Newman vs Samuel
Newman had a spectacular year considering that he played almost every game below 100% and missed games due to injuries as well. He still managed to make the Pro Bowl. Newman only appeared in 13 games, but produced 50 tackles, 4 interceptions (1 for a TD) and 12 passes defended. Asante Samuel on the other hand, played in all 16 games without injury (to my knowledge) and produced 46 tackles, 6 interceptions (1 for a TD) and 18 passes defended. Maybe Adam or somebody can provide a breakdown of actual plays that Newman and Samuel appeared in, because even though Newman played in 13 games, he was still limited as far as plays. When you factor that in, a less than 100% Newman out produced Samuel.
Newman by unanimous decision
Jones vs Sheppard
Talent wise, this one is no competition. However, Pacman hasn't played in a full year and we are not sure how long it will take him to play at the level that we know he can play. For comparison sake, I will use Jones' 2006 stats. Jones produced 63 tackles, 4 interceptions (1 for a TD) and defended 12 passes. In 2007, Sheppard produced 51 tackles, 2 interceptions, and only 5 passes defended. I will give Sheppard the edge for the beginning of the season, but I believe Pacman will emerge as the better corner back by mid-season.
Jones by split decision
Henry vs Brown
Here we have another scenario were one player was injured for much of the season only saw limited activity in some of the games he played while the other played the entire season healthy. Henry was injured, by when he was healthy, he was playing Pro Bowl caliber football. In 13 games and limited action in some of those games, Henry produced 36 tackles, 6 interceptions (1 for a TD) and defended 13 passes. Brown on the other hand had 68 tackles, 3 interceptions, and defended 14 passes in 16 games. There is no question that Henry is ahead of Brown when he is healthy. The only question is if Henry will every play a healthy full season. Talent wise, you still have to give the edge to Henry.
Henry by majority decision
Williams vs Considine
If you don't know by now, I am one that has been very critical of Roy Williams. It isn't because I don't like him, but it is because I do not believe he is giving everything he has and living up to his potential. We all know he is a beast, but for whatever reason, his fire has turned to smoke. I am hoping that he does have a breakout year and returns to the form that we all know he is capable of. With that said, this match up is no competition. Roy appeared in 15 games (suspended for 1) and generated 92 tackles, 2 interceptions, and defended 5 passes. Had it not been for the suspension, he could have posted career numbers in tackles (96 as a rookie). Considine, who only appeared in 8 games, put up 36 tackles, 1 interception. To be fair, I will give Considine the same benefit of the doubt that I gave Newman and Henry, but still Williams talents outweighs that of Considine by a mile.
Williams by knockout
Hamlin vs Dawkins
A few years ago, this wouldn't be a competition. Dawkins was a far superior athlete. However, age has caused Dawkins to lose a step or two and Hamlin has the advantage of youth on his side. Hamlin posted 62 tackles, 5 interceptions, and defended 15 passes on his way to the Pro Bowl. Dawkins, who suffered with injuries, only managed 37 tackles, 1 interception, and 6 passes defended in 10 games. When healthy, Dawkins is still one of the upper tier safeties in the league. But due to his age and Hamlin entering into his prime, Hamlin gets the edge.
Hamlin by unanimous decision
Final Score
Cowboys 5
Eagles 0
