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Three weeks into the NFL season and there is no denying who is the best cornerback in the league. That distinction belongs to the Oakland Raiders Nnamdi Asomugha.

Darrelle Revis and his New York Jets captured headlines all off-season and during the pre-season. Their vocal coach proclaimed Revis not just the best defensive back in the league, but the best defensive player around.

A television show and divisive hold out later, Revis supporters would have thought that their guy would have been head and shoulders above the rest.

This is the same Revis that was heralded after match-ups against Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, Marques Colston and Chad Ochocinco. This after a fabulous performance in 2009 that catapulted him to notoriety, and was capped by a playoff run where he shined and his club was one win from the Super Bowl.

But that was one season.

Revis wanted ‘Asomugha type’ money for 2010. He missed four pre-season games and caused an uproar all summer before landing a deal reportedly worth $46 million, including $32 million guaranteed.

He got his money, but he also got smoked by the receiver he called a ‘slouch.’ Former Raiders and now New England Patriot Randy Moss hauled in a 34-yard touchdown grab against Revis this season. And after the play, the cornerback who was touted as the best and was spirited about getting top billing at his position was grabbing his hamstring in pain.

As he sits now and watches from the sideline, maybe he can get a better perspective at the cornerback in Oakland that has a résumé dating back to 2006.

Asomugha tallied eight interceptions that year during a break out campaign. From 2007 through 2009, he has been a Pro Bowl selection. But more importantly, at the start of the 2010 season, he has proven again to be the ultimate defender at corner in the NFL.

Last weekend, against arguably the biggest threat the league has at wide receiver – Larry Fitzgerald – Asomugha allowed one reception. The other lone catch Fitzgerald had during that contest wasn’t even against Asomugha.

“To me, it wasn’t good enough because he did get the catch,” Asomugha said. “That’s what upset me. (But) then against a guy like Larry, that can happen. A guy like that comes around once a decade.”

Oakland coaches won’t get in front of a microphone and spout of bravado regarding their defender. Nor will you see a player in Oakland get as much coverage as a hold out in New York City.

But at this point, it is clear who the top cornerback in the league is. And there was a reason why Revis wanted ‘Asomugha type’ money…

He wants what Asomugha has – and everything that comes with it.

Being recognized the best overall cornerback in the league.

LINK

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ASO hall of fame bound

too good

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