise Player

Rivers was arguably the NFL's most efficient quarterback last season, but I wouldn't necessarily classify 2008 as his "breakout" campaign as many have. He led the league in quarterback rating (105.5) and showed resiliency as he led San Diego to the playoffs after they appeared dead in November.

He went 312-for-478 with 4,009 yards, 34 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions. He had only two games with more interceptions and touchdowns, with both coming prior to the team's last-season charge. On the flip side, he had seven games with three or more touchdowns. He posted 11 touchdowns and just one pick over the team's last four games (4-0), going 80-for-121 over that period.

He possesses close to a prototypical body for a quarterback and is accurate to most spots on the field. Rivers doesn't throw very well on the move, but his leadership ability should no longer come into question after his performance in December/January. If you doubt his ability, consider that Norv Turner was content to allow him to toss the ball around rather than use LaDainian Tomlinson as much as we're used to.

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Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com and co-host of RealGM's Radio Show. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com

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